Vascular and Endovascular Surgery ChM (Online Learning)

Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, it offers trainees in vascular and endovascular surgery the opportunity to study topics relevant to the speciality. The programme also supports preparation for final professional exit exams such as the Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS) and the Fellowship of the European Board of Vascular Surgery (FEBVS) examinations.

You will be taught through a clinical problem-based approach using asynchronous discussion boards to cover technical skills and procedures relevant to the cases as well as core knowledge and clinical skills. You will also develop skills in academic surgery and undertake an independent research project.

Key information

• This programme is two years of online, part-time study

Online learning

The programme is taught entirely online and our students are supported through asynchronous discussion by our faculty of Vascular Surgeons.

Our interactive online learning technology enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

What to expect at the University of Edinburgh

As a student within the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, you will join more than 7,000 students studying a range of postgraduate programmes. Following the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, our vet school and our medical school were both among the UK top five, ranked by research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions REF 2021).

Your postgraduate experience here will be supported and enhanced by the wealth of resources and opportunities we offer. We are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative teaching. The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

This programme in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery is suitable for:

• Those preparing for the Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS) and the Fellowship of the European Board of Vascular Surgery (FEBVS) examinations
• Students seeking to improve their evidence-based knowledge and enhance their clinical practice.

The Master’s in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery programme leads to the degree of Master of Surgery (ChM).

On completion of this programme, trainees will be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty, and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
• recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the surgeon in the multidisciplinary management of complex surgical disease
• critically reflect upon day-to-day surgical practice in the context of recent advances, and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other sub-specialties
• apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in surgical research, and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in surgery
• exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent surgical practice

Why study a Master’s in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

This award would highlight your interest in the specialty and commitment to continuing professional development. It is designed to enable you to study for final professional surgical examinations in a structured yet flexible way.

Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the surgical specialty and application of this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting.

If you wish to be involved with teaching or research you will also find this a useful qualification.

How The University of Edinburgh can support you

We are committed to helping you to develop skills and attributes that will enhance your ability to compete in the job market, to progress your career, and to achieve your full potential within the global community. In addition to the provision of dedicated support through our award-winning Careers Service, we broker strategic partnerships between academics, industry specialists and other institutions, to enhance your personal and professional development and provide relevant career insights.

Our graduates are ranked 24th in the world by employers, making the University an excellent choice for a postgraduate education with prospects (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Programme structure

The programme runs on a semester basis over 2-4 years and involves approximately 10-15 hours of study each week, in a flexible modular manner. The programme is delivered using a purpose-built learning environment that supports a variety of learning styles and allows students flexibility in their study patterns.

Courses within the programme are also offered as Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Year 1

Compulsory courses:

• Principles of Vascular Practice
• Endovascular Practice
• Open Surgery & Infection in Vascular Practice
• Vascular Imaging; Aneurysms
• Chronic Limb Ischaemia & Complications of Diabetes
• Renal & Mesenteric Vascular Disorders
• Cerebrovascular Disorders
• Acute Limb Ischaemia & Vascular Trauma
• Upper Limb & Non-atheromatous Lower Limb Disorders
• Venous & Lymphatic Disorders

You will be taught through a clinical problem-based approach using asynchronous discussion boards to cover technical skills and procedures relevant to the cases as well as core knowledge and clinical skills.

Each semester, courses are taught concurrently such that a student may be engaged in 5-6 asynchronous discussions at any one time (one per course). Students will spend 10-15 hours on programme-related study each week (activities include reading the discussion thread, reading around the topic, and contributing to the discussion).

Year 2

Compulsory courses:

• Critical Care & Emergency Surgery
• Core Academic Activity (Research Methodology and Study Design)
• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)

You will have the opportunity to develop skills in academic surgery and undertake an independent research project. The programme offers an alternative to a dedicated research fellowship for those who do not wish to take time out of clinical practice or training.