MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy

Entry standards

The applicant should be a gynaecologist with experience in gynaecological endoscopy, such as a specialist registrar or consultant (or overseas equivalent), and be competent in both written and spoken English. Applicants in training posts are required to have an approved preceptor before they can be accepted onto the programme.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - structure and modules

Module Titles

• Instrumentation, Surgical Safety and Risk Assessment
• Evidence-based Practice and Critical Appraisal
• The Pathophysiology and Management of Adnexal Disease
• The Pathophysiology and Management of Endometriosis and Adhesions
• Advanced Surgical Techniques and Application of Medical Physics
• The Pathophysiology and Management of Advanced Endometriosis
• The Pathophysiology and Management of Uterine Disease
• Principles of Research Methods
• Application of Research Methods
• Dissertation

Module Overview 

Instrumentation, Surgical Safety and Risk Assessment 

This module considers the principles of safe laparoscopic surgery, including the recognition and treatment of complications. The theory of optics and electronics of equipment, and the recording of operative images are also considered. The skills required for auditing clinical activity are developed. 

Evidence-based Practice and Critical Appraisal 

Within this module students will learn the skills of evidence-based practice, including the process of turning clinical problems into searchable questions, searching databases for evidence, critically appraising different types of evidence, and incorporating evidence into practice. 

The Pathophysiology and Management of Adnexal Disease 

This module considers the pathophysiology of different adnexal diseases and the appropriate diagnostic tests and management strategies for dealing with these. Students will also develop advanced surgical skills for the treatment of adnexal disease. 

The Pathophysiology and Management of Endometriosis and Adhesions 

This module considers the pathophysiology of endometriosis and the theories of its aetiology. Students will learn about different management techniques for endometriosis, and the relationship between endometriosis, adhesive tubal disease following pelvic infection, and infertility. 

Advanced Surgical Techniques and Application of Medical Physics 

This module will explore current technologies used in gynaecological endoscopy, and a detailed understanding of applied physics relating to energy sources is developed. Students will also develop advanced laparoscopic techniques such as intracorporeal and extracorporeal suturing. 

The Pathophysiology and Management of Advanced Endometriosis 

This module considers management strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced endometriosis. Students will understand how the pelvic anatomy becomes distorted through endometriosis and how to recognise abnormal anatomy. Students will also develop advanced surgical techniques for dealing with recto-vaginal disease. 

The Pathophysiology and Management of Uterine Disease 

This module considers the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic management of abnormal uterine bleeding and uterine diseases. Theories underpinning the management of uterine disease are discussed and advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic skills are developed. 

Principles of Research Methods 

Within this module, students will learn the principles behind different research methods and will be able to use this knowledge to design an appropriate research project.

Application of Research Methods 

This module allows students to put the research knowledge and skills gained into practice. Students will participate in all the stages of a research project and will gain the skills necessary for designing and undertaking the research dissertation. 

Dissertation 

In this module, students will be guided through the process of research and will be supervised in undertaking their own research project.

Subject information

Why study Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy at the University of Surrey? 

A unique partnership between the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) and the University of Surrey has led to this ground-breaking programme of study. It combines thorough academic training with clinical skills training and is taught by recognised experts in the field. 

You will gain academic knowledge and skills in areas such as critical appraisal of published literature, application of evidence in clinical practice, understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of your work and the principles and application of research methods. 

Clinical skills will be enhanced in areas such as the use of endoscopic equipment, the management of adnexal and uterine disease and the management of endometriosis. 

If you wish to specialise in gynaecological endoscopy, the programme will establish a firm foundation for your future. If you are an experienced gynaecological endoscopist, you will enjoy the stimulus of looking at familiar work from a more critical perspective.

Module	Module Leader	Attendance	Credits
Induction Day	-	17 October 2012	-
Instrumentation, Surgical Safety and Risk Assessment	Mr Chris Guyer	18-20 October 2012	15
Evidence-based Practice and Critical Appraisal	Dr Tushna Vandrevala	15-17 January 2013	15
The Pathophysiology and Management of Adnexal Disease	Mr Chris Guyer	21-22 March 2013	15
The Pathophysiology and Management of Endometriosis and Adhesions	Mr Chris Guyer	22-23 March 2013	15
Potential Exit with PG Cert
Principles of Research Methods	Dr Eqramur Rahman	24-26 June 2013	15
Application of Research Methods	Dr Eqramur Rahman	23-25 September 2013	15
Advanced Surgical Techniques and Application of Medical Physics	Mr Andrew Kent	21-23 November 2013	15
OSCE	-	1 February 2014	-
The Pathophysiology and Management of Advanced Endometriosis	Mr Andrew Kent	22-23 May 2014	15
Potential Exit with PG Dip
The Pathophysiology and Management of Uterine Disease	Mr Andrew Kent	23-24 May 2014	15
Dissertation	Dr Eqramur Rahman	With personal tutor as required	45
Exit with MSc

