This quality educational resource is accessible through virtual learning environments (VLEs) supported by the University of Edinburgh. The courses cover key pillars of surgical writing, editing, publishing and evidence based surgical practice.
For more information please contact: infosurgicalwriting@ed.ac.uk or visit the website.
The credit from our part-time online surgical courses can be accumulated and contribute towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Writing and Evidence Based Surgical Practice which will commence in September 2024.
The programme is delivered fully online using methods supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.
The programme consists of two 10 credit courses and two 20 credit courses. All 4 courses (60 credits) are required to complete the certificate. Alternatively, you can opt to take individual courses as Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD). Learn more about our PPD courses here.
How to Write a Manuscript
10 credits
Supported by experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team supporting the two journals (BJS and BJS Open) of the BJS Foundation, The ‘How to Write a Manuscript’ course will enable the student to construct a research paper and understand the fundamentals of submitting a manuscript for publication.
Reviewing the Evidence Base
10 credits
This course will allow you to take your academic writing skills to the next level.
Supported by experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team supporting the two journals (BJS and BJS Open) of the BJS Foundation, the ‘Reviewing the Evidence Base’ course will enable the student to write a paper and optimise publication strategies.
More specifically the following areas will be considered:
Understanding Publication and Peer Review
20 credits
Understanding Publication and Peer Review addresses the skills required in editing and reviewing of manuscripts submitted for publication. The course will enable you to develop a deep understanding of critical appraisal and editing skills. You will work both in groups and individually, supported by experienced tutors from the University of Edinburgh and the editorial team of the BJS Foundation. Learning objectives are articulated through group work, self-directed online study, ongoing feedback, course-specific resource lists, recorded presentations and participation in online discussion boards.
Evidence Based Practice - launching April 2025
20 credits
Evidence Based Practice addresses the planning and execution of an evidence-based manuscript. This course will involve greater self-direction than earlier courses within the PgCert Programme. Learning objectives are articulated through regular contact with tutors, ongoing feedback, self-directed online study, online resources, helpdesks, webinars, and a course specific resource list.
Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Writing and Evidence Based Surgical Practice - launched September 2024
60 credits
Entry Requirements
For more information, please visit the website.
Martyn is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Honorary Associate Professor of Surgery in Swansea, and holds an Honorary Senior Lectureship with the University of Edinburgh Department of Surgery. He has a long-held interest in academic publishing having started his Editorial career initially as a Junior Editor and then as a full Editor with the journal Colorectal Disease in 2011. Since 2018 he has been an Editor with BJS, and regularly teaches internationally on the subject surgical writing.
Susan is Programme Director for the PgCert in Surgical Writing and Evidence Based Surgery and Quality Assurance Director for the Deanery of Clinical Sciences.
She has a research, clinical and educational background with a BSc in Pharmacology, a PhD in Molecular Biology, a Batchelor of Midwifery and a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice.
Susan is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.
Jennifer Liedtke joined the team in 2024 as the programme administrator. Jennifer has been working for the University of Edinburgh as a programme administrator since 2020. She has a vast knowledge of the University systems and student experiences and can offer advice and guidance to students relating to the courses they are enrolled on and any other administrative matters. Jennifer works closely with the Programme Director and helps with the smooth running of each course .
Professor Garden was appointed as Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in October 1988, to a Personal Chair in Hepatobiliary Surgery in 1997 and the Regius Chair of Clinical Surgery in 2000. He served as Dean International, Global Community from 2016 until 2021. He stood down as Director of Edinburgh Surgery Online in September 2022 and as Programme Director of PgCert Programme Surgical Writing and Evidence Based Practice in August 2024.
For more information visit here
The collaboration between the BJS Foundation and the University of Edinburgh underpins BJS Academy’s mission to provide an accessible hub to support the professional development of surgeons worldwide.
The BJS Foundation’s strategic partners can access academic opportunities provided by BJS Institute, as well as bursaries to offset course fees.
In 2007, Edinburgh Surgery Online launched its first online masters programme. The pioneering three-year MSc in Surgical Sciences was established to support professional and academic development in the early years of surgical training. It was recognised for its innovation and excellence by the Queen’s Anniversary Award for Higher and Further Education in 2013.
The successful launch of a two- year ChM in General Surgery in September 2011 to support advanced surgical trainees was soon followed by ChM’s in Urology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, as well as Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.An MSc in Primary Care Ophthalmology and ChM in Clinical Ophthalmology were developed to support optometrists, other allied health care professionals and ophthalmologists in training.The most recent MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors launched in 2018, recruiting a wide range of graduate health care professionals.
The highly popular programmes have enrolled over 500 students each year.A total of 2, 423 students from 76 countries have registered across the eight online masters programmes, which have seen over 1000 students and trainee surgeons graduate.Global outreach has increased considerably in recent years and is now underpinned by a large scholarship programme.In 2021 this provided full funding to 70 postgraduate students in low - and middle - income countries.
