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
This course is ideal for you if you are a physiotherapist in neuromusculoskeletal practice and would like to advance your specialist treatment and assessment skills. You attain high levels of autonomy and clinical decision-making skills for application to clinical practice, and extend your knowledge of manual and manipulative therapy skills to a specialist level.
The course provides a flexible learning pathway to accommodate your needs. Core modules focus on evidence-based practice and research. Specialist modules address diverse clinical and practice issues in neuromusculoskeletal manipulative therapy.
Professional accreditation
Completion of this course, with the inclusion of the Advanced Clinical Placement (Neuromusculoskeletal Therapy) module leads to membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
Core modules focus on evidence-based practice and research. Specialist modules address diverse clinical and practice issues in neuromusculoskeletal manipulative therapy. You choose an option module in Year and carry out an independent research study in your final Year.
Year 1 core modules
Year 2 core modules
Year 2 option module
Year 3 core modules
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through key lectures, seminars, laboratory-based learning, structured resource-based learning, asynchronous electronic discussion, formative assessment, tutorials, small group work, research tutorials and practical skills-based sessions.
How you are assessed
All modules within this programme have formative and summative forms of assessment methods. Core research modules, designated pathway modules and the option module use a variety of assessment methods to help develop your advanced clinical skills for practice. Assessment includes written assignments, patient case studies, practical examinations, objective structured clinical examinations, reflective accounts, portfolio developments and oral presentations.
This course enhances your ability to secure employment as an advanced practitioner or extended scope practitioner specialising in the management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
This programme provides advanced theory, knowledge and clinical skills for rehabilitation professionals. It also prepares graduates to assume leadership positions in clinical research and professional practice, offering a flexible programme of study for both specialist training and professional training.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
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.
As a physiotherapist, you can make a real difference to the way people function physically, socially and psychologically. Physiotherapy aims to make the most of an individual's abilities through health promotion, preventive healthcare and rehabilitation.
Through this course you build on your prior learning to develop a critical understanding of contemporary physiotherapy practice. You gain the skills to be a safe, reflective, autonomous, professional practitioner able to manage clients across their lifespan in a variety of settings. Core skills underpinning physiotherapy include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and functional movement analysis. Appropriate intervention is underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and problem solving within the context of an evidence-based approach to clinical practice.We take a problem-based approach to learning, which includes opportunities to share aspects of learning with students from other allied health professions to promote teamwork and an appreciation of how other disciplines contribute to healthcare. Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Students studying this programme who obtain an NHS bursary can't also apply for a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company. From September 2018 funding for this programme will change. The website will be updated once this has been confirmed.
Professional accreditation
On successful completion of the course you'll be eligible to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council..
In Stage 1, you study the core sciences underpinning physiotherapy practice. You are introduced to a range of physiotherapy interventions which are responsive to client need and underpinned by evidence-based approaches to practice. You also explore professional issues in health and social care. During this stage you complete three clinical placements where you assess and treat your own patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists. You may be allocated placements within paediatrics, elderly care, learning disabilities and mental health services in addition to acute, medical, musculoskeletal and neurological areas. Clinical placements are arranged by academic tutors and you should be prepared to travel for some placements.
In Stage 2 you complete three more clinical placements. You must complete 1,000 hours of satisfactory clinical practice to meet the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. You also develop your knowledge of the sciences underpinning physiotherapy and further explore the professional development of the physiotherapist and research methods.
In Stage 3 you complete your dissertation.
Course structure
Stage 1 core modules
Stage 2 core modules
Stage 3 core modules
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Various learning and teaching methods are used throughout the course and include keynote lectures, seminars and small-group work as well as practical laboratory sessions. You are encouraged and supported to engage in self-directed learning to prepare for practical sessions and seminars.
How you are assessed
Assessment is varied and reflects module learning outcomes. You are assessed by written assignments, oral presentations and practical examinations. In the interests of professional safety, you must complete all modules successfully. Essential competencies for this course include:
Clinical placements are assessed at undergraduate level.
Opportunities are available for employment within the NHS, private sector or charitable trusts – in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, industry and in the community. You could also consider a career working in clinical research or teaching, in the UK or overseas.
