PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Surgical and Interventional Sciences
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
Not applicable
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
2014 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
UCL
Teaching institution:
UCL
Faculty:
Medical Sciences
Parent Department:
Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/surgicalscience/prospective_students/programm
es/msc_surgical_science
Full-time, Flexible/Modular
A medical, dental, veterinary qualification or bachelor’s degree (2:1
class) in a relevant subject (e.g., Anatomy) from a UK University or
an overseas qualification of equivalent standard. The individual will
preferably have minimum of two years' clinical experience, or have
completed basic surgical training, holding MRCS part I (UK).
1 calendar year full-time, 5 calendar years flexible/modular
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Masters Level (Level 7)
Not applicable – no benchmark statement issued for this programme
yet
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
The programme consists of 180 credits, distributed as follows
:
(A) COMPULSORY MODULE: (15 credits)
ORTHG007 Research Methodologies & Transferable Skills
Assessment: 2 hour MCQ exam
(B) TWO OUT OF THREE OPTIONAL modules from:
List A (30 credits total):
EITHER
SURGGS12 Advanced Surgical Skills: Robotics (15 credits)
OR
SURGGS13 Advanced Surgical Skills: Microsurgery (15 credits)
Both surgical skills modules impart practical advanced surgical skills
increasing in complexity, supported by underlying scientific evidence
and delivered in dedicated surgical theatres/learning centres. This
skills training within an MSc is unique to the UK.
Assessment: Continuous, to competency levels. Certificated.
OR
ORTHG008 Epidemiology and Research Methodology (15 credits)
The module offers advanced applied statistics for clinical and scientific
practices.
Assessment: Coursework.
(C) THREE OPTIONAL MODULES from List B
(15 credits per module; 45 credits total):
Modules relevant to the students’ clinical and academic interests
selected from options run throughout UCL SLIMS (further details on
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/surgicalscience/prospective_students/programm
es/msc_surgical_science
Assessments vary and may include: an unseen written examination
(generally 2 hours) with/without coursework (including group projects
and presentations); written reports; on line problem solving;
depending on the options selected.
(D) A research project (90 credits) in laboratories throughout
UCL. The research project can be selected based on the scientific or
clinical interests of the student.
Assessment: By a written dissertation and oral examination.
Board of Examiners:
Surgical and Interventional Sciences
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To impart Masters-level scientific principles, knowledge, training and critical appreciation to trainees in surgical and
related medical specialties.
Learning is delivered in vertical modules, via:
In-depth teaching of scientific topics of clinical relevance, including student-led and group learning;
Practical training in research and statistical methods and in advanced surgical skills; and
Undertaking individual original research as integral members of research teams.
Horizontal learning objectives throughout the programme aim for the students to acquire:
Skills in verbal and written communication of science, individually and in teams;
In-depth appreciation of scientific research in terms of
(a) appraisal of the scientific literature/evidence and
(b) experimental design, practice and analysis.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
 The nature of scientific research in terms of
experimental design and analysis and
appraisal of scientific evidence
 The scientific basis underlying selected
clinically-related subjects
 A specific research topic in terms of detailed
awareness of the scientific literature in the
field and its relationship to their own research
findings
The compulsory Module “Research Methodologies and
Transferable Skills” involving lectures, seminars, class
discussions, workshops, tutorials.
Further taught modules selected from a list of options in
scientific subject and skills areas relevant to the students’
clinical field of interest. These involve a range of teaching
methods and strategies including lectures, tutorials, practical
work; including individual and group work.
An individual laboratory-based science research project on a
topic in their scientific or clinical field of interest. Teaching
consists of individual supervision in the laboratory and the
analysis of data and presentation of the thesis.
Assessment:
Is by:
A combination of unseen written examination papers, written
reports, oral presentations, written coursework and oral
examinations for the taught modules depending on the options
selected.
A written dissertation and oral examination for the research
project.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
 Acquire factual information by lecture and
library-based reading of primary research
papers
 Appraise and review current scientific
evidence
 Design research experiments
 Analyze critically own and published data
All components of the programme (compulsory module on
Research Methodologies and Transferable Skills,; taught
module options; and the research project) encourage the
acquisition of intellectual skills using a wide range of teaching
methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops and
laboratory-based research.
Throughout the year there are workshops and tutorials on
scientific topics in the “Research Methodologies” module.
Subject-based taught course options are research led and
require reading of primary research papers as well as standard
texts. Skills- based taught courses provide a basis for critical
analysis and study design. The research project particularly
promotes an appreciation of experimental design and analysis.
Both the research project and the taught modules lead to the
acquisition of factual information and skills in reviewing and
analyzing scientific evidence critically.
