Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- On-campus/Distance Learning (includes at least one year in London on placement)
- Fees
- See Fees and funding below.
What you'll study
If you’re a doctor with at least 3 years practice in a clinical role and have a special interest in clinical surgery or want to become a clinical academic, this course if for you. The Professional Doctorate in Clinical Surgery provides you with an integrated training programme with flexible study options so you can tailor your learning experience and gain high-level research expertise alongside your clinical training.
You will develop a foundation in the core knowledge and skills required to underpin high level clinical practice in the 21st century. This degree integrates clinical skills training with doctoral level research. Experienced clinical and academic staff will expose you to comprehensive, contemporary, and novel knowledge in medicine at a specialist level and provide advanced training in healthcare skills such as audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and clinical research, as well as clinical expertise and skills in speciality fields.
Your training will be divided into three phases:
Phase One
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time study incorporating 8 modules from your chosen track. Choose from the optional tracks below to personalise your learning
- September start, on campus (available full-time or part-time):
- Global Public Health and Policy
- Health Care Research Methods
- September start, online:
- Genomic Medicine (part-time)
- Global Public Health (part-time)
- Health Care Research Methods (full-time or part-time)
- January start, online only:
- Genomic Medicine (part-time)
- Global Public Health (part-time)
- Health Care Research Methods (full-time or part-time)
- September start, on campus (available full-time or part-time):
- In addition, you’ll take 2 longitudinal modules. One module in Professional Studies, which is assessed by a reflective portfolio, and the other is Research into Practice, which involves a detailed literature review presented as a mini dissertation.
Phase Two
- 1 year full-time clinical placement in a UK NHS Trust working alongside clinicians with exposure to comprehensive, contemporary and novel clinical surgical practice. This clinical activity will be supplemented by 3 modules: Applied Research I, Applied Clinical Skills, Research II.
- These modules are assessed by an audit or healthcare-improvement project dissertation, clinical portfolio, literature review, project proposal and plan.
Phase Three
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time advanced study to complete an independent research project and dissertation that demonstrates the application of scientific method to a problem of relevance to your chosen subject.
How to apply
Please select January or September under Study options and then click 'Apply now' to access the online application form.
Following the application deadline, screening of applications and selection of candidates will take place. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an online interview with the QMICA academic staff.
After you apply, you will then be able to choose your specialist track and have the option to choose whether you wish to study full-time or part-time and your study mode for Phase 1 and 3.
For further guidance about completing the application form and the supporting documents you will require, please see our How to apply webpage.
Structure
The Clinical Doctorate in Surgery is divided into three phases as below:
Phase One
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time study incorporating 8 modules from your optional track
- In addition, you’ll take 2 longitudinal modules. One module in Professional Studies, which is assessed by a reflective portfolio, and the other is Research into Practice, which involves a detailed literature review presented as a mini dissertation.
Phase Two
- 1 year full-time clinical placement in a UK NHS Trust working alongside clinicians with exposure to comprehensive, contemporary and novel clinical surgical practice. This clinical activity will be supplemented by 3 modules: Applied Research I, Applied Clinical Skills, Research II.
- These modules are assessed by an audit or healthcare-improvement project dissertation, clinical portfolio, literature review, project proposal and plan.
Phase Three
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time advanced study to complete an independent research project and dissertation that demonstrates the application of scientific method to a problem of relevance to your chosen subject.
Please see the diagram outlining the structure of the DClin Surgery: DClin programmes structure diagram v2 [PDF 2,016KB]
Compulsory/Core modules
This module covers elements of professional practice in medicine / surgery to ensure that all students possess a fundamental level of skill in clinical practice while developing an understanding of the principles and practice of clinical medicine in the UK context, including the functions of the NHS. Students will develop greater awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of the practice of medicine/surgery in the UK, including the multiple roles of the clinician in practice, audit, quality improvement and research, management, leadership and teaching. This provides a foundation for later clinical placements if applicable so that the learning on such placements can be utilised effectively in the development of audit, quality improvement, clinical research and portfolio creation.
