Doctor of Clinical Surgery

at University of Sydney

The doctorate comprises 18 core units of study and six electives chosen from the list of core and elective units of study for the doctorate.
 

The Doctor of Clinical Surgery requires the successful completion of 144 credit points of units of study including:

• 66 credit points – for FRACS (credit for good standing) or to enrol in units, be eligible to undertake surgical training in New South Wales and be appointed to a SET 3 or higher position

• 6 credit points – Capstone

• 36 credit points – Thesis

• 36 credit points – Elective units of study
   

In general, in each semester, students enrol in 2 clinical surgery units (unless exemptions are granted), one research unit of study and one elective.  In special circumstances a student may apply to undertake two electives in one semester but then must undertake two research units of study the following semester.
 

Clinical Surgery Coursework
 

Each coursework subject (Clinical Surgery 1-11) is a culmination of the clinical service work as well as the close one to one supervision by a nominated training supervisor.  The coursework will also include detailed surgical anatomy and pathology of the relevant region.  Each subject is assessed by a combination of assessment which include satisfactory participation in the care of a number of patients including a competence-based assessment of operative skills as well as an in-depth review of one patient including a critical review of the literature.
 

Non-Elective Units
 

These are designed to allow the candidate an opportunity to pursue educational interests outside of surgery which will complement their study of clinical surgery.
 

Clinical Surgery Capstone
 

Assessment in this subject includes satisfactory presentation at a Viva Voce in which the candidate is expected to discuss and justify from the available evidence, their clinical management of a number of randomly chosen cases from their logbook.
 

Research
 

Students will need to show evidence of research through a continuous research project on a topic approved by the University Training Supervisor.  This research may be undertaken in any of the multidisciplinary units of the Sydney Medical School or may be undertaken in other Faculties as approved by the Course coordinator.  These may include Engineering, Law, Humanities, Economics and Science.
 

The general pattern for 36 credit points of research units are as follows:

• SURG6001 – (Surgical Research 1) Abstract

• SURG6002 – (Surgical Research 2) Narrative Review/Aims

• SURG6003 – (Surgical Research 3) Methods (Data Collation)

• SURG6004 – (Surgical Research 4) Results

• SURG6005 – (Surgical Research 5) Discussion/Future Directions

• SURG6006 – (Surgical Research 6) Bibliography

Admission to Doctor of Clinical Surgery requires:

• a medical degree;

• evidence of excellence in study in both their undergraduate and postgraduate career;

• successful interview or examination; and

• advance post graduate knowledge of anatomy, surgical pathology and applied physiology; or
  completion of the basic training requirements of the Australian College of Surgeons, or a Fellowship of the Australian College of Surgeons.
   

Candidates who possess a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, or equivelent, may be granted credit of up to 66 credit points for the Clinical Surgery units of study (SURG6011-SURG6021)
 

Candidates who wish to undertake the clinical components of the Doctor of Surgery must be eligible to undertake surgical training in New South Wales and be appointed to a SET 3 or higher position by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Additional requirements are set by the Discipline of Surgery and will include an interview.
 

In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without this qualification who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
 

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice.

Tuition Fee for International Students (Year 1): $54,000 (indicative only)
 

For international students, the tuition fee is for Year 1 of full-time study of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). However, for courses that require completion of less than 48 credit points (Sydney Professional Certificates, Graduate Certificates and some Graduate Diplomas which are less than 48 credit points), the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course as listed in the 'Course details' section.

The tuition fee that you will pay depends on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and your study load.
This indicative tuition fee is subject to annual increase each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

The Doctor of Clinical Surgery combines surgical studies and training with research and prepares students to become a surgeon. It may also prepare students for specialist recognition. Students are advised to gain approval for recognition of the Doctor of Clinical Surgery course in their particular jurisdiction and to ensure that the Doctorate meets the standards for training in their jurisdiction and through their nominated specialist recognition authority.