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - entry standards

Entry standards

The applicant should be a gynaecologist with experience in gynaecological endoscopy, such as a specialist registrar or consultant (or overseas equivalent), and be competent in both written and spoken English. Applicants in training posts are required to have an approved preceptor before they can be accepted onto the programme.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Application procedure

To apply for this programme, please download and complete the application form.

Planned intake

Up to 20

Start date

October

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - fees and funding

Fees

Per module:

UK/EU - £890.00
Overseas - £1,270.00

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - professional context

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - teaching

Academic Support

Academic Staff

Teaching staff are drawn from a wide range of experts in the field and the Faculty, and include:

• Dr Karen Ballard, Academic Programme Director (currently on sabbatical)
• Dr Eqramur Rahman, Academic Programme Director (temporary)
• Professor Jeremy Wright, Clinical Programme Director
• Mr Andrew Kent, Deputy Clinical Programme Director
• Mr James English
• Professor John Newton
• Dr Alison Nightingale
• Ms Alison Snook
• Professor Chris Sutton
• Mr Mark Whittaker
• Mr Chris Guyer
• Dr Tushna Vandrevala
• Mr Saikat Banerjee

We also have an international faculty of world experts who teach using the latest video link technology.

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - learning

Self study hours

Total hours – 1800
University contact hours – 236
Clinical supervision hours – 190
Self-directed learning hours – 1374

Assessment 

All modules are formally assessed with either a written assignment, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), or a critical reflective portfolio (which includes a log of clinical activity and a casebook of clinical competence). In addition, for the MSc you will be required to undertake a dissertation and attend an oral examination. 

MSc 

All students registered on the MSc will be required to complete the following assessments: 

• Four 2500–3000-word written assignments 
• Four 3000-word critical reflective portfolios

Each critical reflective portfolio contains: 

• A clinical casebook of specified clinical procedures undertaken and assessed as competent by the preceptor 
• A 1000-word summary of the ‘cases’ undertaken 
• A 2000-word critical reflection on the clinical experience 
• A logbook of all clinical procedures undertaken during the clinical training programme 
• One ten-station OSCE 
• One 12–15,000-word dissertation 
• One oral examination relating to the dissertation 

PGDip 

All students registered on the PGDip will be required to complete the following assessments: 

• Four 2500–3000-word written assignments 
• Four 3000-word critical reflective portfolios 

Each critical reflective portfolio contains: 

• A clinical casebook of specified clinical procedures undertaken and assessed as competent by the preceptor 
• A 1000-word summary of the ‘cases’ undertaken 
• A 2000-word critical reflection on the clinical experience 
• A logbook of all clinical procedures undertaken during the clinical training programme 
• One ten-station OSCE

PGCert 

All modules are formally assessed with either a written assignment or a critical reflective portfolio (which includes a log of clinical activity and a casebook of clinical competence). 

All students registered on the PGCert will be required to complete: 

• Two 2500–3000-word written assignments 
• Two 3000-word critical reflective portfolios 

Each critical reflective portfolio contains: 

• A clinical casebook of specified clinical procedures undertaken and assessed as competent by the preceptor 
• A 1000-word summary of the ‘cases’ undertaken 
• A 2000-word critical reflection on the clinical experience 
• A logbook of all clinical procedures undertaken during the clinical training programme

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - graduate profile

Graduate Profile: Funlayo Odejinmi

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy

Surrey’s was the only programme in the UK that provided postgraduate study on the subject of advanced gynaecological endoscopy. The curriculum is very robust and is able to underpin the advancement I was looking for in my practice of gynaecological endoscopy

The interaction between students who were at different stages of their careers is extremely stimulating, as is the support from the tutors. It allowed for good debates and deep thought on various aspects of endoscopic surgery

The programme has helped my practice tremendously, particularly my ability to apply basic principles of evidence-based practice to each of my patients individually.