Further entry requirements: International applicants should be aware that full registration with the RCSLT entails completion of a probationary period of clinical practice in the UK after the successful completion of the degree. It may be necessary to confirm with the professional body in your home country that this qualification is recognised and that full registration in the UK will entitle you to practice in your home country.
This course is for people with a relevant degree seeking to refocus their studies into the area of speech and language therapy. It will enable you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) to practise as a speech and language therapist in the UK.
As a speech and language therapist, you will assess, diagnose and treat children and adults with a wide range of communication difficulties. This will include developmental disorders and speech and language problems resulting from injury, stroke and disease. You will also develop strong practical skills as well as a sound understanding of the theory of speech and language therapy.
There is a major clinical studies (ie placement) element to this course and clinical work is underpinned by modules in linguistics, psychology and biological and medical sciences. Although every effort is made to arrange summer block placements to suit students’ circumstances, this is not always possible and students must be prepared to be flexible about placement location and timing. Students are responsible for any travel and/or accommodation costs incurred during placements.
Teaching will include a mix of lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, clinical placement experience, case study analysis and individual project work. Emphasis will be placed on integrating clinical and university based learning opportunities and on independent study. Your performance will be assessed by a combination of course work including essays, reports, presentations, vivas and examinations, as well as clinical practical assessments.
Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at placement is compulsory and your attendance at QMU-based modules is expected. Classes will be spread over the whole week, except for placement days when you will be off campus. This is a full-time course, with the expectation that classes, independent study and placement together require 35 - 40 hours of dedicated time each week.
The course provides graduates, including those who complete the PgDip, with eligibility to register with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council to practice in the UK.
Foundations for Speech and Language Therapy/ Linguistics 1: Introduction to Linguistics/ Neurology for SLT and Audiology/ Adult Acquired Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders/ Linguistics 2: Clinical Linguistics/ Disorders of Speech and Fluency/ Manual Handling/ Dysphagia (Developmental and Acquired)/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 1/ Professional Practice for SLT 1/ Biological and behavioural Science for SLT: Typical Processes/ Developmental Disorders of Language and Communication/ Intellectual Disability, Physical and Sensory Impairment/ Linguistics 3: Linguistic Processing and Variation/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 2/ Motor Speech Disorder, Voice Disorder, Cleft Lip and Palate/ Clinical Contexts/ Within-Semester Clinical Placement 3/ Professional Practice 2/ Research Methods
If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).
Most graduates work within the NHS in community clinics, schools and hospitals. Some graduates have gained research posts and some have gone on to achieve higher degrees. Some graduate Speech and language therapists may wish to seek employment outside the UK. For further information about how and where this qualification can be used outside of the UK please contact the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
This programme will provide the advancing healthcare professional wishing to study at Masters level the opportunity to learn the theory and practice of advanced skills in the management of complex lymphoedema, including the Casley-Smith technique of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Managing Complex Lymphoedema (40 credits) and Lymphoedema Advanced Practice (20 credits) combine to give the Postgraduate Certificate in Lymphoedema Management.
Course
This course provides the advancing health care professional wishing to study at Masters level, an opportunity to learn the advanced skills and knowledge required to manage patients with complex lymphoedema. The course will equip students with the necessary theory underpinning these skills and explore the evidence base and facilitate development of decision-making skills at an advanced level. Learning of theory is consolidated with workplace and on-line learning to do develop the skills of an advancing practitioner in this field
Course aims and Intended Learning Outcomes
This course will provide the health care professional with the opportunity to develop the theory and practice of more advanced skills in the management of complex lymphoedema including the Casley-Smith technique of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Course
This course provides the advancing health care professional, wishing to study at Masters level, with an opportunity to extend the skills and knowledge of the Managing Complex Lymphoedema course to a range of complex lymphoedema patients in the context of the most contemporary evidence and themes. The course will facilitate the application of advanced skills in more complex situations and in the context of delivering and managing a service. It will facilitate further development of skills in analysing and synthesising clinical findings and evidence for decision-making at an advanced level. Masterclasses, seminars and workshops support further development of the skills of an advancing practitioner in this field and is consolidated with workplace and on-line learning.
Course aims and Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
The Physiotherapy MSc is for qualified physiotherapists wishing to build on their skills and knowledge, advance their professional practice, and earn a further professional and academic qualification.
