Basic Surgical Skills (BSS)
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Mon 6 Jul (2 days)Guildford
+26 more dates
£679.20
Surgical Skills Courses & Articles for UK Doctors
Browse surgical skills courses for UK doctors — from basic suturing to advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery training. Hands-on workshops for all grades.
11 live events
Upcoming Surgical Skills Live Events
11 live events
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) Reverification Programme
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Wed 8 JulHarrogate
+9 more dates
From £450
Surgical Skills for Students and Health Professionals
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Fri 24 JulLondon
+6 more dates
£180
Core Skills in Laparoscopic Surgery
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Tue 11 Aug (2 days)London
£945.00
Intermediate skills in laparoscopic surgery (Inter Lap)
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Thu 13 Aug (2 days)LONDON
+1 more date
£600
Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP)
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Tue 25 Aug (2 days)London
+13 more dates
From £644
Frequently Asked Questions — Surgical Skills
What surgical skills courses are available for non-surgeons?
Basic surgical skills courses cover suturing, wound management, and sterile technique — useful for ED doctors, GPs, and anyone who handles minor procedures. You don't need to be on a surgical training pathway. For surgical trainees, there are more advanced options including laparoscopic skills, cadaveric workshops, and robotic surgery courses.
Do surgical skills courses count for CST applications?
Yes — surgical skills courses provide evidence of commitment to surgery for your portfolio. CST now uses letter grades (A–E) rather than numerical points, and course certificates still contribute to your assessed evidence. The RCS-accredited Basic Surgical Skills course is widely recognised. Check the current CST portfolio guidance for exact requirements.
How much does a Basic Surgical Skills course cost?
The RCS Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course costs £849 at the Bjorn Saven Centre (RCS England), with a 20% discount for members, fellows, and affiliates (bringing it to £679.20). Prices at regional and international centres vary, typically ranging from £550 to £850. The 7th edition of the BSS course is now being delivered at the Bjorn Saven Centre, with other centres rolling it out from early 2026.
How do I choose between a suturing course and a full surgical skills course?
If you just need to improve your wound closure technique, a focused suturing course is quicker and cheaper. A full surgical skills course covers broader skills including anatomy, instrument handling, and multiple procedure types — better if you're preparing for surgical training applications or want a comprehensive foundation.
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