I was able to hone my practical skills, and with the supervision of the tutors I was able to develop my advanced laparoscopic skills, understand energy modalities, and develop my ability to critically appraise the literature and tease out evidence where the evidence existed.

The interactive nature of the programme is invaluable, as well as the mix of trainees and consultants. The tutors are skilled at getting their points across and pointing students in the right direction for further study.

At the end of the programme I had an academic understanding of the principles of laparoscopic surgery and was able to fully apply them to my practice.

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - more

Clinical Casebook Procedures 

1. The Pathophysiology and Management of Adnexal Disease 

a. Ectopic pregnancy 

b. Salpingectomy/salpingo oophorectomy 

c. Ovarian cystectomy, for example, benign germ cell tumour 

d. Assessment of complex adnexal mass 

2. The Pathophysiology and Management of Endometriosis and Adhesions 

a. Pelvic survey and management of superficial endometriosis 

b. Management of small endometrioma (<5cm) 

c. Management of peritubal adhesions +/- cuff salpingostomy 

d. Division of filmy bowel adhesions to uterine or adnexal structures 

3. The Pathophysiology and Management of Uterine Disease* 

a. Subtotal hysterectomy or myomectomy with morcellation (under supervision) 

b. Total laparoscopic/laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy 

c. Hysteroscopic resection of type 1 or type 2 submucous fibromyoma 

4. The Pathophysiology and Management of Advanced Endometriosis* 

a. Block dissection of uterosacral ligaments including entry into the recto-vaginal space 

b. Dissection of pelvic side wall and ureterolysis (under supervision) 

c. Treatment of endometrioma (>5cm) adherent to the sidewall 

* Not applicable if studying for the PGCert award. 

Preceptors 

Participants in training grades are required to have a preceptor to oversee their clinical work and provide help with their clinical casebook. Participants, such as UK consultants, regularly undertaking unsupervised surgical procedures in advanced gynaecological endoscopy are not required to have a preceptor, although they may wish to. They will, however, be required to complete a logbook of all their relevant clinical activity and will need to submit recordings of the casebook procedures. 

Prior to being accepted onto the programme, all students in training grades will need to have secured a clinical placement in the UK or abroad, and an appropriate preceptor who must be approved by the Clinical Programme Director. Preceptors are required to be a member of the BSGE or working in a BSGE-approved centre and be undertaking a range of level 3 endoscopic procedures (as classified by the Royal College of Gynaecology). 

The preceptor has five key tasks: 

•  Establish and oversee a learning programme with the trainee based on mandatory learning outcomes and individually identified learning needs 
•  Encourage the trainee to develop their skills and knowledge through reading and discussion about cases with the preceptor and other hospital colleagues, as well as through a process of reflection 
•  Provide time in which to discuss cases and reflect on learning 
•  Provide the opportunity for the trainee to undertake surgical procedures under the supervision of the preceptor 
•  Assess the trainee’s clinical competence in carrying out specified surgical procedures 

Time Commitment 

Each module requires 150 hours of blended learning time made up from a combination of face-to-face contact within the University, time with your clinical preceptor and personal learning time. The personal learning time allows you to read through the pre-module reading pack, undertake any pre-module tasks and, following attendance at the University, undertake each of the module assignments. 

To reduce the visits required to the University, some of the modules have been designed to run back-to-back; for example, the Pathophysiology and Management of Adnexal Disease and the Pathophysiology and Management of Endometriosis and Adhesions modules each have one and a half days of contact but are scheduled together in a three-day block. 

Over the complete MSc programme you will be required to attend the University on eight separate occasions. Outside of these scheduled visits individuals will need to negotiate contact with their dissertation supervisor and their personal tutor as required.

The MSc contains ten separate modules, one of which is the research dissertation. The Postgraduate Certificate award comprises of four separate modules and no dissertation. The Postgraduate Diploma comprises of eight modules and no dissertation. 

Tuition Fees 

Tuition fees are charged on a module by module basis with at least one module requiring payment at time of registration. Subsequent payments are due one month prior to attendance on the module. 

The University charges different fees according to whether a student is considered by the University as a ‘home’ student or as an ‘overseas’ student for fees purposes. The classification of students for fees purposes is currently based on the UK Governments ‘Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997’. For further details regarding fees status please refer to the University’s website: 

Postgraduate Fees 

How to Apply 

Application forms and fees information can be found at: www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy - apply

To apply for this programme, please download and complete the application form.