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The Master of Surgery (MChir) by thesis is a 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.
This degree would be attractive to surgeons who would like to pursue a clinical career but would also like to formalise research effort and experience during training. This would be well suited to all types of rotational trainee surgeons in the East of England, who rotate through Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH). Similarly, it would provide an opportunity for clinical surgical fellows, for example those attached to CUH for 2 years, to undertake translational research in Addenbrooke's and have this recognised by the University of Cambridge.
The degree also supports an interdisciplinary approach potentially involving a supervisory team drawn from different areas of the University (eg. 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.
The degree is a part-time degree with a minimum period before which a thesis can be submitted of one year and a maximum period before which it must be submitted of 4 years. As students must have completed the equivalent of six terms of study to submit their thesis, it is only under exceptional circumstances that a student would plan to submit their thesis after only one year - this would be discussed with your proposed supervisor prior to making your application. Generally, students should expect to study for a minimum of two years.
The degree aims to allow engagement with research with a view to the writing of a thesis.
The thesis should not exceed 20,000 words (excluding references and notes) and must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject.
Most time will be spent working independently, but the department, supervisor and College will support you throughout the degree.
The Degree will allow attendance at regular seminars in your subject area and involvement in the social life of your department and College.
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.
Open Days
The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.