Perioperative Medicine

The MSc in Perioperative Medicine at University College London offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to optimizing patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Designed for healthcare professionals including surgeons, anesthetists, perioperative nurses, and other clinicians involved in surgical care, this program aims to enhance knowledge and skills essential for improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as preoperative assessment, perioperative management strategies, anesthetic considerations, pain management, critical care, rehabilitation, and strategies to reduce complications associated with surgery. Students will explore evidence-based practices, innovative techniques, and current guidelines through a combination of lectures, case discussions, and practical sessions. The program emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and effective communication within the perioperative environment. Through this training, participants will develop advanced competencies in perioperative risk assessment, decision-making, and individualized patient care plans, ultimately contributing to higher quality healthcare delivery. The course also integrates research components, encouraging students to engage with the latest scientific advances and participate in projects that aim to improve clinical practice. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty from one of the leading medical institutions, students benefit from a rich learning environment tailored to foster clinical excellence and leadership in perioperative medicine. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for roles in clinical practice, academic research, healthcare management, or specialist training within the broader context of perioperative and surgical care. Through its rigorous academic structure and practical focus, the MSc in Perioperative Medicine prepares healthcare professionals to meet the evolving challenges of modern surgical medicine and contribute to the advancement of patient-centered care.

Students learn by walking the patient journey, from diagnosis to discharge. Developing an understanding of the individual needs of patients and how to assess risk and outcomes will be followed by an outline of the surgical inflammatory response. Students will be introduced to statistical study design as it applies to research and understand changes in guidance. Quality, safety and leadership matters are covered in great detail.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, flexible study, up to five years) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, flexible study, up to two years) is offered.

Core modules

• The Landscape of Perioperative Medicine
• Towards a New Model in Perioperative Care
• Data and Statistics in Perioperative Care
• Quality, Safety and Leadership in Perioperative Care
• The Evolving Paradigm in Perioperative Care
• Perioperative Pain and Cancer Disease
• Perioperative Issues for an Ageing Population
• Special Topics in Perioperative Care

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this programme.

Dissertation/report

Students will undertake a piece of original research (which might include a systematic review), developed and presented in the style of a nominated peer-reviewed journal and students will be encouraged to publish this work as part of their learning experience.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered entirely through distance e-learning methodology. A wide range of learning styles are catered for within the programme material including vodcasts, podcasts, formal written text, online seminars, case reviews and graphics. The MSc adopts a range of examination styles including short answer questions, short essay writing, reflective practice and contributing to case-based discussions. The examination process will include both summative and formative assessment and help develop students’ writing styles.

A minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or nursing or a medical degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

This course is currently subsidised for all students currently enrolled and is reviewed annually.

The MSc in Perioperative Medicine at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip medical professionals with advanced knowledge and skills essential for optimizing patient care throughout the perioperative period. This program addresses the growing recognition of the complexity involved in surgical patient management, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches, evidence-based practices, and innovative techniques. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including preoperative assessment and optimization, intraoperative management, postoperative care, pain management, anesthesia, critical care, and the management of specific patient populations such as the elderly or those with complex comorbidities.

Students enrolled in this program will benefit from cutting-edge teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, case-based learning, and practical workshops, often supported by UCL's state-of-the-art simulation facilities. The program also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, reflecting real-world clinical environments. A significant component of the course involves developing research skills and engaging in evidence-based practice, facilitating students to critically evaluate current literature and contribute to academic discussions through dissertations or research projects.

Graduates of the MSc in Perioperative Medicine are well-prepared for careers in clinical practice, healthcare management, or academic research. They can anticipate roles in hospitals, specialized surgical centers, or health policy organizations, often contributing to improving perioperative protocols, reducing surgical complications, and enhancing patient safety. The program typically admits students from various healthcare backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, and allied health professions, fostering a diverse professional community committed to advancing perioperative care standards.

The duration of the program is usually one year full-time or part-time options may be available, providing flexibility to accommodate working professionals. Entry requires a relevant undergraduate degree, typically in medicine, nursing, or allied health sciences, along with relevant clinical experience. Graduates receive an MSc degree upon successful completion, which is recognized nationally and internationally, supporting career progression in perioperative and surgical care domains. This program exemplifies UCL’s commitment to excellence in medical education and its focus on preparing healthcare professionals to meet contemporary challenges in perioperative medicine.