This module covers aspects of research methodology, ethics and other transferable skills to ensure students are introduced to issues in research, such as governance issues and statistical analysis of clinical research. The research project undertaken in this course will give the student real insight into the philosophy of research as well as practical experience in the process of completing a piece of original work. The module will be delivered entirely by e-learning in a longitudinal pattern , as part of a blended learning strategy, so that students can complete their project work alongside their other taught modules. Tutor supervision meetings will be online and all necessary access to materials etc are available to the student in QMPlus and via the relevant online materials (books, journals, papers) in the QMUL library.
This module covers elements of professional practice in medicine / surgery to ensure that all students possess a fundamental level of skill in clinical practice while developing an understanding of the principles and practice of clinical medicine in the UK context, including the functions of the NHS. Students will develop greater awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of the practice of medicine/surgery in the UK, including the multiple roles of the clinician in practice, audit, quality improvement and research, management, leadership and teaching. This provides a foundation for later clinical placements if applicable so that the learning on such placements can be utilised effectively in the development of audit, quality improvement, clinical research and portfolio creation.
This module covers aspects of research methodology, ethics and other transferable skills to ensure students are introduced to issues in research, such as governance issues and statistical analysis of clinical research. The research project undertaken in this course will give the student real insight into the philosophy of research as well as practical experience in the process of completing a piece of original work. The module will be delivered entirely by e-learning in a longitudinal pattern so that students can complete their project work alongside their other taught modules. Tutor supervision meetings will be online and all necessary access to materials etc are available to the student in QMPlus and via the relevant online materials (books, journals, papers) in the QMUL library.
Practical Aspects of Clinical Research and Early Drug Development
Ethics and Regulation in Clinical Research
Data Management: the Interpretation of Statistics and Pharmacokinetics
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing
Practical Aspects of Clinical Research and Early Drug Development (DL)
Ethics and Regulation in Clinical Research (DL)
Data Management: the Interpretation of Statistics and Pharmacokinetics (DL)
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing (DL)
Assessment
Each module is assessed separately including essays, reflective portfolios, clinical case reports, presentations, reports, dissertations, written and viva voce examinations.
Dissertation
In Phase One, you will complete a detailed literature review presented as a mini dissertation.
In Phase Three, you will undertake your dissertation, which forms a major component of your degree. You’ll write a final report of up to 50,000 words on your research project.
Teaching
You'll be taught through a combination of expert seminars, supervised clinical placements, one-to-one tutorials, self-directed learning, case presentations and reading. In addition to the formal seminar and clinical programme, time is set aside for readings and reviews, discussion and problem solving for student research projects, for innovative practical exercises, clinical audit and for feedback and evaluation of the course itself. Time is spent working alongside hospital trainees.
Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on, formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects and dissertations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. You will receive a course reading list at the start of teaching and with each module.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary. You will also be assigned two staff members to supervise your research project.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- State of the art clinical facilities at our campuses and NHS partner organisations.
- Medical libraries located in Whitechapel and West Smithfield and the main library at our largest university campus at Mile End.
- Study and social spaces located at all campuses.
Campus
Depending on your chosen track, your Phase One teaching may take place at our Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square and/or Mile End campuses in London. During your clinical placement, your learning will be mainly located at one of our NHS Trust partner sites supplemented by blended learning using high-quality online materials. In Phase Three, your learning is largely self-directed together with your supervisor and you are free to carry out your research project and subsequent dissertation on campus or from wherever you are in the world. Meetings with your supervisors may take place on campus, in NHS Trust premises or remotely.
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by the fantastic locations of our main medical campuses in Whitechapel, east London and Charterhouse Square in the City of London.
Close to The Royal London Hospital. Whitechapel is a vibrant area, famous for its street market, variety of curry houses and the Whitechapel Gallery. The campus has its own library, state-of-the-art labs at the Blizard Institute, accommodation and our recently refurbished Garrod Building includes teaching, study and social spaces. You can also use all the facilities at the Mile End campus, which is ten minutes up the road.
Queen Mary’s beautiful Charterhouse Square campus is where you’ll find some of our medical institutes, research laboratories, accommodation and teaching space. Rich in history and diversity, Charterhouse Square is a bustling centre of energy and activity, close to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
About the Institutes
Queen Mary International Clinical Academy
The Queen Mary International Clinical Academy (QMICA) is a world-class academy specialising in clinical postgraduate education for international students. The Academy is managed by Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and operates in close collaboration with our clinical partners. It aims to develop clinicians from around the world with a focus on patient-centred care, who are equipped with specialised knowledge and clinical skills, including expertise in research and healthcare improvement. QMICA offers a suite of programmes and flexible study pathways and aims to develop the next generation of highly skilled doctors and health professionals globally.
William Harvey Research Institute
The William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) places a high value upon training the next generation of researchers. We are part of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, which is ranked joint seventh in the UK for the quality of our research (REF 2021).
Our primary research focus and excellence lies in our cardiovascular, inflammation and endocrine research themes. In addition, we achieve international excellence in critical care and perioperative medicine research. We aim to combine talents from different disciplines such as genomics, cell biology, and pharmacology, with translational bench-to-patient studies and large-scale clinical trials.
We are currently the largest pharmacological research institute in the UK University sector, and one of the largest in Europe. The Centre employs 530 clinicians and scientists from 45 countries.
Career paths
This Clinical Doctorate in Surgery DClin(Surg) programme will provide you with an excellent preparation for your career development as a doctor in the UK or elsewhere. During the programme, you will work towards full GMC registration (with licence to practise to work in unsupervised medical practice in the UK) before your placement year, which would enable you to work as a doctor in the UK.
Your clinical placement at our partner NHS organisation will provide you with practical experience and clinical skills in a relevant general or specialist (or subspecialist) setting. The taught modules and dissertation will develop strong core knowledge and research skills that will enhance your opportunities to work in academia and in practice.
- 94% of Medicine postgraduate students are in employment or further study (2021/22)
- 89% of Medicine postgraduate students are in highly skilled work or graduate study (2021/22)
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 3 years
- Home:
£12,950 (year 1)
£34,700 (year 2) *
£35,550 (year 3) * - Overseas:
£30,350 (year 1)
£66,400 (year 2) *
£68,400 (year 3) *
EU/EEA/Swiss students
* Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.
Conditional deposit
Home: £2000
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study
January 2026 | 3 years
- Home:
£13,250 (year 1)
£35,550 (year 2) *
£36,450 (year 3) * - Overseas:
£31,850 (year 1)
£69,700 (year 2) *
£71,800 (year 3) *
EU/EEA/Swiss students
* Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
Applicants must have a primary qualification in Medicine (UK MBBS 5 years or international equivalent degree). Non-UK medical degrees marked on a grading scale must be equivalent to UK Bachelor level 2:2 degree or higher.
Additional information
Three years full-time (or equivalent) post qualification clinical practice of medicine is required, including the most recent 12 months.
All applicants will need to acquire a FULL General Medical Council registration with licence to practise in the UK to be able to commence the clinical placement in Phase Two of the programme. GMC registration is a process solely managed by the General Medical Council. There are different ways to apply for registration with licence to practice in the UK, a common route is via the PLAB test 1 and 2 which have around 70% pass rate. For international medical graduates, before applying for this programme it is important you check your primary medical qualification meets General Medical Council acceptability criteria – find out more. https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/acceptable-overseas-qualifications/our-criteria-for-acceptable-overseas-qualifications
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are normally indicated by an English band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. However, this course does not follow the William Harvey Research Institute standard English language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes.
Please note, there are some postgraduate programmes with non-standard English language requirements in this Institute.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.