Surgical science and practice

Flexible postgraduate study

Developing leadership skills for surgeons and other healthcare professionals

Taught in partnership with the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, our part-time postgraduate courses are designed for surgeons and other healthcare professionals wanting to develop leadership, team-working and quality improvement skills.

• Flexible programmes – study while working;
• One-week modules in Oxford followed by a written assignment;
• Supported by an online resources portal with web access to Oxford’s libraries;
• Taught by leading experts.

Programmes and short courses

Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

The Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement aims to provide an understanding of the basic science behind quality improvement methods and a professional level of understanding of the techniques for implementing, sustaining and measuring systems change, and for exploring and evaluating the effect of different approaches to improving safety in healthcare. It is especially suitable for people who are preparing for careers in higher levels of nursing, medical and general management with a specific interest in patient safety and quality improvement.

MSc in Surgical Science and Practice

The MSc in Surgical Science and Practice is designed to prepare senior surgical trainees for life as independent specialists by providing key skills and knowledge essential for modern professional practice, which are not fully represented within most postgraduate training. We cover management skills, quality improvement, leadership, teamwork and patient safety, the principles of medical education and clinical research methods.

"The MSc in Surgical Science and Practice covers critical aspects of the training of surgical specialists based on competentices. The teachers make you think out of the 'doctor's box - you are not just becoming a medical specialist, you will also be involved in research, quality improvement, teamwork, organisation, management and education." Gabie de Jong, Surgical Registrar, The Netherlands 

Short courses

​Both of our postgraduate programmes are modular, and individuals may apply to take any module separately for professional training and for transferable academic credit. Browse available modules below.

Subscribe to our Surgical Science and Practice mailing list to receive updates about our courses.