Who is this course for?  

The MCh is for medical graduates intending to apply to surgical training schemes, and surgical professionals seeking to broaden their research capability and academic development. The MCh offers a flexible, high-quality learning experience designed to fit around your professional commitments. With online delivery to support your preferred learning style. 

Our curriculum focuses around two key learning domains: The surgeon as a scholar, and the surgeon as an advocate for patient safety. Our programme team is composed of Faculty Members of the Discipline of Surgery, members of the Surgical Team in our University Hospital, and invited clinical specialists. The MCh provides a high-quality accessible learning experience that supports professional growth and excellence in modern surgical practice. 

What will I study?  

The MCh programme consists of six innovative modules and a research thesis. The taught modules (60 ECTS) are: Informatics, Research Methods, Biostatistics, Translational Research, Patient Safety and Human Factors, and Surgical Education. The Research Thesis (30 ECTS) is an independent scholarly project focused on the learner’s chosen area of surgical specialisation. The MCh is offered as a full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) programme.

• Highly experienced multidisciplinary team in a research-led environment.
• Conduct and disseminate research with creativity, initiative, and competence.
• Innovative curriculum with mix of research and practical skills via interactive workshops.
• Flexible programme delivery tailored to the clinical and training demands of the learner.

Masters in Surgery (MCh) graduates have progressed their surgical career in specialist training schemes as well as pursuing Fellowship positions in International Hospitals.  

The MCh equips you with advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research experience that are essential for leadership and innovation in modern surgical practice. 

Your studies will empower you to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation in the field of surgery. The MCh will help you to build valuable professional connections and collaborations. 

The MCh also provides a solid base for further study and research, and graduates have gone on to further research at MD and PhD level.

Our extensive alumni network actively supports current students by facilitating clinical visits and observership opportunities.

• Professor Michael Kerin
• Professor Aoife Lowery
• Associate Professor Roisin Dwyer
• Professor Stewart Walsh
• Professor Ray McLaughlin
• Professor Derek O’Keefe
• Mr Dave Veerasingam
• Mr Alan Hussey
• Ms Emmeline Nugent
• Dr Nicola Miller
• Dr Micheál Newell

How will I learn?

The MCh team have a commitment to top quality teaching in a research-led environment with a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Surgery. Innovative pedagogies and learning technologies are key components of all modules. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, practical workshops and seminars led by expert faculty.

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Modules are assessed using continuous assessment to ensure that learners demonstrate the necessary depth of knowledge, clinical insight, and research capability expected at postgraduate level. Regular feedback and review are key features of individual modules. 

Course queries: 
micheal.newell@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Michael Kerin     
Established Professor of Surgery;
Head of Discipline 
E: michael.kerin@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 544203 

Dr Micheál Newell 
Discipline of Surgery 
E: micheal.newell@universityofgalway.ie  
T: 091 494313

Q: International Applicants and Student Visa? 
A: Please note this programme is ineligible for student study visa or ILEP requirements, but international students may undertake this programme remotely. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered by the academic programme director, for applicants who can demonstrate relevant postgraduate-level study or professional experience aligned with the learning outcomes of the MCh programme. 

Please refer to Recognition of Prior Learning webpage for further details:
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/rpl/learners/

Graduates of the MCh will be able to:  

• Conduct and disseminate research with creativity, initiative, and competence. Guided by the principles of EBM. 
• Apply enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills to their object of study.  
• Perform research techniques such as electronic searching for publications, research design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. 
• Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a specialised research project in surgery. 
• Differentiate common laboratory analytical processes in Translational Research. 
• Investigate and synthesise the role of therapeutic strategies and medical devices in clinical decisions.
• Analyse technical and non-technical skills required to be a competent surgeon. 
• Explore and evaluate simulation and technological approaches to surgical education and patient safety. 
• Investigate and synthesise the role of therapeutic strategies and medical devices in clinical decisions.  

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Candidates must hold a primary degree in Medicine and be conferred with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics. Candidates should be registered with the Irish Medical Council. 

International Academic entry requirements (Band II or higher) standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required  

Or  

A degree completed through the medium of English from a *majority English-speaking country.

*A majority English-speaking country is one where English is a national language and English is the medium of instruction. Please refer to English Language Requirements on the Global Galway Webpage. 

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course under College of Medicine Nursing and Health Science section.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

Please note: This programme is ineligible for student study visa or ILEP requirements, but international students may undertake this programme remotely.