Start Your Career in Surgery or Dentistry
Your student years are the perfect time to explore where a career in surgery or dentistry could take you.
Discover different specialties, develop practical skills, meet surgeons and dentists, take part in educational opportunities and start building the knowledge and experience you'll need for your future career.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or already planning your next stage, RCSEd can help you understand what's ahead and find opportunities to support your development.
Resources for Students
Find guidance and learning resources to help you make informed decisions about your surgical or dental career and prepare for the next stage of your journey.
How to Become a Surgeon: Career Advice for School Pupils
Interested in a future career in surgery? Find out how to become a surgeon in the UK, from medical school and qualifications to surgical training. Explore careers in surgery with RCSEd.
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Surgical Career Advice for Medical Students
Explore a career in surgery as a medical student. Find surgical experience, portfolio advice, courses, opportunities and support from RCSEd.
Learn moreDevelop Your Surgical or Dental Skills
Start building practical skills and confidence while you're still at university.
Take part in surgical and dental skills opportunities, explore clinical practice and develop skills that can help you prepare for your future career.
RCSEd National Surgical Skills Competition
The RCSEd national surgical skills competition offers medical students the opportunity to demonstrate their surgical skills through a series of tests, competing against their peers from across the UK in a national setting.
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RCSEd National Dental Skills Competition
The RCSEd national dental skills competition offers dental students from across the UK and Ireland the chance to demonstrate their dental skills and represent their dental school in a national competition.
Learn moreCourses for Medical and Dental Students
Develop your knowledge and practical skills through courses and learning opportunities designed to support your development.
Whether you're looking to develop your clinical skills, explore a specialty or learn more about surgery and dentistry, find a course that's right for you.
Edinburgh Surgery Online - Postgraduate Programmes
Run in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Surgery Online suite of Postgraduate eLearning programmes offers a range of options for surgeons at various stages of their training.
Browse here
Looking for Your Next Learning Opportunity
Explore upcoming courses, events and educational opportunities.
View all coursesUnderstand Your Future Examinations
As you progress from university into postgraduate training, examinations will become an important part of your career journey.
Start familiarising yourself with the examinations you'll encounter and understand how they fit into your future training and professional development.
The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exam is aimed at surgical trainees, testing core surgical competencies and knowledge. It is a crucial step towards specialty training.
The Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) exam is designed for dentists in the early stages of their careers, assessing essential knowledge and skills for modern dental practice.
MRCS Exam
Planning a career in surgery? Find out about the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons examination and how it fits into surgical training.
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MFDS Exam
Planning a career in dentistry? Find out about the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery examination and how it can support your postgraduate development.
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Prepare for Your Exams
When you're ready, find examination preparation courses, resources, dates and booking information.
Start preparingStudent Membership
You don't have to wait until you graduate to become part of the RCSEd community.
Join as an Affiliate and start building connections, developing your skills and accessing opportunities that can support you throughout your career.
Surgical Affiliate Network
Are you a student, foundation doctor or trainee? Affiliate with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and we will lead and support you at every step of your career journey. Being part of our affiliate network will also give you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities that you might otherwise miss out on.
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Dental Affiliate Network
As you progress in your study, complete your training, or prepare for your MFDS or Specialty Membership Examinations, having the right support is crucial. RCSEd is here to help you shape your dental career progression and offer you a wide range of resources for training, Membership and Fellowship Examinations and development opportunities.
Join nowStudent Events & Learning Opportunities
Being part of the RCSEd student community gives you opportunities to meet other students, learn from experienced surgeons and dentists and explore different areas of the profession.
Events
The College offers a wide range of educational events for surgical and dental students interested in surgery. These sessions offer early insight into clinical practice, training pathways and specialist areas, helping you build knowledge, skills and confidence as you begin your surgical journey.
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Webinars
The College’s ongoing programme of webinars is an important resource for those looking to consolidate their knowledge and understanding or stay updated with the latest developments in their chosen field. The webinars cover a wide range of specialties and disciplines while providing a convenient remote learning opportunity.
Explore hereI'm an International Student
Understand UK training pathways, examinations and eligibility and discover support for international medical and dental professionals.
Explore international support
Plan Your Surgical and Dental Career Journey
Your career journey starts at medical or dental school and develops through education, training, examinations and professional development. Understanding what comes next can help you make informed decisions about your future.