This course is designed for experienced postgraduate physiotherapists working within neuro-musculoskeletal clinical practice. It is also suitable if you have studied manual therapy at a high level on clinically-based courses, such as with the International Maitland Teachers Association (IMTA). You can have relevant clinically focussed learning recognised and the credits transferred via a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.
The course enables you to advance your clinical, therapeutic and reasoning skills within the field of neuro-musculoskeletal practice. You engage in debate and develop skills which enhance your ability to facilitate service development and enhance patient care. Successful completion of the course leads to the opportunity to meet the requirements for registration with the Musculoskeletal Association of chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
The course is structured around two core manual therapy modules that focus on the upper and lower quadrant. The upper quadrant includes key aspects of evidence, theory and reasoning that inform clinical practice. The lower quadrant considers different dysfunctions and also different principles that guide our practice. These modules develop and challenge your clinical handling and reasoning skills.Together these modules form a Postgraduate Certificate in Manual Therapy.
At postgraduate diploma level you choose optional modules relevant to your personal and professional development. This enables you to either increase the breadth of your learning or maintain a focus on developing clinical skills relevant to your physiotherapy practice dependent on your goals. One module which allows you to continue developing advanced clinical skills is the MACP clinical placement in neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Your assessments are designed to fulfil the aims and learning outcomes of modules, as well as replicate the challenges you may face within your clinical field. This provides authentic experience and the opportunity to develop skills that are directly transferable to practice.
You learn from enthusiastic tutors including academics who have physiotherapy research published in peer reviewed journals. This includes Dr Stephen May, who is an internationally renowned physiotherapist who has contributed to several well known textbooks including the key text on the McKenzie Approach 'Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy'.
Distance learning study
To aid your professional and clinical development we use a range of online learning and teaching activities, such as interactive tutor and peer group discussions. Experienced tutors also provide regular personal guidance and feedback.
Recognition for prior learning
Physiotherapy students who have successfully completed 2a, 2b, and 3 International Maitland Teachers Association (IMTA) modules can gain credits against specific modules from the MSc Manual Therapy. This can be achieved through the recognition for prior learning (RFPL) process. For more information read our IMTA guidance.
The masters (MSc) is achieved by successfully completing the postgraduate diploma plus dissertation (180 credits).
The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing manual therapy for the upper quadrant and manual therapy for the lower quadrant (60 credits).
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing the postgraduate certificate plus 60 credits to include project design and planning (120 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
You study 45 credits worth of modules, which could include teaching and learning, leadership skills or more clinically relevant topics such as:
Previous students have gained employment in physiotherapy in a variety of settings, including
Criminal Records Check: A satisfactory criminal records check will be required. Other requirements: All students are required to purchase professional indemnity insurance. In order to go on practice placements, a health clearance check and joining the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme will be required. There will be additional costs incurred for the applicant for these processes.
International students or home and EU students who want to work internationally will have to undertake additional CPD studies to meet the competencies required in order to register for the National Board exams. There will be additional costs incurred for the applicant for these processes.
This course will attract people holding a relevant undergraduate honours degree who wish to change career and become an occupational therapist. It is an intensive professional programme of study which will develop theoretical, analytical, practical, evaluative and reasoning skills as well as professional values.
Occupational therapists assess individuals’ disruption and disengagement from their occupations, and facilitate alternative ways for them to re-engage and participate in their occupational roles to improve their quality of life, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
Modules reflect contemporary and prospective occupational therapy practice, concerned with the relationship between the individual’s or a community’s occupations, their health, wellbeing and belonging. The programme is underpinned by person-centred, evidence-informed and occupation-focused occupational therapy practice. The course prepares graduates to work in diverse practice contexts.
The course philosophy integrates academic and placement study. It centres on adult learning perspectives of learner-responsibility, active participation in learning, collaborative and autonomous learning and learning as a community. Problem-based learning using practice scenarios is a major feature of the learning experience where students work to develop professional reasoning, evidence informed decision making, interpersonal and team working skills. Learning is thus facilitated by a process of acquiring enquiry skills, interpreting information, group discussion, exchanging of perspectives, creation of knowledge, and arriving at a position or judgment.
Teaching methods incorporate self-directed study, practice scenarios, group work, workshops, eLearning modules, digital technology, reflection, lectures and placements. Assessment methods include peer and self-assessment, written assignments, viva voce, conference presentations, projects and placements.
Practice placements form a core element of the course and your personal performance is also assessed. There are four placements in total: Placement 1 – full-time, 6 weeks; Placement 2 – full-time, 6 weeks; Placement 3 – part-time, 14 weeks; Placement 4 – full-time, 8 weeks. There will be additional travel and accommodation costs for every placement.
Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. The MSc academic modules require you to attend from 9.15am – 6.15pm. You should be aware that services may operate over seven working days. Placements may involve evening and weekend attendance. You will be expected to mirror the working hours of practice educators and be required to purchase professional indemnity insurance.
Upon successful completion of the course, you can apply for membership of the College of Occupational Therapists and will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to work as an occupational therapist.
15 credits: Occupational Choices and Narratives in Context/ Research Methods 30 credits: Occupational Therapy Theory, Values and Skills for Practice/ Occupational Therapy Process and Practice/ Advancing Scholarship and Professional Practice Non-credited: Manual Handling 60 credits: Research Project You will also complete undergraduate level professional practice placements 1, 2, 3 & 4 (1000 hours in total) in order to be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Occupational therapists are employed in a diverse range of settings including the National Health Service, public health, education, employment services, local authority, prison service, third sector organisations and private practice. Outside the UK, graduates of this course have gone on to work in Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Canada, the USA and New Zealand.
