Surgical Sciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 8.82 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 27.3 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 6, 2026
1 place StudyQA ranking:1473 Duration:3 years

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The MSc by Research in Surgical Sciences is a full time research programme offering research training for both clinical and non-clinical graduates in your chosen area. The MSc by Research programme is of shorter length than a doctoral programme.

Graduate destinations

After successfully completing an MSc by Research in Surgical Sciences, students typically progress to either further studies for a DPhil/PhD and an academic career or, for clinically qualified individuals, to further clinical training and/or clinician-scientist posts.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

As an MSc by Research student you will focus on a specific research project. 

Projects can be chosen from across all areas of research in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS), for example:

  • ageing and degenerative diseases
  • cancer
  • cardiac/cardiovascular sciences
  • cell biology and genes
  • clinical trials and epidemiology
  • diabetes
  • evidence-based medicine
  • immunology
  • musculoskeletal science
  • neurosciences
  • oncology
  • stem cells
  • translational medicine and medical technology.

You will work closely with an academic supervisor who oversees your studies, and you will produce a thesis that represents a significant and substantial piece of work. If you are a student in the experimental sciences you are also likely to collaborate with your supervisor on shared laboratory work as part of a research team.

There is usually no required coursework. However, the Medical Sciences Division skills training programme offers opportunities to develop your research and professional skills over the duration of your MSc by Research. It is recommended that you spend at least ten days a year on your graduate skills training.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in an area of relevance to your research project.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7, a first-class degree or equivalent international qualification.

A previous master’s is not required.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

  • Official transcript(s)
  • CV/résumé
  • Research proposal: Up to 1,500 words
  • References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Test

Standard level scores

Higher level scores

IELTS Academic 
Institution code: 0713

7.0 Minimum 6.5 per component  7.5  Minimum 7.0 per component 

TOEFL iBT 
Institution code: 0490

100

Minimum component scores:

  • Listening: 22
  • Reading: 24
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
110

Minimum component scores:

  • Listening: 22
  • Reading: 24
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) 185

Minimum 176 per component

191 

Minimum 185 per component

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) 185

Minimum 176 per component

191 

Minimum 185 per component


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

  • Global Education
  • Hill Foundation Scholarships
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