MSc in Orthodontics — September 2026 intake
Aligned to the GDC orthodontic curriculum, in fifteen months
Full time on campus in Birmingham, across three semesters: September to July, then September to January. You are taught growth, development and tooth movement, orthodontic force systems and biomechanics, appliance selection, digital planning and treatment execution, and the role of surgical orthodontics in complex cases. Clinical skills are taught and developed on simulators, under the direct supervision of faculty. The programme does not include clinical training on real patients. It is designed to deliver the theoretical training required to support an application for recognition as a Specialist. Specialist recognition itself is granted by the General Dental Council, not by the College.
What the fifteen months contain
Three semesters, 180 credits, one dissertation
Year 1 runs September to July across two semesters; Year 2 runs September to January across one. 50 of the 180 credits are allocated to research, and you undertake a dissertation in an area relevant to your field. Teaching is full time on the Birmingham campus. Total fees are £66,000, split £44,000 in Year 1 and £22,000 in Year 2. The College does not offer scholarships.
Built on the GDC specialty curriculum
The programme aligns directly with the GDC-approved UK Specialty Curriculum in Orthodontics, so the theory you cover is the theory a UK specialist is expected to hold. It is designed to deliver the theoretical training required to support an application for recognition as a Specialist.
Fifteen months, not three years
Year 1 runs September to July across two semesters. Year 2 runs September to January. Three semesters of full-time study on campus, rather than spreading the same specialty-level syllabus across a part-time route.
Simulator training under direct supervision
Clinical skills are taught, practised and assessed on simulators under the direct supervision of expert faculty. The programme does not include clinical training on real patients, and we would rather you knew that before you apply.
From classification to surgical orthodontics
Growth, development and tooth movement, orthodontic force systems and biomechanics, appliance selection, digital planning and treatment execution, and the role of surgical orthodontics in complex cases.
50 of the 180 credits are research
You complete a dissertation as a primary research study, a systematic literature review or a clinical audit, alongside the critical appraisal, leadership and practice management capabilities the UK specialty curriculum expects of a Specialist.
One fee, agreed at enrolment
The programme fee is £66,000 in total, paid £44,000 in Year 1 and £22,000 in Year 2 — so you know the full cost before you relocate to Birmingham.
At a glance.
Starts September 2026.
Register your interest
Tell us where you’re starting from.
A few details, and a dedicated Recruitment Officer calls you — to talk through entry requirements, how the teaching runs and how to secure your place.
- A dedicated Recruitment Officer guides you through the application — no obligation.
- Clear answers on entry requirements, intakes and how the teaching is delivered.
- Talk through the fee options, funding and how to reserve your place.
MSc in Orthodontics (Full Time 15 Months)
September 2026 intake · applications close September
Good to know
Common questions
How are the 15 months structured?
The intake starts in September 2026. Year 1 runs September to July, comprising two semesters of study. Year 2 runs September to January, comprising one semester. Fifteen months in total, taught full time at the College of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham Campus. Applications close in September.
Will I be treating real patients?
No. The programme includes teaching and development of clinical skills on simulators, under the direct supervision of expert faculty. It does not include clinical training on real patients, so any patient-facing experience needs to be arranged separately from this programme.
Does this make me a registered specialist?
The programme aligns directly with the GDC-approved UK Specialty Curriculum in Orthodontics and is designed to deliver the theoretical training required to support an application for recognition as a Specialist. Specialist recognition itself is granted by the General Dental Council, not by the College.
What do I need in order to apply?
A BDS or equivalent from a recognised institution, registration in good standing with a recognised dental regulatory body such as the GDC or your national equivalent, evidence of English at GCSE grade C or equivalent, and two satisfactory references, one of which must be academic. International applicants normally need IELTS for UKVI (Academic) at 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.
What does the £66,000 actually cover?
Fees are split across the two academic years: £44,000 in Year 1 and £22,000 in Year 2. Sponsored applicants also need a letter of sponsorship and financial guarantee.
Do I have to write a dissertation?
Yes. 50 of the 180 credits are allocated to research, and you undertake a dissertation in an area relevant to your field. Depending on the programme requirements and your own interests, that can take the form of a primary research study, a systematic literature review or a clinical audit.