The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is proud to host two flagship national competitions that showcase the clinical talent of final-year medical and dental students across the UK and Ireland.
Through the RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition and the RCSEd Dental Skills Competition, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their practical skills, gain national recognition and take part in a unique experience designed to inspire excellence and promote careers in surgery and dentistry.
Both competitions feature regional heats held at participating universities, with top-performing students invited to the Grand Finals at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Whether you’re aiming for a future in surgery or dentistry, these competitions offer you the chance to demonstrate your clinical skills, boost your confidence and take a major step forward in your career.
Registration opens again in September, giving you the chance to compete against your peers across the UK, showcase your surgical skills, and win fantastic prizes!
RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition
The RCSEd Surgical Skills Competition offers final-year 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.
Learn more
RCSEd Dental Skills Competition
The RCSEd Dental Skills Competition offers final-year 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 moreWho Can Apply
These competitions are open to final-year students studying:
- Medicine at a UK medical school (Surgical Skills Competition)
- Dentistry at a UK or Irish dental school (Dental Skills Competition)
Competition Format
Each competition is run in two stages:
1. Regional Heats
- Held at participating medical and dental schools
- Students complete a range of clinical tasks focused on practical skill, precision and decision-making
2. Grand Final
- Finalists are invited to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Final tasks take place at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Participants are judged by experienced clinicians and educators
Prizes
- All finalists receive a certificate and recognition from the College
- Winners receive a cash prize and free student affiliate membership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Additional prizes may include dental or surgical equipment and travel support to attend the final
How to Enter the Competition
- Regional heats are organised through each university
- Final-year students will be contacted or can speak to their university coordinator for details
- Alternatively, you can express interest or find out more when registration open
Key Dates
Skills Competition Highlights
FAQs
Yes, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses may be covered for finalists attending the Grand Final. Specific arrangements will be communicated in advance.
Yes, as long as you are a final-year student enrolled at a UK medical school or a UK/Irish dental school, you are eligible to participate regardless of nationality.
No, all necessary materials and instruments will be provided during both the regional heats and the Grand Final.
Each participating university may have its own internal selection process. You’ll usually be informed by your university or can contact your course coordinator for more details.
Tasks test a range of clinical and practical skills, including suturing, dexterity, decision-making and attention to detail, tailored to either surgical or dental contexts.
One top-performing student from each regional heat is typically invited to represent their university at the Grand Final.
No, there is no fee to participate in either the regional heats or the Grand Final.
Yes, it provides national recognition, experience under clinical assessment and the opportunity to add a prestigious achievement to your CV.
No, the competition is only open to final-year students. However, participation or interest may open doors to other RCSEd opportunities.
While individual feedback may not be guaranteed for all participants, judges may offer general observations or guidance at the event.
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.
Apply now
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.
Apply now