Progress Your Career in Surgery or Dentistry
Whether you’re starting foundation training, preparing for core surgical training, developing your skills in higher surgical training or progressing through dental training, RCSEd can support you throughout your training.
As a surgical or dental trainee, you’re building the knowledge, clinical skills and experience you need to progress. We provide access to examinations, courses, webinars, career development opportunities and professional support to help you take the next step.
Throughout your training, you can connect with experienced surgeons and dental professionals, learn from your peers and access mentoring, professional networks and educational resources to support your professional development.
Each stage of training brings you closer to your career goals. Prepare for your examinations, strengthen your clinical skills, develop expertise in your chosen specialty and explore professional membership opportunities. If RCSEd is the right choice for you, we can support you on your journey towards Membership.
Prepare for Your Examinations
Postgraduate examinations are an important part of your training and professional progression. Find the examinations relevant to your career and discover how you can prepare.
Surgical Examinations
From MRCS through to Fellowship examinations, explore the assessments that support progression through surgical training and professional development.
Learn more
Dental Examinations
Explore RCSEd dental examinations, including MFDS and Specialty Membership examinations, and understand how they fit into your training and career progression.
Learn more
Prepare for Your Exams
Build your knowledge, skills and confidence with examination preparation courses and resources.
Start preparing
Examinations
The College offers internationally recognised postgraduate examinations for surgeons and dental professionals which support progression through core training and early career development. Find examination dates, eligibility requirements, fees and booking information.
Browse examsCourses for Medical and Dental Trainees
Build the clinical, technical and professional skills you need throughout your training.
Whether you're preparing for an examination, developing practical skills or preparing for your next career stage, 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 hereTrainee Membership
Your relationship with RCSEd can develop alongside your training.
Explore Affiliate and Membership opportunities and connect with a professional community 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.
Join 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.
Join now
RCSEd Membership
Find out how you can progress towards RCSEd Membership and access professional, educational and career development opportunities.
Explore membershipResources for Trainees
Access resources to support your learning, clinical development and professional practice.
Intercollegiate Surgical Logbook
The Intercollegiate Surgical Logbook is managed by RCSEd and is a collaborative project of all four surgical royal colleges. The logbook has strong links to the JCST and the specialty associations. It provides a lifetime service to surgeons of all grades and specialties, as well as a growing number of allied healthcare professionals and students.
Register here
Surgical Education Research and Innovation Lab (SERI Lab)
In 2024, the College has launched a new group focused on surgical education research and innovation. The aim of the SERI Lab is to build a body of academic work to understand how best to equip tomorrow’s surgeons and teams to care for tomorrow's patients effectively, compassionately, excellently and safely, and to enjoy long and rewarding careers.
Learn more
Consultation Skills that Matter for Surgeons (COSMOS)
The Consultation Skills that Matter for Surgeons (COSMOS) page highlights the COSMOS programme, focusing on improving surgeon-patient communication, shared decision-making and cultural competence through structured training modules.
Learn moreTrainee Representation & Voice
Trainees' Committee
The RCSEd Trainees’ Committee is dedicated to representing and advocating for trainees. It ensures that trainee perspectives are considered in all College activities.
Learn more
Core Trainee Forum
The RCSEd Core Trainee Forum was established by core surgical trainees, with the mission to enhance surgical training for those at the beginning of their careers.
Learn more
Foundation Trainees Surgical Societies UK (FTSS - UK)
The Foundation Trainees Surgical Societies UK (FTSS - UK) offer a forum and a platform for all junior doctors considering training in and a career in surgery. It also offers insight into transitioning to core surgical training.
Learn more
Younger Fellows' Group
A network of younger consultants and senior trainees that connects members socially and professionally, supports involvement in College life and provides a platform to contribute views on key professional issues through the Younger Fellows’ Committee.
Learn moreFunding for Trainees
Explore funding opportunities that could support your education, research, training and professional development.
Discover grants, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries and other opportunities relevant to your career stage and specialty.
Funding & Awards
Explore our funding portfolio, including research fellowships, travelling fellowships, grants, scholarships and bursaries. We also celebrate the achievements of our Members and Fellows through a prestigious portfolio of medals, lectureships, prizes, professorships and awards. Open to Members and Fellows across all career stages and specialties.
Browse portfolio
Career Support & Trainee Wellbeing
Your training is an important part of your career, but it's not the only thing you need to think about.
Find guidance and resources to help you navigate career decisions, professional development and life alongside training.
Parental Leave Resources for Trainees
Explore our Parental Leave Resources for Trainees, designed for those thinking about or have already started planning for a family. The RCSEd Trainees' Committee has created a guide to help you navigate essential paperwork and forms. This resource covers maternity leave, shared parental leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, and returning to work.
Learn more
I'm an International Trainee
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 training journey develops through education, examinations, clinical experience and professional development. Understanding what comes next can help you plan your career and make the most of the opportunities available to you.