To assist applicants and LSSA’s future students, please find below a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any further enquiries please contact info@surgicalsimulation.co.uk
APPLICATION RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: Who are the courses aimed at? What are the entry requirements?
A: The courses are aimed at medical graduates, medical/science post graduates, doctors and surgeons in training (FY1, FY2, ST1, ST2, ST3), SHO and specialist registrars. We have even had consultants apply who wish to change their fields of specialities.
Both UK and overseas doctors with a medical degree can apply. Some postgraduate experience is desirable but not essential.
Q: What do I need to apply?
A: In addition to a completed application form (available online or downloadable format) applicants will need to supply the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two academic or professional references
- Personal statement
- All relevant certificates
- Overseas applicants will need to supply scores of any English Language test e.g. TOEFL / IELTS (minimum score required TOEFL – 590 and IELTS – 6.5)
Q: Do I need to be GMC registered to apply?
A: These courses do not involve any direct patient contact therefore GMC registration is not required. Students are not eligible to apply for GMC registration based on successful completion of the LSSA MSc courses. Further information on obtaining registration can be obtained by visiting www.gmc-uk.org/index.asp
Q: When is the deadline to submit applications?
A: For October 2010 intakes we require applications to be submitted by mid-August. To avoid disappointment or deferred placements we advise that candidates apply as soon as possible as there are high interest for the courses.
COURSE RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: What are the benefits of the courses for my career progression?
A: The courses offer students:
- Hands on training using simulators in skills lab
- Training and skills acquired to build confidence and competence in an operating theatre
- Flexible teaching so that the courses can be taken alongside your clinical job
For career prospects the courses:
- Accelerates students surgical training and improves technical skills
- Enhances future career prospects in general or specialised fields of surgery
- Provides students with clinical and academic training for career enhancement
- Offers an excellent foundation for MRes/PhD studies
Q: When do the courses start?
A: For each course, LSSA are offering two intakes per academic year. We are accepting students for October 2010 and the following intake will be April 2011. The courses are due to start in the first week of October (4th) 2010.
Q: What is my level of commitment needed for the courses?
A: For full-time students we require compulsory attendance of one full day every other week (days are dependent on course and module) for the teaching of the module. Students will also need to do self-directive learning in their own time. Optional additional practice session on simulators can also be booked during working hours. The modules will run approximately 6 months (October to March for October intake and April to September for April intake) the remaining months will be dedicated for students to complete their dissertation.
Q: What are the weekly contact hours?
A: The teaching of each module is one full day of teaching every other week.
- MSc. Operative Gynaecology and Minimally Invasive Skills is scheduled for teaching on Tuesday or Thursday (dependent on module)
- MSc. Operative Orthopaedics and Arthroscopy Skills is scheduled for teaching on Tuesday, or Friday (dependent on module)
- MSc. Surgical Skills and Sciences is scheduled for teaching on Wednesday or Thursday (dependent on module)
Q: How are the courses structured for part-time students?
A: Part-time students will need to complete the MSc (including the dissertation) in two academic years. For the first year students can choose to complete half the modules and complete the remaining modules in year two.
Each module is one full day of teaching, every other week, for the duration of a month. Depending on how frequent part-time students want to attend campus there is the flexibility for students to select their modules to suit their working schedule. Modules are not dependent of each other, the only restriction is that we require student to complete the research module before writing their dissertation.
An example of a part-time module selection choice: (October 2010 intake)
Year one of study:
Module 1: one full day every other week for October 2010
Module 3: one full day every other week for December 2010
Module 4: one full day every other week for January 2011
Module 6: one full day every other week for March 2011
Year two of study:
Module 2: one full day every other week for November 2011
Module 7 (Research Methods): November 2011
Module 5: one full day every other week for February 2012
Dissertation: up until October 2012
Q: I live outside of London, can I still do the course?
A: Yes. Part-time option is ideal for students living outside of London. However our courses have previously attracted full-time students who found the structure of the courses allowed them to live outside of London and travel into campus on the compulsory teaching days.
Q: What are the requirements for clinical attachment?
A: Clinical attachment is currently only available with MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences. Eligible students can enrol in our extended MSc course (18 month) which included 12 months full time MSc study and 6 months of Clinical Attachment to learn and observe clinical practice in the UK. The fee for this extended MSc is £27,100 for overseas students (fees are an approximate and are subject to change). The placement can be taken 6 months before or after the MSc course.
Eligible students will be based on successful application and also visa requirements.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: I am an international student what documentation do you require for my application?
A: Overseas applicants will need to supply:
- scores of any English Language test e.g. TOEFL / IELTS (minimum score required TOEFL – 590 and IELTS – 6.5)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two academic or professional references
- Personal statement
- All relevant certificates
In order to apply applicants will also need to supply documentation for visas and entry clearance.
Please follow the link for guidance and requirements: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/international/immigration/4629.html
Q: What are the criteria’s to be considered as a home student?
A: To be considered as a home student we require either a British passport or documentation to illustrate indefinite leave to remain in UK.
For more information please visit:
http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/index.html
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html
or contact Queen Mary’s international department on+44 (0)20 7882 3066
FINANCE RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: What are the tuition fees for the courses?
A: Fees are provisionally set and are subject to amendment for following academic years. For EU students, the cost to do a course will be £12,000 (bench fee included). For non-EU students, the cost to do a course will be £24,100 (bench fee included).
Q: Does LSSA offer scholarships or bursaries?
A: LSSA are not offering scholarships or bursaries. Queen Mary University do offer financial support for some MSc, currently LSSA courses are not on the list but please do regularly visit the link for updated courses: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/courses/department.php?dept_id=6&pgcourses=1&course_id=&course_level=1&article_id=213#4219
For international students please regularly visit the link for updated courses eligible for scholarships:
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/tests/scholarships/index.html
Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries are often supported by government bodies and hospitals (as part of their employee training programmes).
