Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery) MS

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hampstead (Royal Free Hospital)

Enhance your surgical aesthetics expertise while prioritising patient safety with our flexible, mixed-mode MS in Aesthetic Surgery programme. Tailored for the demanding schedules of busy professionals, this programme offers you the opportunity to learn directly from global leaders in aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive aesthetics. Join a dynamic community of innovators who are at the forefront of advancements in the field and take your career to the next level.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£16,000
£8,000
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£33,000
£16,500
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
All applicants: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally be a medical graduate with a primary medical qualification that has been listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools; and a minimum two years of training in Head & Neck Surgery (ENT), Maxillofacial surgery or Plastic Surgery.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

The full-time and part-time versions of this programme are taught primarily online with some teaching taking place on campus in London. As such, international students who apply to this programme are not eligible to apply for a regular Student visa for full-time study in the UK.

To attend the on-campus teaching sessions for this course, international students will ordinarily use a UK Standard Visitor visa for study.

Please note that UK immigration rules are subject to change by the UK Government, as such, there is no guarantee that the current rules referred to here will be in place for the duration of your study with UCL.

Should you have any questions regarding visa compliance, please contact the UCL Student Immigration Compliance Team.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree



Our MS in Aesthetic Surgery programme is specifically designed for both UK and international surgical trainees who aspire to master evidence-based aesthetic surgery, prioritising patient safety and satisfaction in their practices.

We are one of a few renowned universities worldwide to offer a Master of Surgery (MS) in Aesthetics, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and the practical application of aesthetic surgery. Our curriculum goes beyond the classroom, with hands-on training that prepares you for real-world challenges.

As a student, you'll learn from a distinguished faculty of UK and international experts, immersing yourself in a diverse cohort of peers who bring a wide range of backgrounds and skills to the programme. You'll engage in small, purposeful group work and individual projects, both in-person and online, fostering a collaborative learning environment. You'll also have the opportunity to explore a research topic of your choice, or select one from our curated list, under the guidance of our experienced supervisors.

This blended-learning programme combines the convenience of online study with face-to-face, on-campus teaching during pre-scheduled dates each term, allowing you to balance your studies with clinical commitments. The curriculum covers essential principles and procedures in aesthetic surgery, focusing on the head, neck, breast, and torso. Your theoretical learning will be enriched by cadaver-based interactive training at the state-of-the-art Charles Wolfson Centre.

You'll be learning from leading experts at the Centre of Excellence for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Royal Free Hospital, as well as other prominent national and international surgeons.

UCL's reputation speaks for itself. For medicine, we are ranked sixth worldwide by QS (2024) and seventh worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2024). We are committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience.

The MS Aesthetics programme offers a second pathway in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics.

Who this course is for

The Master of Surgery programme is designed for surgical trainees worldwide who are eager to conduct high-quality research and delve into evidence-based surgical practices. The programme is flexible allowing you to continue working in your clinic or profession while advancing your skills to ensure the safety and well-being of your patients.

Through our mixed-mode delivery, you will join an international cohort and learn from a global team of experts, gaining invaluable insights from diverse cultures and experiences. Upon graduation, you will become part of a vast international alumni network, fostering academic connections across many countries.

We also offer virtual informal chats for prospective applicants. To schedule a meeting, please email adminaesthetics@ucl.ac.uk.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

  • A prestigious institution: Study at a renowned university in the heart of London, affiliated with the Royal Free Hospital, a recognised centre of excellence in Plastic Surgery.
  • Comprehensive curriculum: Engage with an extensive, regularly updated curriculum grounded in the latest evidence-based literature, ensuring you stay at the forefront of aesthetic surgery.
  • World-class faculty: Learn from an internationally recognised faculty of leaders in education and research, supported by a dedicated team of clinical lecturers committed to providing the best possible student experience in aesthetic surgery.
  • Research opportunities: Collaborate directly with experienced academics to develop a new research project or contribute to existing studies, with a focus on clinical applicability and career advancement.
  • Global research collaborations: If based outside the UK, you can participate in research collaborations with local institutions, expanding your impact and network.
  • Patient-centred approach: Develop a mindset rooted in evidence-based practice, with patient safety as the central focus of all aesthetic surgical procedures.
  • Professional networking: Build a robust network with fellow professionals, laying the foundation for future innovations and collaborations in the field.

The foundation of your career

In an increasingly competitive landscape, a qualification of this calibre from a world-leading institution will distinguish you from other practitioners. It provides clinicians with a significant advantage when seeking advanced training programmes in aesthetic surgery. Additionally, this qualification opens doors for you to contribute to the delivery of specialised short courses or engage in research in aesthetic surgery, should you choose to pursue this career path.

Employability

With the potential introduction of new regulations and guidelines in aesthetics, our programme will equip you with a professional competence framework in aesthetic surgery. You will graduate with enhanced core skills, including critical thinking, scholarly writing, independent learning, and a solid grounding in the scientific method, all of which will benefit your current and future career.

