About the course
This unique course enables specialist registrars to acquire a scientific and analytical approach to orthopaedic practice, and engenders a class of orthopaedic surgeon with a depth and breadth of skills, knowledge and attitude based on a solid foundation of science and clinical expertise.
The postgraduate certificate aims, in exceptional circumstances, to allow those who withdraw from study at the end of one year to exit with an award for demonstrating a limited range of science, clinical skills, service delivery and research awareness.
The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary
For non-native speakers of English:
7 overall, 7 in writing.
Degree and/or experience:
Usually Specialist Registrar or senior non-training grade in trauma and orthopaedics. Applications will be welcome from other senior members of the trauma and orthopaedic team. All students must take part in dissection and attend the clinical skills workshops. Please note that due to the teaching structure this course is only open to SpRs on the South East Thames rotation.
Course structure
The course is designed for part-time study and is delivered on Wednesday afternoons each week with 14 mandatory skills days taught throughout the year. The taught component is delivered over a two-year rolling programme with Year 1 and Year 2 students studying modules together. Students will normally be expected to be working as an SpR or in a senior non-training post in trauma and orthopaedics. All applicants will be expected to undertake dissection. Teaching staff are nationally and internationally renowned experts and provide a broad range of learning experiences through lectures, student presentations, group work and discussion. Throughout the course, confirmed employment in relevant clinical activity is crucial in integrating the acquired science and clinical skills into the reality of clinical practice.
Areas of study
The underpinning science for trauma and orthopaedics will cover: gross and microscopic anatomy (presented specifically for this clinical setting); relevant physiology including biochemistry, genetics, biomechanics and bioengineering; the pathology and pathophysiology of both acute and chronic conditions; and a clear focus on treatment options. Studies in clinical and surgical techniques will address in detail both assessment and therapeutic approaches.
Syllabus
Year 1
Scientific Basis of Trauma and Orthopaedics
Clinical Skills in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Year 2
Core modules:
Scientific Basis of Trauma and Orthopaedics
Clinical Skills in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Year 3
MSc
Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (may be taken in Year 1 or 2)
Dissertation
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.
What's included in the fee?
When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.
You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.
Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
MSc (PGCert PGDip) Trauma and Orthopaedics
Please contact us directly for exact tuition fees for this course.
Our Falmer campus is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton. Approximately 7,000 students are based here.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Brighton
Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.
Social scene
Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Arts
The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

Sports
Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.
This course prepares students well for undertaking the examinations for entry to the Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons.