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Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery MSc

London, Hampstead (Royal Free Hospital)

Gain core knowledge and understanding of the latest plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques on this highly innovative MSc, the only programme in burns, plastic, and reconstructive surgery currently available. Work with the latest technologies, learn from world-leading experts, and emerge with the sought-after skills and translations knowledge to carry out your own clinically applied research.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£24,100
£12,050
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
£19,900
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A medical degree (MBBS) or a minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a related subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. In addition overseas students require the standard level of proficiency in the English language.

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.

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


The programme is designed to give you a robust understanding of the fundamentals of scientific and clinical research within plastic and reconstructive surgery.

You will develop laboratory, critical analysis, and synthetic research skills to take forward into your career and gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical needs of patients requiring this speciality. The core curriculum includes burns, military, and reconstructive plastic surgery, and will give you a unique insight into the unmet needs of reconstructive patients.

Depending on your choice of optional modules, you can follow a science-based route with interdisciplinary subjects such as tissue engineering, biomaterials, and the application of stem cells. Alternatively, you can focus on clinical skills modules such as microsurgery, robotics skills and evidence-based systematic reviews.

An in-depth research project is an integral component of the programme, and you will have the opportunity to investigate cutting-edge projects, opening up opportunities for further research and publications.

Who this course is for

This programme is aimed at trainee plastic surgeons (FY 1/2 core surgical), clinicians and scientists who wish to specialise in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as healthcare professionals. We are unable to consider applications for intercalated study.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

  • The opportunity to study on the only MSc programme in burns, plastic, and reconstructive surgery currently available, which addresses a national and international need.
  • Insights and supervision from renowned consultants based at the Royal Free Hospital and other specialist centres, including renowned scientist from UCL.
  • The chance to attend and learn at one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe.
  • The Division of Surgery & Interventional Science is made up of nearly 400 people, from surgeons and oncologists to clinical trials specialists and researchers. It aims to understand the causes of human disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve quality of life.
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

This MSc focuses on theoretical knowledge, alongside hands-on surgical training and applied research. You have the opportunity to acquire technical and laboratory-based skills. Consultant plastic surgeons from both military and civilian backgrounds present lectures, giving you access to one-to-one contact and a multitude of networking opportunities.

According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey (2018-2022), around 89% of our Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery graduates reported being in work or postgraduate study, with a large majority of those in work taking up highly skilled roles.

I've seen myself really improve throughout the programme. I've done things that I would never be able to do somewhere else.

Ioanna Dimasi

Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MSc

Hear from our students

Employability

Establishing a career in surgery is becoming very competitive. Students on this programme benefit from the latest knowledge and experience in this expanding field. On completion, graduates find they are in a better position to secure placements due to the wide exposure they have had to emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, regenerative medicine, and speciality plastic surgery.

According to the HESA survey, our MSc Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery graduates have gone on to work for a range of NHS Hospital Trusts, as well as hospitals in Germany, Switzerland and the Middle East, and ministries of health. Their roles are as General Practitioners (GPs), specialist medical practitioners, natural and social science professionals, and teaching professionals, including in higher education institutions.

This MSc also provides you with an excellent foundation for further research, either at MD or PhD level, or for a career as a clinician or healthcare professional within this surgical speciality.

Networking

There are regular networking opportunities, including events where you can hear from expert speakers. We encourage students to broaden their skills and expand their networks by attending and participating at conferences.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a mix of online lectures, clinical demonstrations, formative assessments, research appraisals, journal clubs, practical sessions, and group discussions.

During the residential weeks, hands-on clinical skills are taught on campus.

To aid independent study, students have access to online reading materials, books, and journals through UCL's library facilities.

You will be assessed by coursework essays, online oral and video presentations, case studies, formative direct observation, and a research project dissertation (written thesis), followed by an oral examination.

Teaching for full-time students is roughly 12 hours per week (stacked towards the end of the week) over the first two terms. You will also spend time on independent learning so that your time commitment is roughly equivalent to a full-time job.

Part-time students have around six hours of teaching each week and will also spend time learning independently, to about half the intensity of full-time study.

On the flexible route, your hours vary according to the number of modules you are studying. You can expect roughly three contact hours per module per week, plus some further hours of self-directed learning.

You will dedicate a significant amount of time to preparing for assessments. Your total time requirement for the MSc will be around 1,800 hours to pass the course successfully.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is offered in Flexible/Modular mode only, over a maximum of two years. The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits).

Modules

This programme has three core modules plus three optional modules, and a 90-credit research project (to be completed between January and July).

Taught modules are delivered in person through a mixture of pre-prepared resources, such as lectures and tutorials, and synchronous sessions, including Q&As, discussions and group study sessions. These run across the first two terms until Easter.

Of the three hands-on skills modules, two are delivered at the Griffin Institute and one is delivered at UCL Royal Free campus.

In year one, you will complete the three core modules: 'Burns & Military Wounds', 'Plastic Surgery' and 'Research Methodology', plus at least one optional module.

In year two, you will select your remaining optional modules and your research project.

The timetable follows a full-time structure, and you must be available to attend the modules you are registered for whenever they are delivered.

You can select as many or as few modules as you like each year. The timetable follows a full-time structure, and you must be available to attend the modules you are registered for whenever they are delivered.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules




Performing Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Part 1)

Performing Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Part 2)





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.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits for the MSc. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive 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.

Where you'll study

Medical lamp and equipment

As world leaders in medical and biomedical research, we design innovative courses for clinicians and scientists that meet new patient and industry needs. These are led by some of the greatest scientific minds, so you get a research-based learning experience. Our cutting-edge expertise ensures that you will be taught the latest techniques using the most advanced equipment. Our activities are split across three sites. Our Department of Targeted Intervention is based at Bloomsbury campus in central London. Our Department of Surgical Biotechnology is based at the Royal Free campus in Hampstead. Our Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science is based at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north-west London.

Learn more about Surgery & Interventional Science

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery MSc

Join us for an informative online session where you'll get an in-depth overview of our MSc Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery programme. Following the overview, you'll have the chance to engage in a Q&A session with our programme lead and a current student, giving you the perfect opportunity to ask questions and gain firsthand perspectives.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation MSc

Join us for the UCL Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation MSc virtual open day! This programme explores the underlying scientific principles of physical therapy. You will gain first-hand experience in clinical application of the rehabilitation techniques delivered by specialists at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. Ideal for those passionate about advancing their careers in physical therapy. Don't miss out—register now to learn more and ask your questions!

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health MSc

Join us for the online Graduate Open Event for the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health. Discover how our programme covers sports injury management, exercise physiology, and chronic disease prevention. Hear from programme leads and current students, and explore career opportunities in sports and exercise medicine. Ideal for those with a primary degree in medicine, physiotherapy, or sports science. Don't miss this chance to learn more and ask questions!

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £24,100 £12,050
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800 £19,900

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

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.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

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.

This programme does not provide clinical observation and honorary contracts with the NHS are not required. Students need to cover any fees levied by the NHS if they decide to apply for one.

Some travel will be required to sites such as the Griffin Institute in Harrow and our Royal Free Campus in Hampstead. Find out about the cost of using public transport at Transport for London.

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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

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

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at graduate level
  • why you want to study Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

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

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
Division of Surgery and Interventional Science

dsis.bprs@ucl.ac.uk

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