Unlock Super-Specialization With MCh Degree

Updated on 29 December, 2023

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

MCh degree or Master Chirurgiae (Master of Surgery) is a highly advanced degree for surgeons. MCh medical degree is the highest postgraduate qualification in the realm of surgical science. This program offers the surgical trainees the essential academic and scientific research capabilities to go into higher surgical training programs and academic surgery

Types of MCh Degree

The Magister Chirurgiae (MCh Degree) offers specialization in various categories, including Neurosurgery, Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Urology. It is dedicated to providing advanced research and technical skills in the field of surgical science. This program is tailored for junior doctors and healthcare professionals and is recognized as a global postgraduate course."

These programs are rigorous and immersive, providing students with extensive training in a specific surgical discipline. Depending on the chosen specialization, most full-time MCh programs typically require three to five years for completion. These programs encompass a blend of classroom instruction, clinical rotations, research projects, and real-world training. 

MCh Degree: Offered Specialisations

In each MCh degree, candidates must choose a specialization according to their preference, determining the coursework, study structure, and clinical focus. There are several popular specializations available within this degree, including

  1. Cardiology
  2. Cardiac Anesthesiology
  3. Gastroenterology
  4. Endocrinology
  5. Hematology and Hematopathology
  6. Neonatology
  7. Medical Oncology
  8. Nephrology
  9. Pediatric Neurology
  10. Neonatology
  11. Neuroanesthesiology
  12. Neuroradiology
  13. Neurology
  14. Neurosurgery
  15. Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery
  16. Pediatric Surgery
  17. Trauma Surgery
  18. Orthopedic Surgery

Each of these specializations tailors the MCh program to focus on the specific needs and expertise required within the chosen field.

MCh Degree Admission Process and Eligibility Criteria

  • International universities may establish their admission requirements, which can range from International Training Fellowships to completing a country-specific medical council examination.
  • Regarding general prerequisites, prospective students must furnish English language proficiency scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, along with a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) when applying to overseas universities.
  • For admission into an MCh program at an international university, applicants are typically required to be registered medical practitioners and attain a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in each subject.
  • Additionally, candidates aiming to practice medicine in the United Kingdom must undergo postgraduate medical studies and complete the Professional and Linguistics. Assessments Board (PLAB 1 and 2) tests to demonstrate their medical knowledge and competencies. In addition to possessing a medical degree, it is a prerequisite to either be registered with the General Medical Council for employment in the UK or to have successfully secured an International Training Fellowship. Furthermore, verifiable clinical proficiency and a certain level of surgical experience are essential qualifications.

MCh Degree Entrance Exams

1.To pursue an MCh surgery program overseas, you need to meet the standard admission criteria, which include the following:

  • To seek admission, you can opt for either the GRE or IELTS examination.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6 is required for eligibility.
  • Applicants must hold a valid student visa.
  • Admission consideration requires a Bachelor's degree in relevant disciplines with a minimum GPA of 60%.
  • Medical qualifications such as MBBS and MRCS or equivalent postgraduate degrees like MS or DNB are necessary.
  • Recent work experience in the field of orthopedic surgery is preferred.

2.The following documents are necessary for this degree program:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae
  • 10th Standard Marksheet
  • 12th Standard Marksheet
  • Post-Graduate Marksheet (MBBS and MRCS or equivalent postgraduate degrees such as MS or DNB), including all semester mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets, and graduation certificates.
  • Recent work experience proof in the general or any surgical field.
  • Passport-sized photographs in PDF format
  • IELTS/TOEFL Scorecard
  • GRE/GMAT Scorecard
  • Letters of Recommendation (As per the university's requirements)
  • College Essay/Statement of Purpose
  • Extra-Curricular Certificates (if applicable)
  • Work Experience Documents (if applicable)
  • Entrance Examination for MCh Degree Abroad

3.Entrance tests for MCh(Medicine) at foreign universities include:

  • UCAT exam
  • NEET-SS exam
  • MCAT exams
  • GRE/IELTS exam.

Top Universities for Offering MCh Degree Abroad 

University Information
Harvard University

World Rank: 4

Global Score:100

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

University of California San Francisco

World Rank: 6

Global Score: 83.9

Location: San Francisco, USA

University College London

World Rank:9

Global Score: 84.4

Location: London, United Kingdom

University of Pennsylvania

World Rank:12

Global Score: 84.0

Location: Philadelphia,  USA

University of Toronto

World Rank: 21

Global Score: 83.8 

Location: Toronto, Canada

Johns Hopkins University

World Rank:28

Global Score: 84.7

Location: Baltimore, USA

University of Michigan

World Rank:33

Global Score: 83.4

Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA

University of Amsterdam

World Rank: 60

Global Score: 76.8 

Location: Amsterdam Netherlands

University of Washington Seattle

World Rank: 63

Global Score:86.6

Location: Seattle, United States

University of Pittsburgh

World Rank:222

Global Score:75.6

Location: Pittsburgh, USA

Career Options After MCh Degree

Since surgeons take MCh degree, they become specialist surgeons in their chosen field. They work in the private and public sector. Many also take up researcher and scientist roles.

Learn More About Medical Courses Abroad:

FAQs

What is the basic eligibility for an MCh degree course?

Prospective candidates should hold a Professional Master's degree in the field of medical science, such as MS, MD, DNB, or an equivalent qualification.

Which is higher MD or MCh degree?

Upon graduation, you earn an MD in medicine or an MS in general surgery. To become a specialist in your chosen field, you must pursue a DM (Doctorate of Medicine) for medical specialties and an MCh for recognized surgical specialties. In essence, MD/MS degrees are equivalent, as are DM/MCh qualifications.

What is an MCh full-form in medical degree?

The degree program known as Master of Chirurgiae, often abbreviated as M.Ch., is a postgraduate program in the field of medical science. The term "Magister Chirurgiae" originates from Latin and translates to "Master of Surgery."

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Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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