Postgraduate taught programme

MSc

Endodontics

Develop advanced dentistry skills with our MSc in Endodontics. Flexible part-time study lets you progress at your pace. Led by specialists, it includes hands-on clinical training, consultant support and confidence-building restorative techniques.

About

There is a monumental need for colleagues in general dental practice to upskill in endodontics to manage the wide plethora of pathology in the UK and beyond. The demand for competency in endodontic provision has created an arena where saving teeth, rather than extraction and prosthetic replacement, brings kudos and job satisfaction with valuable benefits to the patient. This MSc will develop both endodontic and restorative skills to allow dentists to manage teeth that present with complex biomechanical challenges effectively and confidently.

Aws AlaniMr Aws Alani
Associate Professor/Honorary Consultant/Endodontic MSc programme Lead

 
 
 

Consultant‑led, hands‑on clinical training

Benefit from dedicated support from consultant clinicians in every module, helping you apply your knowledge, build practical experience and grow in confidence.

Flexible pathway with staged qualifications

Design your own learning journey: earn a PgCert with 60 credits, a PgDip with 120, or complete the full 180‑credit MSc – all while balancing existing work commitments.

High‑quality teaching from expert clinicians

Learn from an experienced team of consultants in restorative dentistry and by respected visiting specialist clinicians and teachers of endodontics.

Details

Year 1

After completion of the first 2 modules (Certificate level), you will have the ability to diagnose, assess, treatment plan and appropriately manage patients requiring endodontic care in the primary care setting. You will also have the ability to assess, treatment plan and appropriately manage more complex cases requiring primary (orthograde) endodontic treatment including patients with concurrent periodontal and prosthodontic problems. In addition, you will gain preliminary skills to acquire, evaluate and critically appraise evidence and develop clinical decision making and critical reflection skills will be developed.
Gloved hand holding probe, dentistry, endodontic boxes with probes

Core modules

ENDO711
Foundations of Endodontics

This module teaches the key concepts in Endodontics including basic sciences, treatment planning, non-surgical treatment and critical appraisal.

ENDO712
Endodontics in Practice

This module helps develop skills in the practical application of concepts taught in the previous module, using contemporary instrumentation and techniques.

Year 2

After completion of the first 4 modules (Diploma level), you will have the ability to assess, treatment plan and appropriately manage patients requiring surgical treatment of endodontic problems, including cases where primary treatment has failed or iatrogenic problems exist. You will also develop skills in assessing and managing patients with endodontic problems due to trauma or resorption, as well as the assessment and management of endodontic problems in children/adolescents. Further skills will be gained in acquiring, evaluating and critically appraising evidence and developing clinical decision making and critical reflection skills.
Dentist or dental student practising with a microscope

Core modules

ENDO721
Advanced Endodontics 1

This module introduces more complex treatment options, including the management of trauma and approaches and retreatment or restoration of root-filled teeth.

ENDO722
Advanced Endodontics 2

This module teaches the management of failed treatment, resorption, deciduous teeth, the relationship with periodontal disease and practice management.

Final year

In the final year, you will undertake an academic module to develop evidence-based dentistry skills including: clinical question formulation; evidence acquisition, appraisal and synthesis; clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills. You will design your own research question, relevant to your programme of study and conduct a rigorous evidence synthesis project. The successful completion of this module will equip you with evidence-based dentistry skills, allowing you to remain up-to-date and to critically evaluate new research. 
More details about our modules: 
Dentist examining teeth with modern equipment in clinic. - stock photo

Core modules

DIS734
Dental Programmes Masters Project 60 credits

On this module, students will design, plan and undertake a review of the evidence relevant to their chosen field of study. Students will specify a research question, make methodological decisions and synthesise the available literature.

100% Coursework

Up to £10,000 of NHS funding available for your studies

Funding from the NHS via Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) is available to support dentists working in NHS roles within these ICB areas to undertake postgraduate training at the University of Plymouth. 

Your postgraduate options

Explore our range of postgraduate taught dentistry programmes and find the pathway that best aligns with your professional interests and long‑term career ambitions.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Endodontics programme specification_6519

Careers, industry and research

An MSc in Endodontics can meaningfully advance both your clinical capability and long-term career opportunities, whether you aim to expand your role within primary care or progress towards a more specialised focus. Through the development of advanced diagnostic, treatment planning and technical skills, you’ll be equipped to manage more complex endodontic cases with confidence, enhancing both the scope and quality of care you provide to patients.
The programme also supports professional growth beyond clinical practice. Completing the research dissertation allows you to design, conduct and evaluate an independent project, strengthening your critical thinking, analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills. These are highly valued across clinical, academic and teaching environments, opening potential pathways into education, research or further specialist training.

Reputation and industry recognition

This programme is accredited by The Royal College of Surgeons of England, helping strengthen your professional credibility in the industry. 
With Plymouth ranked as a top UK university choice* in the Guardian's league table of the best universities for dentistry in 2026 – based on student experience, feedback and career outcomes – your qualification is recognised and respected across the sector.
*Ranked 6th in the UK
 
 
Dentist Liz Eilertsen in her practice smiling

Dentistry is so much more than just teeth – Peninsula gave me a strong dental foundation and now I run my own practice.

Liz Eilertsen, BDS Dental Surgery and MSc Oral Surgery graduate, used her skills and further study to set up a new and thriving practice in a part of the UK deprived of dental care.

 
 
 
 
 

Benefit from specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from access to the Peninsula Dental School’s specialist facilities, designed to mirror the realities of modern clinical practice. 
Across locations in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro, you’ll work in progressive clinical environments equipped with features such as Simulated Dental Learning Environments, Life Sciences Resource Centres, extensive clinical bays, dedicated surgeries and in-house dental technical laboratories. This combination of advanced simulation, real patient interaction and multidisciplinary teamwork creates an ideal environment for deepening your expertise and enhancing the quality of care you deliver in your own practice.
Discover our dental education facilities
Derriford Dental Education Facility
 
 

Learn from experienced dental professionals

Your learning is guided by experienced consultants and respected visiting clinicians, giving you insight into current industry standards and best practice across restorative dentistry. This expert teaching also helps you refine problem‑solving and decision‑making skills that are key in modern dental care.
Mr Aws Alani Associate Professor/Honorary Consultant/Endodontic MSc programme Lead


Associate Professor/Honorary Consultant/Endodontic MSc programme Lead

Programme Leader
Professor Ewen McColl Head of Peninsula Dental School


Head of Peninsula Dental School

Dr Casper Jonker Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education


Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education

Show all

 

Meet the Head of the Peninsula Dental School

"With our state-of-the-art facilities we are committed to producing dentists and dental therapists with clinical skills of the highest order and a strong sense of social awareness."
Ewen McColl
 

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
Joyita - student blogs web page

The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

Joyita
Postgraduate student

 
 
 

Your Plymouth community

At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
 

Your societies

The Peninsula Dental Society 'DentSoc' is the perfect place for postgraduate students to explore, innovate and connect. The student-run society offers revision sessions, volunteering opportunities and a variety of cultural and social events throughout the year. 
Join DentSoc
Young adult nursing student smiles while attending medical training class at university.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Part-time study
Academic Stage P/T delivery only Fee per 60 credits 2025–26 Fee per 60 credits 2026–27
Stage 1 (certificate) £10,300 £10,600
Stage 2 (diploma) £10,300 £10,600
Stage 3 (dissertation) £5,150 £5,300 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
To be confirmed per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate master's loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

NHS Dental Postgraduate Bursary

Funding from the NHS via Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) is available to support dentists working in NHS roles within these ICB areas to undertake postgraduate training at the University of Plymouth. 
These NHS-funded bursaries are intended to help develop the delivery of more advanced dental care across the South West. 
A bursary of £5,000 per year may be awarded for the first two years only and can be used towards course fees for the following three-year part-time programmes: MSc Endodontics, MSc Oral Surgery, MSc Periodontology and MSc Restorative Dentistry.
Applications for the NHS bursary must be submitted by 31 October 2026 for courses starting in January 2027.
Eligibility criteria apply, and applicants should ensure they have reviewed the full terms and conditions before applying. Interested applicants must complete the bursary application form using the link provided and submit a separate application to the University of Plymouth for the chosen course.
If successful, the NHS bursary funding will be paid directly to the University on the applicant’s behalf.
.  NHS Dental Postgraduate Bursary application form

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

As a graduate, you should be in practice (Dentistry) in the UK whilst undertaking the programme and hold full General Dental Council (GDC) registration as a dental practitioner. You should also have full professional indemnity and normally at least two years of clinical experience. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, subject to fulfilling the above requirements.
If you meet the above entry requirements you will be required to attend an interview. 

Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements 
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
The University of Plymouth is committed to providing equality for all irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity (including race, colour and nationality), gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and will work to ensure that all students, employees and visitors, as well as those who apply or seek to apply to work or study at the University, are treated fairly and are not subjected to discrimination by the University on any of these grounds (University Equality and Diversity Policy, Revised April 2011).
We welcome applications from people with disabilities who will be considered on the same academic grounds as other potential students. Considerations about individual needs arising from disability will be made separately, and we will strive to meet an individual disabled student's needs wherever possible and in consultation with Disability Services.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Duration

3 years

Course type

Part-time

Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 
 
 

Search entry requirements for your country

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Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements 
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or through an agent in your country.
 

Apply online

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • Student visa support
  • Travel and arrival information
  • and more
 

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Duration

3 years

Course type

Part-time

Study location
Plymouth
 
 
 

Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
 
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Student in art classroom in Roland Levinsky Building