The Master of Surgery (MChir) by thesis is a part-time research degree which is open to clinicians only and serves an important role in the development of the career of trainee surgeons, affording them an opportunity to carry out academic research, in a clinical (or laboratory) setting across a broad range of departments and faculties.
Applicants for the MChir must be medically qualified. This degree is aimed at rotational trainee surgeons in the East of England, who rotate through Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), who would like to formalise research experience during clinical training. Similarly, it would provide an opportunity for clinical surgical fellows, for example those attached to CUH for 1-2 years, to undertake translational research in Addenbrooke's and have this recognised by the University of Cambridge.
Applicants should aim to confirm the support of a Cambridge University academic supervisor in advance of making their formal application. The degree supports an interdisciplinary approach. Supervisory teams can be drawn from different areas of the University (e.g. departments within the Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences and the Department of Engineering) as well as clinicians working within the Cambridge University Health Partnership (CUHP) or other health trusts within the East of England.
Applicants are asked to submit a detailed research proposal with their application.
Like the MPhil by Research, the MChir is examined by thesis and viva. The minimum period before which a thesis can be submitted is one year, and the maximum period before which it must be submitted is four years. Generally, students should expect to study for a minimum of two years. It is only under exceptional circumstances that a student would be permitted to submit their thesis after only one year - this would be discussed with your proposed supervisor prior to making your application.
As registered part-time students of the University, MChir candidates will have access to a wide range of library and computing facilities, as well as the social and pastoral resources in their Colleges.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing the Master in Surgery degree will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.
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