Exposure to ongoing research and opportunities for critical
discussion are also available within the research seminars
delivered throughout the year in the Department which the
students are strongly encouraged to attend / participate.
(outside the MSc diet, but part of the integrated MSc
experience).
Assessment:
Is by:
A combination of unseen written examination papers, written
reports, oral presentations, written coursework and oral
examinations for the taught modules depending on the options
selected
A written dissertation and oral examination for the research
project
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
 Carry out own practical experiments in the
laboratory
 Present data in graphical and photographic
forms
 Communicate science effectively in written
form
 Communicate science effectively in verbal
form
Communicate science effectively in visual
forms
The research project will provide the practical experience in
the laboratory, resulting in the acquisition of relevant skills. The
compulsory Research Methodologies and Transferable Skills
module is run across the Division of Surgery and Interventional
Science and contains workshops and tutorials on data
presentation, statistical analysis, the writing of abstracts,
papers and the dissertation and oral presentations. Depending
on the options chosen the taught courses additionally include
practical work, oral presentations and coursework.
 Carry out robotic, laparoscopic and
microvasular surgery to a recognised
standard, using relevant machines, simulators
and surgical training models.
The hands-on practical modules on “Advanced Surgical Skills
– Robotics” and” Advanced Surgical Skills- Microsurgery” are
specifically designed for surgical/interventional trainees and
are composed of continuous practical training in aspects of
robotics and micro- surgery. Training takes place in dedicated
learning centres within UCL and modules are continuously
assessed for reaching competencies. Both are certificated,
with the Microsurgery module holding the only accredited UK
certificate for this type of surgical training.
Assessment:
A combination of unseen written examination papers, written
reports, oral presentations, written coursework and oral
examinations for the taught courses depending on the options
selected, including individual and group work.
A written dissertation and oral examination for the research
project
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
 Use information technology to acquire
information
 Develop a variety of computer skills for oral
presentations and written reports etc
 Contribute to class discussion
The compulsory Research Methodologies module, in
collaboration with Library Services, includes specific sessions
on the use of information technology for the acquisition of
information and use of computer software for the development
of skills in oral and written presentation.
Class discussions and breakout groups are particularly
encouraged in the compulsory module and in many of the
taught modules.
 Gain an awareness of time management
and planning
 Interact with colleagues in the laboratory and
other professional settings
 Critically analyse science/ scientific reports
(also an intellectual skill, part B)
Overall time management and increasing use of IT is required
throughout the taught modules to complete summative or
formative coursework to a schedule.
In addition the Research Methodologies module reinforces the
need for advanced planning and the organization of time in the
research project, i.e. develops an awareness of the targets that
need to be reached throughout the year and the importance of
cooperation within the laboratory for optimal performance in
the research project
Journal style workshops within the Research Methodologies
module, centre around critical analysis of scientific papers and
involve discussion and presentation within groups and to the
wider cohort.
Individual research projects require wide reading around the
specific topic and presentation and discussion of the current
knowledge in relation to the student’s research findings in the
dissertation - which hones the ability for critical analysis. ,
Assessment:
The development of computer skills for the acquisition of
information and oral and written presentation is assessed by a
combination of unseen written examinations, oral
presentations and examinations and written reports /
coursework depending on the modules selected; and by the
dissertation of the research project. Time management,
interaction with colleagues and class discussion are not
usually formally assessed but contribute significantly to the
performance in the research project and the modules.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Dr Marilena Loizidou
Dr Hazel Welch
Date of Production:
January 2015
Date of Review:
10th February 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
17th February 2015
12 May 2015
Scheme of Award for the MSc in Surgical and Interventional Sciences
For the MSc in Surgical and Interventional Sciences the weighting for the dissertation is 50% (equivalent to 90
credits). The weighting for the taught modules combined is 50%: 8.3% for a 15 credit module to a total of 90
credits..
In order to achieve a Pass, candidates must achieve a combined overall mark of at least 50% (taught modules
and dissertation), and a mark on the dissertation of at least 50%. Candidates must also have completed
modules to the value of 180 credits for the programme.
The Board of Examiners may allow the possibility of condoned pass at Diploma level in one or more elements of
assessment provided:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
that the mark achieved in the element(s) of assessment in question is at least 40% and
that the element in question is not the dissertation and
that the percentage of the condoned pass at Diploma level allowed does not exceed 20-25% of the
total weighting of the elements of assessment for the Programme
In order to achieve a Distinction, candidates must achieve an overall average mark of 70% and a mark of at
least 70% for the dissertation. In order to achieve a Merit, candidates must achieve an overall average of 6069%, and a mark of at least 60% for the dissertation.
No mark of distinction or merit shall be given to a candidate who has failed any component of the examination.