scholarlab.

Surgeon

Surgeons work as part of a team, carrying out routine and emergency operations and medical procedures on patients.

Potential salary
£40,000 starter to £145,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
40 to 45. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota.
Career area
Health and care
Where they might work
You could work in an NHS or private hospital. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.
A typical task
request patient tests, scans and X-rays, and analyse results
Subjects that may help
at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
Typical route
To become a surgeon you'll need to complete:
Interest area used here
Health and laboratory science, Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

  • request patient tests, scans and X-rays, and analyse results
  • plan the best course of action based on a patient's diagnosis
  • explain procedures and risks to patients and their families
  • carry out planned surgery with the operating team
  • visit patients on the ward after surgery to check on their recovery
  • work on emergency surgery cases when required
More tasks (2)
  • write to a patient's GP about their treatment and recovery plan
  • keep up to date with surgical developments for your specialism

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
More skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well under pressure
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Routes into this career

University route

  • To become a surgeon you'll need to complete:
  • a 5-year degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
  • a 2-year foundation programme of general training
  • core surgical training in a hospital which takes 2 years
  • specialist training which can take up to 6 years
  • You might be able to do a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances and what qualifications you hold.
  • If you already have a science-based degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine.
  • There is a lot of competition for places, so it's important to check the entry requirements of medical schools before you apply.
  • When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .
  • It tests for skills you'll need on the course, such as:
  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • data analysis
  • decision making
  • Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.
  • You'll usually need:
  • at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • university courses and entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • University Clinical Aptitude Test

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Medicine

    Direct qualifying route. Surgery is postgraduate training after a medical degree, not a separate undergraduate course.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You may be able to apply for a place on a Doctor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in a healthcare setting.
  • This takes 5 years to do and you would need the support of your employer to apply.
  • On successful completion, you could progress to the 2-year foundation training programme, then move on to core and specialist training.
  • Employers will set their own entry requirements.
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience, you could:
  • specialise in a particular area , such as transplant, trauma or brain surgery
  • become a senior or consultant surgeon
  • lead a surgical team or manage a department
  • move into teaching students, trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals
  • work in research to develop new procedures and make use of new technologies

Registration and requirements

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

What you could do next