Surgical Opportunities for Undergraduates
QUB opportunities
All students in Year 5 will get access to the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng) Virtual Learning Environment and will have the opportunity to complete the RCSEng Systematic Training in Acute Illness Recognition and Treatment (START) course.
The Magrath Prize is an optional MCQ exam followed by clinical exam for highest performing students on the MCQs.
Queen's University Belfast's official Surgical Society is QUB Scrubs.
External opportunities
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) runs a Surgical Skills Competition each year. QUB Year 5 student Laura Saunders won RCSEd & Medtronic Student Surgical Skills Competition Grand Final in 2025!
RCSEd also offers Cardiothoracic Surgery Placements for Undergraduates.
Learning resources
Various resources are available via RCSEng and RCSEd.
Our recommended textbook is "Principles and Practice of Surgery". The latest edition of this book is available as hard copy but can be viewed electronically via the QUB library.
Surgical Podcasts are also a good way to learn and can fit in with your daily routine (e.g. listening when commuting to placement). Some recommended Podcasts include School of Surgery and Behind The Knife.