Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Undergraduate and graduate entry medicine

Clinical course

Year 4

The 4th year Surgery course runs from January – June each year, with students spending 4 weeks on Surgery in Oxford. The 4 week placement is split into two 2 week attachments to include a core surgical attachment (Oesophagogastric, Colorectal, Surgical Emergency Unit, Vascular, Hepatopancreaticobiliary) linked to a specialist surgical attachment (Plastics, Urology, Breast, Head & Neck / Endocrine, Transplant). This is supplemented by up to 4 weeks in a surgical department in one of the surrounding hospitals within the Thames Valley (known as Local Education Providers, LEPs).

Whilst on Oxford Surgery students also attend:

  • Seminars (Oncology MDT, Surgical Oncology, Shared Decision Making, Physical Activity)
  • 20 MLA lectures

Resources for current students can be found on Canvas.

In the period in January, there are three Student Selected Themes (SST) led by or supported by NDS:

  • Global Surgery
  • Leadership & Management in the NHS (co-delivered by the Oxford University Hospitals Trust Management Executive)
  • Disaster & Conflict Preparedness

Year 5

Surgical topics covered in 5th year include:

  • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Paediatric surgery
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecological surgery
  • Trauma
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurosurgery

More information on each specialty can be found from the relevant department.

Year 6

The 6th year Surgery course runs from July – December each year, with students spending 4 weeks on Surgery in Oxford. The 4 week placement is split into two 2 week attachments to include a core surgical attachment (Oesophagogastric, Colorectal, Surgical Emergency Unit, Vascular, Hepatopancreaticobiliary) linked to a specialist surgical attachment (Plastics, Urology, Breast, Head & Neck / Endocrine, Transplant). The attachments are assigned keeping in mind those in year 4 to try to ensure a breadth of experience is provided. This is supplemented by up to 4 weeks in a surgical department in one of the surrounding hospitals within the Thames Valley (known as Local Education Providers, LEPs).

Whilst on Oxford Surgery students also attend:

  • 14 Surgery for Finals lectures (October - December)
  • 60 Revision Course lectures (January)

Resources for current students can be found on Canvas.

In addition, students are able to undertake a self-arranged Student Selected Module (SSM) for 2 - 4 weeks in any surgical specialty or surgical education in the period between February and June of the final year (post-Finals assessments). Many students also arrange to have surgical placements during their elective period in year 6, and the Tutors' Office can provide some advice through links with the Global Surgery group.