Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This one-year full-time or two-year part-time master's programme gives you an understanding of applied clinical sciences, research methods and the concepts of oral and maxillofacial surgery. You will gain hands-on practical experience in dentoalveolar surgery, working with UCL's expert clinicians at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospital.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£61,800
£30,900
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

All applicants must hold an approved dental qualification and have a minimum of two years' clinical experience post-qualification.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

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


Our well-established Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery MSc gives you a broad education in the theory of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is the ideal foundation for widening your scope of treatment in dental practice, in preparation for hospital training posts or further training.

The course has a strong balance between taught elements, a research project and practical experience. This means you will have the opportunity to learn research methodology, complete a dissertation and practise hands-on surgical skills and dentoalveolar surgical techniques.

Clinical skills training, held within our new university facilities, helps you develop and refine your surgical skills with access to microscopes and imaging equipment. The clinical, patient-facing aspects of the programme take place just across the road in the new Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospital (ENTED).

You will participate in consultation clinics, local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, and general anaesthetic oral surgery operating sessions.

There are also opportunities to observe inpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery operating procedures. Lectures give you a theoretical knowledge base, and are complemented by interactive seminars, case-based discussions and problem-based learning.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in dentistry and who wish to extend their knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery, learn research methodology and build confidence in hands-on surgical skills and dentoalveolar surgery techniques.

We aim to support the development of oral surgery in other countries, especially where healthcare challenges are different from the UK. We are aware that surgeons in these countries may have to contend with a higher prevalence of untreated disease, limited financial and technical resources, and potentially limited support for specialist surgery.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

  • A broad knowledge of the topic, with opportunities to attend operating sessions, outpatient clinics, lectures, demonstrations, practical clinical skills and seminars. 
  • An understanding of the diagnosis and management of orofacial surgical disease, using investigative techniques.
  • Full involvement in the supervised clinical care of patients.
  • The opportunity to develop and improve your communication skills and proficiency in history taking . 
  • The opportunity to take part in the examination, investigations, diagnosis, treatment planning and hands-on surgical management of cases under local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, or general anaesthesia.
  • The chance to work alongside experienced academics and researchers on a range of often innovative and clinically relevant research projects, to develop your confidence in research including critical appraisal and literature review skills. 
  • A good grounding should you wish to consider further research or academic degrees after graduation. 

The foundation of your career

The programme has an international reputation and has launched many successful careers over the previous decades. You will gain a solid foundation for a range of career options in research, academia, hospital, NHS or private practice. Alumni often become leaders in their field.

UCL is a great place to study because they offer a very holistic way of teaching, combining research, academic and clinical aspects.

Dr Reina Diane Tajonera

Dr Reina Diane Tajonera

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, MSc

Employability

Graduates follow a broad range of career trajectories following graduation, ranging from clinical practice and hospital posts to research and academic careers, with appropriate guidance provided.

If you demonstrate a particular acumen for the research elements of the programme, you might want to consider applying for a PhD postgraduate research degree in the UK or overseas.

If you are inspired by the opportunities of oral surgery and eligible to work in the UK, you may go into NHS or private dental practice. Alternatively, depending on your previous experience, you could apply for competitive NHS clinical training posts, either foundation DCT (Senior House Officer) posts in UK teaching hospitals or specialist registrar training posts to become NHS consultants.

Other graduates of the course have applied directly for specialty doctor/dentist and clinical fellowship posts. Graduates who are already qualified in both dentistry and medicine have successfully obtained competitive specialist registrar training posts, with the aim of becoming hospital consultants.

If you are inspired by the opportunities in maxillofacial surgery, you may consider applying for medical school in the UK, EU, USA or overseas, to work towards a hospital career in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

If you are an overseas student, you may want to continue specialist training, research, teaching, or an academic career in your home country. Alumni often become leaders in their field as their careers progress.

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.

Accreditation

Successful completion of the MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery may be considered as cumulative training and experience when the overall length of your oral surgery specialist training is reviewed.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a mix of online learning resources, lectures, tutorials and interactive teaching sessions, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, self-directed learning, hands-on clinical skills sessions, supervised clinical consultation clinics and surgical procedures under local anaesthetic, conscious sedation, and general anaesthesia.

