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RCS to offer Postgraduate Certificate in Surgery

31 May 2017

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has today (31 May) launched a Postgraduate Certificate in Surgery. The new nationally recognised qualification has been developed by experienced surgeons across specialties.

Professor Alan Horgan, Professor of Surgical Education at the Royal College of Surgeons and Programme Director, said:

“The introduction of a Postgraduate Certificate in Surgery is a very exciting step for the Royal College of Surgeons. Our new qualification will offer surgical trainees a high-quality, flexible and interactive way to build their surgical knowledge and skills.

“We’ve listened to what trainees want. In a busy world, where so much of life is lived on the move and online, we feel a programme that enables users to learn at their own speed, using any device, wherever and whenever it suits them, answers the needs of the modern trainee.”

The PGCert in Surgery is designed to complement workplace learning and is suitable for FY1-2 and CT1-2. Its unique online programme will allow trainees to study flexibly at their own pace over 1-2 years. Trainees will be able to access course modules via the RCS eLearning platform using any device, at a time that suits them. The programme is mapped to the ISCP syllabus and is also aligned to level 7 (postgraduate level) of the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education.

Trainees will work towards 60 credits by completing online modules that suit their career path. They will also be able to gain up to 20 credits by taking selected practical RCS courses. At Foundation Training level, the PGCert in Surgery is particularly suitable for anyone preparing to take the MCRS exam. At Core Surgical Training level, it will enhance applications for specialty selection.
 
The PGCert in Surgery includes the following modules:  Breast Surgery; Coloproctology: Colorectal Cancer; Consent & Ethics; Energy in Surgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Orthopaedics: Acute Module; Paediatric Surgical Emergencies; Postoperative Care; Preoperative Care; and Research Methodology.   

Enrolees will also be able to access six surgery e-books available from Elsevier. They cover a range of surgical topics including General Surgery, Critical Illness and Emergency Surgery, Vascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery and Orthopaedics. These are useful resources for anyone studying for their MRCS exams and for general surgical knowledge.

The PGCert in Surgery will also give trainees access to three anatomy video lectures, presented by Professor of Anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons, Professor Vishy Mahadevan.

All of the modules will also be available as standalone online courses to take at any career stage.

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

For more information, please contact the Press Office:

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