Graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy

The Graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy is designed to build your confidence in anatomical knowledge and strengthen your portfolio with targeted approaches in the areas of teamwork, communication and technical ability.

As a student of the Graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy, you will learn from ProSections and digital resources. You will also have unprecedented levels of lab access to perform comprehensive dissection of a body donor under the supervision of our team of leading anatomists from the Department of Anatomy and Physiology.

Located in one of the world’s most highly concentrated precincts of biomedical research, the University of Melbourne has strong links to leading research institutes, major general and specialist hospitals and private sector industries in Victoria and around the world. Face-to-face course delivery gives you access to this resource-rich environment and provides the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers.

Who is this course for?

This course is valuable for participants preparing to take the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) and preparing for Surgical Education and Training (SET) admission. It is also open to medical professionals such as anaesthetists, radiologists and general practitioners with an interest in anatomy, technical skills and communication.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Course aims

Accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), this course aims to advance your anatomical knowledge, skill and presentation far beyond the standard required for the college’s Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE), enhancing your verbal and written skills in preparation for the exams and interviews required for Surgical Education and Training (SET) admission.

Career outcomes

The comprehensive feedback and dissection practice you will receive and undertake in this course will ready you for future exams, SET applications and your career as a surgeon.

Albert Coates Memorial Prize

A prize of $5,000 is awarded to the candidate in the Graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy who obtains the highest overall mark.

The Albert Coates Memorial Prize was established to perpetuate the memory and achievements of Sir Albert Coates. Sir Albert had close links with the University of Melbourne where he held the position of acting Professor of Anatomy and later was Stewart Lecturer in Surgery. After volunteering for duty during World War II Sir Albert served with distinction and saved many lives as a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma Railway.

Hear from Course Coordinator, Associate Professor Quentin Fogg:

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• An undergraduate or graduate medical degree recognised by the AMA, such as MBBS or its equivalent qualification.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance, and
• Any post-degree clinical experience.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.