Assessments vary during the formative learning and summative examination stages, enabling you to develop and refine a range of written and verbal communication skills.

You will receive feedback either verbally or in writing at every opportunity to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

Assessments include:

  • Multiple choice questions, short answer questions, extended matching questions, objective structured clinical examinations, direct observation of procedural skills
  • Continual assessment of clinical surgical skills, clinical care of patients and professionalism
  • Clinical case scenario discussions, individual and team activities
  • Oral presentations, to an audience and a pre-recorded online oral presentation
  • Written essays
  • A case report
  • A research project dissertation.

The full-time programme runs over five days (40 hours) a week, and includes an average of:

  • (30-40%) 12-16 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) (clinical lab-based surgical skills during the first term) per week.
  • (30-40%) 12-16 hours per week of supervised clinical activity from term two onwards.
  • (20-30%) 8-12 hours per week of research work and self-directed learning.

The part-time programme runs over three days (24 hours) per week in year one and two days (20 hours) per week in year two. However, exceptions to this pattern include:

  • Daily teaching for your induction during the first two weeks of the programme. This is usually the last week in September and first week in October.
  • Study days for the 'Clinical Science and Research Methods' module in your first term may fall on days when a part-time student would not normally be in attendance. This will be specified in the timetable.
  • The 'Implant' course is held over one week in year one – usually the second week in November.
  • UCL examination dates.

In year one, the three days are made up of an average of:

  • (50%) 12 hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) (clinical lab-based surgical skills during the first term) per week.
  • (25%) six hours per week of supervised clinical activity from term two onwards.
  • (25%) six hours per week of independent study and self-directed learning.

In year two, the two days are made up of an average of:

  • (25%) four hours of teaching (lectures, tutorials) per week.
  • (50%) eight hours per week of supervised clinical activity.
  • (25%) four hours per week of research work and self-directed learning.

Modules

Full-time students complete seven compulsory modules, including the research dissertation, in one academic year.

Modules cover 'Clinical Science and Research Methods', 'Principles of Treatment', 'Clinical Care', 'Theory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery', 'Dento-Alveolar Surgery', and a research dissertation.

Currently, the first two modules are completed in term one. 'Clinical Science and Research Methods', with an emphasis on statistics, prepares you for the research project and dissertation module in the third term. Projects might include a clinical, laboratory or computer informatics-based project.

'Principles of Treatment' is a hands-on, clinical surgical skill lab-based course held at the university, away from the distractions of the clinical environment. This is also completed in term one to prepare you for the patient-facing 'Clinical Care' and 'Dento-Alveolar Surgery' modules over the second and third terms.

'Theory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery' extends across all three terms, culminating in a written essay paper in term three.

Modules are therefore studied concurrently over the length of the programme, and time allocated to each module is not necessarily defined by academic terms.

In the third term, case reports and presentations are submitted, a written essay paper, oral viva examinations are held, and the thesis and oral presentation of the research project are completed.

Part-time students complete the seven compulsory modules over two years.

Modules cover: 'Clinical Science and Research Methods', 'Principles of Treatment', 'Clinical Care', 'Theory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery', 'Dento-Alveolar Surgery', and a research dissertation.

Our current structure targets the completion of four modules in year one and three modules in year two. This appeals to students with current UK part-time dental practice-based employment or family commitments.

Currently, the first two modules are completed in term one. 'Clinical Science and Research Methods', with an emphasis on statistics, prepares you for the research project and dissertation module completed in the second year. Projects might include a clinical, laboratory or computer informatics-based project.

'Principles of Treatment' is a hands-on, clinical surgical skill lab-based course held at the university, away from the distractions of the clinical environment. This is also completed in term one to prepare you for the patient-facing 'Clinical Care' and 'Dento-Alveolar Surgery' modules that take place during the second and third terms of year one and throughout year two.

