A flexible part-time pathway towards a clinically-orientated MSc that covers the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system.
This MSc will interest physiotherapists and medical practitioners who wish to extend their personal and professional skills and to improve treatment outcomes in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.
The flexibility of the overall pathway supports the continuing professional development of practitioners at all stages of their development in musculoskeletal practice. A ‘must have’ qualification for physiotherapists who are profession building towards advanced or first contact musculoskeletal practice, and medical practitioners developing their ‘GP with Special Interest’ role.
As a student on this MSc, the core modules will enable you to gain grounding in research methods and to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce original work to contribute to your profession. You will be able to choose two optional modules and these can be tailored to your professional development plan and your own particular needs eg the theory and practice of injection therapy.
To admit onto the MSc Musculoskeletal Medicine, you must complete a number of credit bearing modules offered by The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM). On completion of these modules you may then progress your studies to the MSc Musculoskeletal Medicine. From which you will be required to complete two optional modules (by SOMM), research methods (by QMU) and dissertation (by QMU). If you only wish to complete a single module for CPD purposes, please contact SOMM directly. All students registered on an optional module (by SOMM) are automatically registered as a QMU associate student.
Our MSc Clinical Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine course is designed for doctors who are pursuing a career in rheumatology or a related subject.
You will cover topics including:
You will also gain an understanding of the principles of clinical research methods, including:
In addition, you will build the knowledge and skills you need to carry out and write up a piece of supervised research.
This course aims to:
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars and demonstrations.
Find out more about postgraduate teaching and learning at Manchester.
Each unit is separately assessed by a written examination and, where appropriate, by a clinical examination. In addition, as part of the preparation for the research project, a Research Skills teaching day is run each year. Students who complete the units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.
The course consists of six taught course units. Each course unit runs for six weeks, with the formal teaching elements of lectures, seminars and demonstrations concentrated on Thursdays.
Two course units are run in the first semester of each academic session and are examined in January, and one course unit is run in the second semester of each academic session and is examined in March.
Each course unit is separately assessed by a written examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) where appropriate.
The course also includes sessions on research skills and a supervised research project. Students who complete the course units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.
Teaching will take place at various locations around Manchester, including:
The University also offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service
Some of our graduates have continued their studies and gone on to complete a PhD at The University of Manchester.
There is a wide variety of possible areas of research from the broad spectrum of musculoskeletal disease. The majority of clinical trainees use their knowledge to augment their clinical training and, as the curriculum aligns with the rheumatology core curriculum, this MSc provides the tools required to pass the Specialty Certificate Examination in Rheumatology .
The MSc qualification can also be a useful tool for international students to carry back to their home country.
This Masters course is designed to provide enthusiastic professionals with practitioner-led training in the Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM). We are based in Yorkshire, home to the highest concentration of Sport and Exercise Medicine trainees and consultants in the UK. This is a flexible course compromising of blended learning opportunities suitable for applicants in full-time employment.
Benefits:
Sports and Exercise Medicine is now a recognised training route by the GMC for clinicians. SEM is a key deliverable in new government strategies, demand for training has increased with portfolio GPs and GPwSI specifically interested in training for Sports Medicine, and an increasing expectation amongst professional sports clubs that team doctors should have undergone structured training programmes to Masters Level.
Dr Dane Vishnubala is the Curriculum Director for this course; he is a Sport and Exercise Doctor and General Practitioner (MRCGP) with 13 years Exercise Prescription experience.
"The University of Leeds has one of the best Sports Science departments in the UK and it's got one of the oldest medical schools as well. If you combined the two then you have a very interesting course led by some very high ranking individuals within this sector"
Dr Jon Powers is the Placement Director on this course; his current role in elite sport is working for the Football Association as England Men's Team Performance Medicine Doctor.
"The flexibility of the course allows you to continue doing a full time job whilst working around University studies without having huge amounts of face to face commitment at the University. The placements we have arranged mean that most of the clinical learning will be done in a real life sporting environment rather than in a lecture."
This Masters is available as both a full time course and as a two year part time course.
During your studies you’ll focus on the following modules:
You’ll attend a two-day Immediate Care in Sport course in your induction week and arrange MSK clinics and club placements to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge through practical experience.
You’ll also have access to our brand new sports facilities and labs, where Olympic athletes train.
The course will equip you with strong team working skills through its interdisciplinary approach to training. You’ll be equipped to work in teams of professionals with complimentary expertise such as strength and conditioning, team coaches, physiotherapists and acute injury settings.
Attendance is compulsory and will be approximately one and a half days a month (you will not be expected to be in every week). Recorded lectures of shared modules with other courses will be available to be viewed online, along with specified eLearning material.
Seminars will be recorded, where appropriate. Some practical sessions, group tutorials and specific teaching sessions will be compulsory.
Placements at appropriate professional clubs and NHS clinics will be organised, with some flexibility to negotiate clinic dates and times, and contacts will be provided for self-organised additional experience opportunities. Predominantly we use a case based approach; the eLearning each week will have a relevant case or scenario identified, and required reading and practical tasks set.
There will be a variety of assessments, appropriate for vocational character of the course and the nature of the subjects studied. These will include
You'll have access to a wide range of supervised experience via placements. They are available at NHS Bradford & Airedale MSK clinics; York City FC, Leeds United FC, Hull City FC; options also include GB Swimming, GB Basketball and more.