As a graduate, you may also have the opportunity to return to the programme as a tutor or supervisor, contributing to the next generation of aesthetic surgeons. Many of our graduates go on to present at national and international conferences and publish in leading journals within the growing field of aesthetic surgery. If you intend to pursue further education, such as obtaining a PhD, our international team of lecturers and tutors will provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Networking

Our programme offers regular networking opportunities, including events featuring expert speakers, where you can gain valuable insights and connect with leaders in the field. We encourage students to enhance their skills and expand their professional networks by attending and participating in conferences, providing further opportunities to engage with the broader aesthetics community.

Teaching and learning

In a typical week, you will study 2-3 topics through live online lectures, pre-recorded content, and online resources. Each topic requires up to two hours of engagement with lectures and materials, plus an equal amount of time for independent study, formative and summative assessments, and participation in online Q&A sessions.

There will be one face-to-face teaching day per core module in Terms 1 and 2, plus 2.5 days of face-to-face cadaver-based interactive training during Terms 2 and 3 for pathway-specific modules. This hands-on experience, taught through simulations and work with cadavers, is a rich opportunity to work in small groups with peers and experienced surgical and technical instructors.

We use a variety of formative and summative assessments, which include:

  • scenario-based online quizzes
  • peer-marking
  • coursework
  • e-poster presentation
  • virtual oral presentation
  • critical reflective case study
  • critical appraisal of existing literature
  • Objective Structured Clinical and Practical Examination (OSCPE).

Your weekly schedule will depend on the duration of your programme.

  • On the one-year, full-time programme, you will have approximately 12 hours of teaching and 10 hours of independent learning a week.
  • On the two-year, part-time programme, you will have approximately six hours of teaching and five hours of independent learning a week.
  • During the cadaver-based interactive session you will have six to nine hours of teaching a day.

The research project spans the entire academic year (or two years for part-time students). From November, you will meet regularly with your research supervisors to discuss progress and receive feedback. You will have opportunities to present your work to supervisors and peers and gain peer feedback.

A Postgraduate Diploma will be offered on successful completion of five taught modules (all core modules plus two pathway specific).

Modules

On the full-time programme, you will complete five taught modules: two in term one and three in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected in campus sessions as outlined below:

  • One and a half days in term one (the half-day is for induction).
  • One day in term two.
  • Two sets of cadaver-based interactive trainings each belonging to one module and involving two and a half days of on-campus sessions. One set will be delivered in term two while the other set will be delivered after the Easter break.

The remainder of the academic year is used for assessment and examinations. All assessments are designed so they can be completed virtually except for the Objective Structured Clinical and Practical Examination (OSCPE) for two of the taught modules. This exam normally runs in one day for both modules during term three and you are expected to attend the college for this purpose.

You will also conduct a research project throughout the year. You will normally submit your summative assessments for this module in July or early August.

Please note that we continually review and improve our modules and that the content of our website is prepared in advance so the above information may be subject to change. Exact dates of on-campus sessions will be provided to all students at the start of the academic year.

On the part-time programme, you will complete five taught modules over two years.

Year one

You will complete two modules in term one, and one module in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected on campus sessions as outlined below:

  • one and a half days in term one (the half day is for induction)
  • one day in term two.

Year two

You will take the remaining two taught modules in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected on campus sessions as outlined below:

  • Two sets of cadaver-based interactive trainings each belonging to one module and involving two and a half days of on-campus sessions. One set will be delivered in term two while the other set will be delivered after the Easter break.

The remainder of the academic year is used for assessment and examinations. All assessments are designed so they can be completed virtually except for the OSCPE for two of the taught modules. This exam normally runs in one day for both modules during term three and you are expected to attend the college for this purpose.

You will also conduct a research project throughout year two. You will normally submit your summative assessments for this module in July or early August.

Please note that we continually review and improve our modules and that the content of our website is prepared in advance so the above information may be subject to change. Exact dates of in campus sessions will be provided to all students at the start of the academic year.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

There are two specialist pathways for students to choose from: MS Aesthetic Surgery and MS in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MS in Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery). Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery).

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £16,000 £8,000
Tuition fees (2025/26) £33,000 £16,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

We aim to minimise the additional costs to students beyond your tuition fees. However, please be aware of the following costs that you are expected to meet.

  • Travel to other sites: this may be needed during your study for the allocated dates that you come to the college. Find out about the cost of public transport at Transport for London.
  • Textbooks: the library has a range of books that can be borrowed, and some books may have an online copy. You may decide to purchase your own textbooks or print course documents to support your individual learning. For this, we suggest allowing approximately £250 per year.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

We require the following documentations before we can consider your application:

  • Any relevant degree certificates
  • Transcripts of your studies to date
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement or statement of purpose that should include:
    • Your reasons for choosing UCL and MS in Aesthetic Surgery.
    • What particularly attracts you to our programme.
    • Any relevant work experience you have in aesthetic surgery.
    • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme.
    • Your future aspiration and how our programme can help you achieve it.
  • Two academic references with the following notes:
    • Correct details of your referees.
    • Email addresses should end with an institutional domain. We do not accept references from personal email addresses.
  • Proof of your English language ability if English in not your first language.

We will contact your referees directly.

Please ensure all your supporting documents are in English. For non-English documents, please provide an official certified English translation.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.