MSc in Clinical Oral Surgery (Part Time)
The MSc in Clinical Oral Surgery is designed for dental professionals seeking to advance their surgical skills and expertise in oral surgery. Awarded by Ulster University and delivered by the College of Medicine and Dentistry, the programme offers a comprehensive education with flexibility and accessible learning.
Do you have specific questions?
Have us call you back
Overview
Oral surgery is essential to modern dental practice, particularly in managing complex cases involving tooth extraction, implant placement, pathology, and trauma. With a growing demand for more advanced surgical skills in dentistry, this MSc prepares clinicians to tackle the challenges of modern oral surgery, from routine procedures to more complex surgical interventions.
The overall aim of the MSc programme is to deliver sound teaching in the theory and safe practice of oral surgery. The programme aims to train practitioners to gain competency and adopt reflective practice as well as provide opportunities for research and further development.
The specific programme aims are to:
- Provide evidence-based teaching in the theory and practice of oral surgery
- Provide opportunities for personal and professional development
- Introduce and encourage research amongst practitioners which contributes to the enhancement of research in oral surgery
- Develop an understanding of safe practice of oral surgery and aftercare
- Develop competent and reflective practitioners
The programme aims to enhance students’ abilities to confidently diagnose and treat patients with oral surgical problems, including the management of impacted teeth, cysts, benign oral pathology, and minor oral surgical procedures. Through a learner-centred, practice-oriented approach, it equips General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) with the theoretical foundation and clinical proficiency necessary to deliver care in the field of oral surgery.
For students registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), the programme provides supervised clinical training with an opportunity to treat patients in state-of-the-art facilities at our Dental Hospital in central Birmingham.
Students who are not registered with the GDC can still pursue the programme. They complete their cases in their respective countries where they hold dental registration and participate in lectures, hands-on sessions, and clinical case-based discussions. This adaptability ensures the programme is accessible to a diverse range of clinicians, fostering a rich and collaborative learning environment.
The programme concludes with the completion of a research project and the submission of a dissertation.
Who is the programme for?
General Dental Practitioners
- Who wish to advance their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in oral surgery.
- Who wish to manage cases requiring oral surgical procedures confidently incorporating evidence based approaches and current best practices.
UK-registered and international dentists
- Open to both, but clinical supervision at our Dental Hospital is only available to the students who hold full registration with the GDC
- Non UK Dentists complete their cases in their respective countries where they hold dental registration, but benefit from case-based discussions
- Flexibility that accommodates professionals wishing to enrol in a master’s programme while maintaining their clinical practice.
- Supervised clinical training for GDC registered clinicians, with opportunities to treat patients in state-of-the-art facilities at the Dental Hospital in central Birmingham.
- Advance scheduling, with timetables provided well in advance to support effective planning for the entire year (subject to minor changes in the event of mitigating circumstances).
- Blended delivery, combining campus-based and online teaching, offering convenience for practitioners managing demanding schedules.
- Expert-led teaching featuring hands-on workshops, interactive online clinical case discussions, chair-side supervision, and small group sessions—all designed to promote evidence-based clinical excellence.
- Surgical training in our exclusive in-house cadaver lab with hands-on access to fresh human cadaver specimens—an invaluable, immersive learning experience Strong multi-disciplinary education with other specialties including periodontics, implant dentistry.
Our programme combines campus-based sessions with online teaching to offer maximum convenience for practitioners balancing demanding schedules. This flexible approach ensures that students can seamlessly integrate advanced academic study with their ongoing professional responsibilities.
Below is the programme structure for MSc in Clinical Oral Surgery at a glance:
Year 1: 1 Face to face teaching block (5 days) plus online teaching
Year 2: 1 Face to face teaching blocks (3 day per block) per year plus online teaching
Year 3: 1 Face to face teaching block (2days) plus online teaching
In addition, GDC registered students can treat patients under supervision on alternate Tuesdays
*This is the typical structure and may be subject to minor change
3 years
English
College of Medicine & Dentistry, Birmingham Campus
Blended
Learning in state-of-the-art facilities taught and supported by UK and US trained experts, graduates of the MSc in Clinical Oral Surgery will be well-prepared for a range of advanced clinical and academic opportunities. The programme is designed to support clinicians on their path toward developing enhanced skills, advancing in private practice, or taking on leadership roles in dental education.
Potential Career Outcomes:
- Oral Surgeon (subject to local registration)
- Private Practice in Oral Surgery
- Clinical academic or researcher in Oral Surgery
- Leadership Roles in societies and academic institutions
Essential Requirements:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent from a recognised institution
- Registration with a recognised dental regulatory body with good standing e.g., GDC in the UK or equivalent international authority
- Evidence of English language proficiency (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For international students an equivalent to IELTS 6 (with no component below 5.5) or other equivalent English language tests
- Two satisfactory references, one of which must be an academic reference.
Additional requirements:
For clinical training, below are additional requirements:
- Evidence of good health
- Evidence of Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance or an equivalent relevant check
- Evidence of indemnity
- Any additional relevant documentation requested by the placement provider
Applicants from countries subject to UK government financial sanctions will undergo an additional financial check to ensure that the funds have not come from or earned in countries subject to sanctions. Applicants not meeting this financial check will not be offered a place on the programme.
Who is the programme suitable for? The programme is suitable for both UK based and overseas dentists who want to enhance their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in oral surgery
What clinical experience I will gain from the programme? You will gain clinical experience by working under supervision at our Dental Hospital located in Birmingham (only for students who hold full registration with the GDC). Non-UK dentists will be engaging in the clinical case-based discussions, which are delivered online.
What is the study schedule like for part-time students? The programme follows a blended learning approach, enabling you to balance your studies with work or personal commitments. Online sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, while face-to-face teaching is delivered in intensive block formats. Additionally, GDC-registered students treat patients under supervision on alternate Tuesdays.
What are the assessments for the programme? Assessment is carried out through a combination of written essays, case portfolios with reflective components, and research projects. Detailed information about the specific assessment methods will be provided in your programme handbook.
How do I apply or get answers to a query I have? You can send your query to contact@comd.org, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Register your interest
You’re about to register your interest for the following course:
Let's recap the eligibility requirements
Let's get to know you
We need some information to make sure we're on the right track..
Thank you for your registration.
You will be contacted shortly.
Great choice
You're about to make an important investment in your own education
Let's recap the eligibility requirements
Payment
We need some information to make sure we're on the right track..
Thank you for your registration.
You will be contacted shortly.