Master of Surgery by Module – MCh

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must:

• Be a MB BAO BCh holder (or equivalent Level 8 undergraduate medical degree) recognised by the World Health Organization.
• Working in a clinical post and can source a clinical supervisor for your research dissertation.

Due to the academic time commitments of the full-time programme we strongly advise those in full-time employment to pursue the part-time programme.

As part of the application process you are required to submit the following supporting documentation:

• Full CV to include the following:
  • Employment information: Job title/level/location
  • Academic history: Have you taken MRCS Part A or B? If yes, please provide institution name, result and date taken
  • Research: Have you published research? Yes/no; please provide reference
• Copy of passport
• Copy of educational transcripts
• Proof of sponsorship (where applicable)
• Evidence of English-language qualification (where applicable)
• A 300-word response to the question: “How do you perceive this programme will enhance your career?” Before submitting your application please review our AI guidelines.

International/Non-EU applicants

Those who successfully secure a place on the full-time programme can apply for a student visa. RCSI will be able to provide a visa letter to support an application for a student visa; however, students will have to liaise with immigration services to secure their own visa.

What is the process of applying to the Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module as an international/Non-EU applicant?

• Visa applications need to be made a minimum of three months in advance of the course start date.
• Tuition needs to be paid in full for one year.
• Insurance: RCSI does not provide student insurance. In terms of private medical insurance, RCSI does not operate a group scheme, therefore each student is responsible for securing their own health insurance. The cheapest option available is via a company called Study & Protect. However the cheapest package provided by this company is a very basic and provides very limited cover. We therefore recommend that students take out full and comprehensive insurance through the usual providers – Vhi Healthcare, Irish Life, etc. Learn more here.
• College letters: Letters in support of your visa can be provided by the programme coordinator. Please email the course mailbox to request these at mcht@rcsi.com. Payment in full must be received before letters can be supplied.
• Review all stipulations on the Department of Justice website.
• Tuition fees – letter for the bank: If your bank requires a college letter for the remaining tuition fee payment, please email the programme coordinator at mcht@rcsi.com to request one.

Please note

• Only full-time programmes are applicable to students requiring long-term study visas over 90 days.
• There are no international scholarships available at present.

You must have one of the following:

• IELTS >6.5 (or equivalent) achieved in all sections (reading, writing, and oral) or equivalent must be submitted. Read more about minimum English-language requirements here. (OET not accepted)
• There is an exemption if you have completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies full-time in the medium of the English language (three or more years, cumulatively).

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

• Understand the major principles of healthcare ethics and law and their application to a surgical setting.
• Understand the legal, regulatory and ethical requirements in the conduct of human subject clinical research.
• Recognise issues and circumstances in healthcare practice and clinical research that raise potential legal liability.
• Understand the frameworks necessary to analyse and critically evaluate claims based on expert knowledge.
• Develop an idea into a comprehensive research strategy.
• Recognise and manage errors in surgical practice due to human error or medical/surgical devices.
• Understand the medical device design and development process, from concept to commercialisation.
• Comprehend the role of surgery in global health and policymaking in emerging health systems of developing countries.
• Analyse stakeholders and organisational culture within the organisation or service which they work.