Surgical Innovation
Providing a solid academic foundation on both clinical and non-clinical topics relevant to modern surgical trainees.
Award titles
Postgraduate Certificate
Duration: 9 months part-time
(standalone course)
Postgraduate Diploma
Duration: 16 months part-time
(including PG Cert)
Master's degree
Duration: 2 years part-time
(including PG Cert and PG Dip)
Key information
Start date: September 2022
Overview
Our degrees in Surgical Innovation provide a solid academic foundation of both clinical and non-clinical topics relevant to modern surgical trainees, members of the multi-disciplinary team and those interested in surgery as a field of study.
There is a strong emphasis on how surgery has radically changed and will continue to advance in the twenty-first century.
The modular nature of our course allows it to be tailored to the unique needs of individual students, with the following options to choose from:
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma (clinical option)
- MSc in Surgical Innovation (clinical option)
You will be equipped with key surgical skills in education, leadership and safety, quality and technological innovation in the current NHS environment and the clinical speciality streams are in line with the current trend in surgical subspecialisation.
The MSc option will provide a research experience that, together with the chosen taught modules, will serve as a solid foundation for further academic progression.
The programme will promote world class scholarship, education and research in the field of surgery and allied health professions, fostering interdisciplinary working.
The modular structure of the programme aligns well with the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, offering you the opportunity to gain specific qualifications in topics relevant to your special interest, exposing you to key non-clinical skills, as well as concepts and techniques in surgical research.
Study programme
This course is made up of three progressional levels (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc), and you can apply to any level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under 'Choosing your course' in the how to apply section.
Postgraduate Certificate
The Certificate equips you with much-needed skills for the current NHS environment. You study four core modules ensuring a solid foundation in surgical innovation.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Diploma provides the opportunity to choose a specialist stream during your PG Dip, which is offered in line with current trends in surgical subspecialisation, and are currently:
- Bariatrics
- Colorectal Surgery
- Ears, Nose and Throat
- Oesophago-Gastric Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Transplant Surgery
- Trauma Management
- Vascular Surgery
MSc
The MSc is research focussed and you will complete both a library dissertation and research project following advanced training in research methods.
Careers
Our teaching programme for the MSc in Surgical Innovation reviews and incorporates the rapid pace of change within surgery, providing on-going professional development to improve students career prospects.
The programme parallels training of surgeons and allied healthcare professions such as members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).
We anticipate that graduates of the MSc in Surgical Innovation will be well placed to advance their careers in a range of directions that include academic surgery, specialisation and research (clinical and non-clinical).
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
The curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for this year of entry.
We recommend you check this page before finalising your application and again before accepting your offer. We will update this page as soon as any changes are confirmed by the College.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about any changes made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Our modules are available as standalone short courses, read more here.
Structure
Postgraduate Certificate
Core modules
You take all of the core modules below.
- Principles of Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Improving Safety, Implementing Change
- Interventional Technology and Imaging
Postgraduate Diploma
Having completed the PG Certificate you may progress to the PG Diploma where you choose from one the following specialty streams as well as completing a Library Dissertation.
Specialist stream
Each specialist stream consists of two compulsory modules.
Bariatrics
- Bariatrics Surgery
- Obesity Medicine
Find out more about the Bariatrics stream on the Department website.
Ear, Nose and Throat
- Basic Science, Education, Training, Outcomes and Technology I
- Technology II and Clinical Innovation
Find out more about the Ear, Nose and Throat stream on the Department website.
Colorectal Surgery
- Emergency Survey and Colorectal Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Perianal Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders
Find out more about the Colorectal Surgery stream on the Department website.
Oesophago-Gastric Surgery
- Benign Conditions of the Oesophagus and Stomach and OG Emergencies
- Oesophago-Gastric Cancer
Find out more about the Oesophago-Gastric Surgery stream on the Department website.
Orthopaedic Surgery
- Elective Practice
- Trauma and Fracture Care
Find out more about the Orthopaedic Surgery stream on the Department website.
Transplant
- Principles of Transplantation Surgery
- Transplantation Surgery Techniques and Complications
Find out more about the Transplant stream on the Department website.
Trauma Surgery
- Casualty Reception and Initial Management
- Operative Management of Injuries
Find out more about the Trauma Surgery stream on the Department website.
Vascular Surgery
- General and Aortic Surgery
- Peripheral and Venous Surgery
Find out more about the Vascular Surgery stream on the Department website.
MSc
Having completed the PG Certificate and the PG Diploma you may progress to the MSc where you will complete a Research Project.
In addition and as part of the MSc section you will attend a Research Methods Module which is held at the beginning of the programme.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
- Case based discussions
- Expert debates
- Face-to-face teaching
- Group discussion boards
- Independent research project (MSc)
- Interactive lectures
- Panels
- Practical sessions
- Pre-module activities
Assessment
- Academic oral presentations
- Critical reflection
- e-learning MCQs/MEQs
- e-teaching case
- Evidence-based mini project
- Group presentations
- Literature review
- Preparation of teaching video
- Structured debates
- Topical essay
- Written and practical exams
Events, tasters and talks
Find out more about studying at Imperial by meeting us at a virtual event. From webinars and study fairs to drop-ins and open days. Join us throughout the year for a range of events.
Explore all of our upcoming events.
Virtual Open Day 2021
Watch presentations from the course leaders, discussing teaching and assessments, Imperial's response to COVID-19 and remote delivery, and a short session with a current student/alumnus.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in science, engineering, computing, healthcare, or education.
Requires basic computing experience and three years' relevant experience.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
How to apply
Choosing your course
This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- PG Diploma (PG Dip)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc degrees
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
MSc
Full fee - £14,650
Top-up fee* - £2,930
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Full fee - £11,720
Top-up fee* - £4,395
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Full fee - £7,325
* If you have already completed one of the above qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for, as adjusted for inflation.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value for April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
You could be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government if you apply for the MSc in the first instance.
PG Cert and PG Diploma students are not eligible for the Master's loan since each of these programmes are not worth 90 ECTS credits, which is one of the eligibility criteria for this loan.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
MSc
Full fee - £37,800
Top-up fee* - £7,560
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Full fee - £30,240
Top-up fee* - £11,340
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Full fee - £18,900
* If you have already completed one of the above qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for, as adjusted for inflation.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value for April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
You could be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government if you apply for the MSc in the first instance.
PG Cert and PG Diploma students are not eligible for the Master's loan since each of these programmes are not worth 90 ECTS credits, which is one of the eligibility criteria for this loan.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for:
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
Enquiries
E: surgical.innovationmsc@imperial.ac.uk
Read more about the School and our research in the Department of Surgery and Cancer.
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