The Part 2 MRCOG exam assesses the application of your knowledge in clinical scenarios. This page summarises the syllabus, explaining what you’ll need to know for the Part 2 MRCOG exam.
For more detail about the content of each module, please visit the core curriculum page or download the PDFs from this page.
There is inevitably overlap between modules, and not all subjects and domains are relevant to a particular module, as shown in the blueprinting grid (PDF, 261 kb).
Click on the module you wish to learn more about. Modules 4 and 19 are not examined by the Part 2 MRCOG.
Module 1: Clinical skills
You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to:
- Take an obstetric and gynaecological history
- Communicate effectively
- Take notes concisely and accurately
Download the full curriculum for module 1 (PDF, 450 kb)
Module 2: Teaching, appraisal and assessment
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand the principles of adult learning
- Demonstrate aptitude in teaching common practical procedures in O&G
Download the full curriculum for module 2 (PDF, 262 kb)
Module 3: Information technology, clinical governance and research
Use of IT, audit and standards
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate a full understanding of common usage of computing systems, including the principles of data collection, storage, retrieval, analysis and presentation
- Understand quality improvement and management
- Understand how to perform, interpret and use clinical audit cycles
- Understand the production and application of clinical standards, guidelines and care pathways and protocols
Risk management
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles of risk management and their relationship to clinical goveranance and complaints procedures
Research
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand the difference between audit and research
- Understand how to plan a research project
- Demonstrate the skills needed to critically appraise scientific trials and literature
Ethical and legal issues
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand the principles and legal issues surrounding informed consent, with particular awareness of the implications for the unborn child, post mortem examinations, consent to surgical procedures including sterilisation, parental consent and Fraser guidelines, medical certification, research and teaching
Confidentiality
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the relevant strategies to ensure confidentiality, and when it might be broken
- Understand the role of interpreters and patient advocates
Download the full curriculum for module 3 (PDF, 375 kb)
Module 5: Core surgical skills
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the issues surrounding informed consent, including knowledge of complication rates, risks and likely success rates of different gynaecological operations, together with an understanding of diagnostic methods and treatment of complications
- Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of blood and blood products together with postoperative fluid and electrolyte balance, and the diagnosis of these different postoperative problems
- Demonstrate your familiarity with surgery by discussing the common operations together with common surgical instruments and sutures
Download the full curriculum for module 5 (PDF, 285 kb)
Module 6: Postoperative care
You’ll be required to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of all aspects of postoperative care (immediate, short-term and long-term), including the ability to assess a postoperative patient, know the diagnosis and know how to deal with it
- Know how to prevent common postoperative problems
- Be able to discuss all aspects of surgery, complications and follow-up with patients and relatives
Download the full curriculum for module 6 (PDF, 207 kb)
Module 7: Surgical procedures
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the basic surgical procedures in O&G, including diagnostic laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, gynaecological laparotomy for ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, hysterectomy and vaginal surgery for prolapse, incontinence and vaginal hysterectomy
- Know the principles and procedures involved in more complex gynaecological surgery for cancer and endometriosis
- Have good knowledge of the principles of safe surgery, surgical instruments and sutures and the management of common complications of surgery
- Be aware of the principles of surgical teamworking, risk management and risk reduction
Download the full curriculum for module 7 (PDF, 242 kb)
Module 8: Antenatal care
You’ll be expected to:
- Have a high level of understanding of normal antenatal processes and progress
- Be able to recognise and manage problems from preconceptual care through to delivery
- Be able to deal with the diversity of maternal choices in antenatal and intrapartum care
- Demonstrate skill in listening and in conveying complex information (e.g. concerning risk)
- Show understanding of the roles of other professionals, and demonstrate skills in liaison and empathic teamwork
- Be fully conversant with the principles of prenatal diagnosis and screening
- Understand the ways in which problems may affect the fetus, and be able to interpret and act upon any appropriate investigations
- Have good knowledge of the use of ultrasound in the investigation and treatment of disorders of the fetus
Download the full curriculum for module 8 (PDF, 307 kb)
Module 9: Maternal medicine
You’ll be expected to:
- Have a good understanding of common medical disorders and the effect that pregnancy may have on them, as well as the effect of such disorders on pregnancy (this includes both medical and obstetric problems)
- Demonstrate your ability to assess and treat these conditions, liaise with colleagues in other specialties and know when more expert help is required
Download the full curriculum for module 9 (PDF, 431 kb)
Modules 10 and 11: Management of labour and Management of delivery
You’ll be expected to:
- Have the knowledge, skills, understanding and judgement to be capable of initial management of intrapartum problems without direct supervision, including knowledge and understanding of normal and abnormal labour, data and investigation interpretation, clinical judgement and prioritisation, management of a team, communication skills, insights and knowing one’s limits, emotional and cultural aeareness, and appropriate use of protocols and guidelines
- The exam may test certain aspects of practical skill relating to normal and abnormal delivery
Download the full curriculum for module 10 (PDF, 238 kb) and module 11 (PDF, 103 kb)
Module 12: Postpartum problems (the puerperium)
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand and demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to postpartum problems, including dealing with the resuscitation of both mother and baby and the ability to manage birth trauma and other birth complications
- Display empathy, counseling skills and an understanding of the role of other professionals
- Understand and be able to manage neonatal problems at birth, and be able to discuss these with parents
Download the full curriculum for module 12 (PDF, 326 kb)
Module 13: Gynaecological problems
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the aetiology, signs, symptoms, investigation and treatment of common gynaecological problems
- Appreciate the influence of psychosocial factors on the presentation and management of gynaecological problems using a patient-centred approach
- Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of audit, clinical governance and taking informed consent
Download the full curriculum for module 13 (PDF, 234 kb)
Module 14: Subfertility
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to subfertility, including an understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical treatment and prognosis of all aspects of male and female fertility problems.
- Have knowledge of indications, limitations and interpretation of relative investigations and treatments in relation to both males and females, including disorders of development and endometriosis
- Have broad-based knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies, including ovulation induction, in vitro fertilisation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, gamete donation and surrogacy, and the legal and ethical implications of these procedures
Download the full curriculum for module 14 (PDF, 264 kb)
Module 15: Sexual and reproductive health
You’ll be expected to:
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to fertility control, the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and sexual dysfunction
- Be familiar with irreversible and emergency contraception and abortion, their modes of action, efficacy, indications, contraindications and complications
- Be familiar with the laws relating to abortion, sexually transmitted disease, infection, consent and child protection
- Demonstrate broad-based recognition of management techniques relating to the sexual health of vulnerable groups, such as young people, asylum seekers, commercial sex workers, drug users and prisoners
- Know the basis of national screening programmes and their implementation through local care pathways
Download the full curriculum for module 15 (PDF, 347 kb)
Module 16: Early pregnancy care
You’ll be expected to:
- Have a good understanding of early pregnancy and pregnancy loss, including diagnosis, investigations, management and psychological support in miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
- Be able to assess and manage these conditions both medically and surgically
- Demonstrate your ability to communicate relevant information to the patient
- Have knowledge of the use of ultrasound in diagnosis and management
Download the full curriculum for module 16 (PDF, 162 kb)
Module 17: Gynaecological oncology
You’ll be expected to:
- Have full knowledge of the aetiology and screening involved in gynaecological oncology, including the international perspective
- Understand presenting symptoms and their management and have the appropriate competencies for each stage of the diagnostic process, including comprehension of the different roles and skills needed in district lead and gynae oncologist
- Know the prognosis of and treatment options for gynaecological cancers
- Be able to demonstrate your ability to provide counseling for patients with gynaecological cancer
Download the full curriculum for module 17 (PDF, 253 kb)
Module 18: Urogynaecology and pelvic floor problems
You’ll be expected to:
- Understand the management of urinary and faecal incontinence, benign bladder conditions and urogenital prolapse
- Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy, pathophysiology, epidemiology, aetiology and investigation of these conditions
- Know when more experienced help is required in the management of your patients
- Be able to discuss clearly all aspects of management with patients, carers and other continence care providers
Download the full curriculum for module 18 (PDF, 259 kb)