Fast track your career in surgery.
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The University is ranked first in Australia and 33rd in the world for surgery in the U.S. News Top Global Universities Subject Rankings 2020. The discipline is also the largest academic surgical department in Australasia.
Learn moreThe University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
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The Doctor of Clinical Surgery is attained through a combination of clinical and non-clinical coursework and research. The course aims to produce surgical leaders with attitudes and skills that allow them to meet the challenges of surgical specialist practice. Furthermore, completion of the doctorate allows students to develop research skills which equip them to plan an academic career.
Who should study this course?
The Doctor of Clinical Surgery is designed to be undertaken in conjunction with the surgical training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to augment research, leadership and communication skills. Candidates who have already completed surgical training in Australia or a recognised surgical training program elsewhere will benefit from undertaking the Doctor of Clinical Surgery for its further non-clinical study opportunities and research skills development.
Depending on your previous clinical experience and qualifications you may be granted advanced standing of up to 66 credit points for the clinical coursework units of study.
What will you study?
The course work includes all aspects of surgical practice and in particular communication, behavioural, ethical, attitudinal, health economic and medicolegal aspects of surgical practice as well as operative, psychomotor and cognitive aspects. The assessment of operative and psychomotor skills will be competence based.
You will undertake clinical coursework in an approved University of Sydney training hospital under the supervision of a University nominated training supervisor. These hospitals are certified and accredited on a regular basis.
Surgical practice for the clinical coursework component is available in the following areas: cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, upper GI surgery, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, breast endocrine surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology head & neck surgery, orthopaedic surgery, paediatric surgery, plastic & reconstructive surgery.
There are no specialisations for this course.
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:
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:
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
Admission to Doctor of Clinical Surgery requires:
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.
The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.
The Doctor of Clinical Surgery is endorsed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Students who undertake clinical placements in College accredited training posts will be prospectively approved for recognition in the SET Program.
The Doctor of Clinical Surgery does not give graduates automatic specialist recognition as each country and territory has various regulations and examinations that may or may not be necessary to be approved as a specialist.
Specialist recognition may require an additional year or two years (depending on the jurisdiction) in supervised specialist posts or in full time research. 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.
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.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