'Theory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery' extends over two years, culminating in a written essay paper in term three of the second year.

In the final term of the second year, case reports and presentations are submitted, oral viva examinations are held, and the thesis and oral presentation of the research project are completed.

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. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Accessibility

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

Where you'll study

Welcome to UCL Eastman Dental Institute

We are a world-leading, academic centre for postgraduate dentistry and translational research. We offer high-quality postgraduate education, including Master's degrees, speciality training, certificates, diplomas, research degrees and CPD courses. Our clinically-intensive programmes are led by international specialists. As a world-class research centre, we are continually improving systemic and oral health by developing novel treatments, therapies, diagnostics and smart materials. Our new state-of-the-art facilities at Bloomsbury campus ensure that our students, researchers and academics have exceptional access to patients and opportunities for education and research. The UCLH Eastman Dental Hospital is part of the largest hospital in Europe specialising in complex oral health care and advanced ear, nose and throat treatments.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry PG Cert

This is an opportunity to learn what is taught and how it is taught in the lectures and hands-on training of UCL's flagship Aesthetic Dentistry Degree Programme. This clinical programme is tailored for dentists at any point in their career who would like to confidently treat aesthetic interdisciplinary cases, with the latest techniques and materials and with user-friendly predictable protocols for their daily practice. Speaker: Dr. Konstantina Dina Dedi DipDS, MS, FACP

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Periodontology (distance-learning) MSc

The MSc Periodontology is a three-year blended-learning programme that offers busy dental practitioners the chance to learn the latest techniques in Periodontology. It combines flexible online learning with compressed residential components in London. We will present the programme structure, the virtual environment and examples of learning activities, including some of the practical elements delivered during the residential weeks. Speakers: Prof Jacopo Buti and Dr Inbar Eshkol-Yogev.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750
Tuition fees (2024/25) £61,800 £30,900

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

Fee deposits for this programme are as follows: UK full-time and part-time students £2,500; Overseas full-time and part-time students £5,000.

  • Travel and accommodation in London throughout the programme.
  • A personal computer / laptop is useful, though UCL computers are available on campus.
  • You may wish to purchase textbooks, though recommended textbooks on the reading list are available to borrow from the library or accessible online.
  • Optional printing of lecture handouts and peer-reviewed articles, which are also available online.
  • Hospital uniform: laundered theatre scrubs are provided daily at the hospital to wear on clinic and in the operating theatres, but you will need your own clogs or plain white or black trainers.
  • Extracurricular attendance at seminars or conferences, if you wish to attend. These events usually offer a student discount.

If presenting UCL research work at a conference, you may be eligible to apply for the Eastman Conference fund.

This programme requires a completed DBS check for some compulsory modules. You will receive more information from UCL on how to complete the check once you have firmly accepted an unconditional offer for the programme. The DBS application cost will be covered by UCL, but offer holders will also need to have their ID checked and verified at a Post Office, for which they will incur a charge of £15.00. The offer holder is also required to arrange and pay for any overseas police check that may be necessary; costs vary by country. For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the UCL Graduate Admissions team.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

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

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 Eastman Dental Institute programmes of £120 for online applications and £145 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • why you want to study oral and maxillofacial surgery at graduate level
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • what is your source of funding and is this something you have applied for already
  • what is your previous experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • what is your aim after completion of this master's degree and how do you expect this qualification to help you.

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.

What happens next?

If you are shortlisted, we shall invite you for an online interview to assess your understanding of the discipline, your professional values, your strengths, motivations, interests, and communication skills.

What qualities are we looking for?

In addition to an enjoyment of academic learning and research:

  • An understanding of professional integrity and a commitment to patient care.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Good manual dexterity and an ability to follow surgical guidance.
  • An understanding of the values of teamwork, safety, and improvement.
  • Always treating others with compassion, kindness, dignity, and respect, ensuring patient-centred care, listening, and responding to the specific needs of individuals.

Further requirements if accepted.

Working with the public, you will be subject to screening by UCL Occupational Health and through the Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will need to consent to vaccinations to protect yourself and your patients.

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: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.