This unique joint programme offered by the University of Malta and Queen Mary University of London brings to the region the best educational standards in medical training that both institutions have to offer. The programme has been designed to offer a new curriculum of technology enhanced learning as a flexible mode of study allowing the programme to be studied alongside the surgical and gynaecological training in Malta for both local and international students.

In the current era of evidence-based medicine, the programme originators have developed a competency-based training curriculum that will provide participants with hands on training for developing surgical skills using latest surgical simulation technology, thus enabling them to improve the surgical skills that are essential for building confidence in clinical practice and improving patient welfare.

In this fourth digital industrial revolution the landscape for surgical education is changing. Surgery is technically demanding, and the surgical skills required for proficiency are difficult to acquire for both open and laparoscopic surgery. Proficiency in operative technique requires time, repetition, and deliberate practice, and this M.Sc. programme provides participants with an opportunity to distribute training over several months. The students' engagement is increased by using immersive digital platforms for higher knowledge retention and shorten the learning curve to globalise and fast-track surgical training.

In addition to surgical skills, students will gain a clear understanding of the research methodology for critically appraising literature and designing a research project for conducting research and academic writing of the dissertation.