Course aims and teaching methods

Course aims

The overarching aim of the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice is to provide the next generation of surgeons with the tools to build and lead successful surgical units delivering safe, high quality, high reliability care.

By the end of the course candidates will be able to understand the following important principles:

  • How to evaluate clinical research evidence critically and understand how it should be interpreted and applied to one’s own context and practice;
  • How to design, conduct and evaluate teaching and training for postgraduate clinicians, and how to assess curricula and teaching programmes;
  • Financial and quality management ideas, and methods for analysing and restructuring the systems in which surgeons work;
  • A theoretical understanding of the use of modern surgical technology linked to baseline practical training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques;
  • The teamwork, leadership and communication skills required for effective and safe working in a modern surgical environment.

What will you gain from attending the programme?

At the end of the programme you will be able to:

  • Critically appraise relevant clinical research and estimate its validity and relevance to your practice;
  • Understand in principle how to design your own clinical research studies, and what expert support you need to be successful;
  • Understand basic business and financial planning in the health care industry;
  • Develop your own business plans and cases for your practice;
  • Understand the principles of leading a team and how to foster an appropriate culture to promote good teamwork and communication;
  • Analyse and improve systems of work within surgery using standard industrial quality improvement and human factors principles;
  • Understand how to act as a mentor and trainer for postgraduate trainees, how to set up and run courses and curricula, and how to evaluate and improve trainee progress;
  • Understand and have some experience of using up to the minute surgical technology which is likely to become important during your career.

Teaching methods

The class-based modules include a period of preparatory study, a week of intensive face-to-face lectures and tutorials, followed by a period for assignment work. Attendance at modules is a requirement for study. Some non-classroom activities are provided at facilities elsewhere in the University. The course includes taught material on research skills.

The taught modules include group work, discussions, guest lectures, and interaction and feedback with tutors and lecturers. Practical work develops the student's knowledge and understanding of the subject. This includes supervised access to surgical simulators and robots as part of the Health Care Innovation and Technology module.

A virtual learning environment (VLE) provides extensive support between modules.

Resources available:

University of Oxford libraries, including:

Plus facilities from the Department for Continuing Education, including: