Background: Data from the UK's Core Surgery National Recruitment Office (CSNRO) indicates a downward trend in competition for surgical training posts. This national undergraduate survey aims to evaluate the factors influencing UK medical students' decisions to pursue surgical careers. Method: A web-based survey was distributed by email to UK medical schools via their medical school administration and undergraduate surgical societies. Results: Of the 137 students that responded, 100 (73.0%) stated that they were interested in a career in surgery – 62 students were considering this as their first choice specialty. The main reasons for choice of career were longstanding interest, exposure to the job environment and working environment. Reasons students were not considering a career in surgery included surgeons' attitudes, job competition and limited opportunities for learning in theatre. Anatomy teaching, basic surgical skills teaching and attendance at surgical society events increased the likelihood of pursuing a career in surgery. Conclusions: Greater career information, degree programme experience and medical school events were cited to help promote a career in surgery. It is imperative that surgeons are aware of how their attitude, and the experiences their students have during surgical placements, can influence students' career decisions.

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