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Surgery (MCh)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
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Course Overview

The degree in Surgery (MCh) is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of surgical trainees and to improve patient safety. Running parallel with the basic surgical training scheme (BST), this programme will provide surgical trainees with the academic and scientific research skills needed for progression to higher surgical training schemes and academic surgery.‌

MCh students learn in a highly interactive environment, and are involved in the creation of surgical scenarios using high fidelity simulation. The combination of professional surgical training and research output will appeal to graduates intending to apply for higher surgical training (HST) schemes in surgery or similar medical specialties. Surgeons require recognised postgraduate research and academic qualifications for progression to higher surgical training schemes.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Who Teaches this Course

Content delivered by Senior Academic Scientists and Clinicians.

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is via continuous assessment, evaluation of contribution to group discussions, module projects and research thesis.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Successful candidates will hold a primary degree in Medicine and be conferred with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics. They should also be selected for the Basic Surgical Training Programme (BST) national programme. Candidates not on the BST programme may be eligible and will be interviewed. Successful candidates should be registered with the Irish Medical Council. Competence in English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5 is required.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time (in-service)
2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MCH-SUR

Course Outline

The programme consists of six innovative modules and a research thesis designed around the two core learning outcomes of the MCh—the surgeon as a scholar and the surgeon as an advocate for patient safety. The modules (60 ECTS) include: Informatics, Research Methods, Biostatistics, Surgical Laboratory Skills, Patient Safety and Human Factors, Surgical Education, and a Research Thesis (30 ECTS). The topic of the thesis will be chosen by the Professor of Surgery in consultation with the candidate and their surgical tutor. With all candidates working full-time, the programme modules are delivered using flexible, interactive, and modern learning methodologies, with workshops scheduled for weekends. The MCh may be taken part-time over 2 years, or 1 year full-time (12 months).

Module details for full-time course

Module details for part-time course

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates will provide evidence-based practice and research in the field of surgery. Upgraded knowledge, skills and attitudes provide a new dimension to day-to-day care of patients in need of surgical procedures.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,640 full-time; €4,390 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,500 full-time; €4,250 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 full-time; €140 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€17,140 p.a. (€17,000 p.a. including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Non EU ( Part time)
€8,640 p.a. (€4,390p.a. including levy) 2025/26

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.