The course helps you to develop your clinical and communication skills, and broaden your knowledge of the physiotherapy specialty whilst earning a formal qualification.
A wide range of optional modules means you can create a study programme to suit your professional or personal aspirations.
The course is designed to fit around your existing physiotherapy practice hours. Week-long intensive study blocks allow attendance for students based in the UK, EU and internationally.
We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with course durations and intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.
Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.
A flexible modular framework normally involves six one-week study blocks at the university.
To be awarded the MSc you need to complete three core modules, three option modules and a relevant dissertation. The dissertation may be based on research carried out either in the university or in another suitable environment.
The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via e-learning, lectures, seminars, workbooks for work-based learning and practise in our high-tech Human Movement Laboratory, and Clinical Skills and Simulation Rooms.
Assessment is via the method most appropriate to your chosen modules.
School of Health Sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our School of Health Sciences postgraduate education programme. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.
As a student on the course, you will share your learning with other health and care specialities, allowing you to benefit from intra-professional collaboration. Our programmes are designed to allow students from other disciplines, and in some cases other professions, the opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise.
Core modules
Plus two from:
Plus
Practical Skills and Simulation Rooms
Our practical skills rooms are equipped so that you can learn and practise practical skills including palpation, massage and manipulation with other students before you work with real patients and clients.
We also have specialist classrooms for physiotherapy practise, including manual skills and exercise therapy rooms, which are equipped with treatment couches.
Human Movement Laboratory
The high-tech Human Movement Laboratory is used widely in teaching and research for students in the school of health professions studying physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry, and is also used for commercial consultancy.
In the lab you will use the latest technology to measure and assess all aspects of human movement, joints, muscles, soft tissue structure and nerves. The laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for conducting cardio-pulmonary investigations including Cosmed metabolic system and spirometry.
Masters-level education is an important component of advanced and specialist practice. It allows you greater autonomy and to accelerate personal and professional development or promotion in your practice.
Some roles that our graduates have secured include clinical specialists, consultant physiotherapists, physiotherapy management positions, general management roles, clinical educator and physiotherapy education positions.
Completion of the Physiotherapy MSc will also prepare you for further study at MPhil and PhD level if you wish to continue pursuing an academic path.
The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy MSc is for qualified physiotherapists wanting to build on their skills and knowledge, advance their professional practice, and earn a further professional and academic qualification.
This course has been developed with the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). Course graduates benefit from being able to apply for full membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
You will develop your advanced evaluative and problem-solving skills for the examination, assessment and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Choosing option modules means you can create a CPE study programme to suit your professional or personal interests and aspirations.
The course is designed to fit around your existing physiotherapy practice hours. Week-long intensive study blocks allow attendance for students based in the UK, EU and internationally.
We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with course durations and intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.
Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.
The flexible modular framework enables you to tailor your degree course to suit your professional and personal interests and aspirations.
You will complete two one-week modules and two three-week modules at the university, as well as two three-week clinical placements which can be completed part- or full-time.
The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via group discussion, case studies, supervised placements, lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in our Human Movement Laboratory, and Clinical Skills and Simulation Rooms.
Assessment is via the method most appropriate to your chosen modules.
School of Health Sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our School of Health Sciences postgraduate education programme. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.
Modules
And
Plus
OR
Human Movement Laboratory
The Human Movement Laboratory is used widely by our physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry students, and is also used for commercial consultancy.
In the lab you will use the latest technology to measure and assess all aspects of human movement, joints, muscles, soft tissue structure and nerves. The laboratory has equipment for conducting cardio-pulmonary investigations including Cosmed metabolic system and spirometry.
Practical Skills and Simulation Rooms
Our practical skills rooms are equipped so that you can learn and practise practical skills including palpation, massage and manipulation with other students before you work with real patients and clients.
We also have specialist classrooms for physiotherapy practise, including manual skills and exercise therapy rooms, which are equipped with treatment couches.
Masters-level education is an important component of advanced and specialist practice. It allows you greater autonomy and to accelerate personal and professional development or promotion in your practice.
The course enhances professional and academic development, enabling graduates to pursue careers in research, lecturing in higher education, or expanding and developing their own clinical practice.