This course is designed to train enthusiastic professionals wishing to pursue a career in the relatively new discipline of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM). With this Masters, you'll be able to apply what you have learned to any physical activity, exercise or sporting event that requires qualified SEM cover, with immediate effect.
Overall, the course aims to equip you with the skills and expertise to enhance the value of previous training to those organisations.
Employment opportunities exist within NHS musculoskeletal and private sports medicine clinics, as well as sports clubs. Sports and Exercise Medicine is now a recognised training route by the GMC for clinicians.
The Musculoskeletal Science MSc covers a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal topics, including basic science and clinical aspects. It aims to give students, in a multidisciplinary setting, a holistic view of musculoskeletal science, orthopaedic bioengineering and medicine, and provides an in-depth knowledge of specific areas appropriate to each student's individual interests.
Students on this MSc programme acquire essential scientific knowledge, improve their basic research skills, and are equipped with the ability to solve the musculoskeletal problems emphasised within the NHS framework. The programme emphasises the four major areas as identified by the Bone and Joint Decade - arthritis, osteoporosis, trauma and spinal disorders, and transferable skills and research methodology in orthopaedic bioengineering.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months and flexible study up to five years) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time three months and flexible study up to two years) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Up to 60 credits of optional modules (four modules) drawn from the following:
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project, which can be carried out at their own institution or hospital, and culminates in a dissertation and oral examination. The project thesis has an upper word limit of 12,000 words (40-50 pages).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of web-based taught lectures, seminars, tutorials, online research forum, group project work and workshops. Assessment is through unseen written examination, coursework, and the dissertation and viva voce. Candidates are examined in the year in which they complete the programme.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Musculoskeletal Science (by Distance Learning) MSc
This programme offers students from a wide variety of disciplines the opportunity to gain a higher degree in an exciting and rapidly developing field, and equips them to make a strong contribution to the development of musculoskeletal services. The students can develop their careers in the healthcare sector, medical device industry and bio-industry, regenerative medicine, regulatory bodies, as well as the academic community.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science is part of one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, with a team of nearly 400 people, from surgeons, biologists, bioengineers and material scientists and oncologists to clinical trials specialists and researchers. Our aim is to understand the causes of human musculoskeletal disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve the quality of life of the people around us.
Students on this MSc will gain an unparalleled grounding in musculoskeletal science and orthopaedic bioengineering including a holistic view of clinical care as well as orthopaedic sciences and bioengineering. The programme is run at the internationally renowned Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Surgery & Interventional Science
80%: Clinical Medicine subjects; 95%: General Engineering subjects rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The Musculoskeletal Science MSc covers a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal topics, including basic science and clinical aspects. It aims to give students, in a multidisciplinary setting, a holistic view of musculoskeletal science, orthopaedic bioengineering and medicine, and provides an in-depth knowledge of specific areas appropriate to each student's individual interests.
Students on this MSc programme acquire essential scientific knowledge, improve their basic research skills, and are equipped with the ability to solve the musculoskeletal problems emphasised within the NHS framework. The programme emphasises the four major areas as identified by the Bone and Joint Decade - arthritis, osteoporosis, trauma and spinal disorders, and transferable skills and research methodology in orthopaedic bioengineering.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of eight taught modules (120 credits), and a research project (60 credits).
Students will be awarded an MSc on successful completion of all taught modules and research project; a Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of eight taught modules (all core modules plus any four from options); and a Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of four taught modules.
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months and flexible study up to five years) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time three months and flexible study up to two years) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Up to 60 credits of optional modules (4 modules) drawn from the following:
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project that will contribute to cutting-edge scientific, clinical and industrial research, and culminates in a dissertation and oral examination.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of taught lectures, seminars, tutorials, group project work and workshops. Assessment is through online MCQs, coursework, and the dissertation and viva voce. Candidates are examined in the year in which they complete the programme.
The programme will be taught mostly at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, London. Some teaching will also take place in Bloomsbury.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Musculoskeletal Science MSc
This programme offers students from a wide variety of disciplines the opportunity to gain a higher degree in an exciting and rapidly developing field, and equips them to make a strong contribution to the development of musculoskeletal services. The students can develop their careers in the healthcare sector, medical device industry and bio-industry, regenerative medicine, regulatory bodies, as well as the academic community.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Division of Surgery & Interventional Science is part of one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, with a team of nearly 400 people, from surgeons, biologists, bioengineers and material scientists and oncologists, to clinical trials specialists and researchers. Our aim is to understand the causes of human musculoskeletal disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve the quality of life.
Students on this MSc will gain an unparalleled grounding in musculoskeletal science and orthopaedic bioengineering, including a holistic view of clinical care as well as orthopaedic sciences and bioengineering. The programme is run at the internationally renowned Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Surgery & Interventional Science
80%: Clinical Medicine subjects; 95%: General Engineering subjects rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This innovative programme with its football medicine focus is delivered through a partnership between The Football Association and the University of Birmingham.
The programme is aimed at physiotherapists and doctors and is ideal for those either working within football medicine or interested in moving into football medicine.
The learning and teaching for two specialist modules is delivered in the tranquil grounds of St George’s park, the Football Association’s flagship national facility. Anatomy teaching is delivered in the state-of-the-art prosectorium at University of Birmingham
This is a research-led programme delivered within a School with 90% of its research classified as world leading or internationally excellent, with experts from football medicine, sports medicine and musculoskeletal medicine.
The programme is part of a collaboration framework of MSc and MRes programmes between the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.
The overall aim of the programme is to enable exploration of the theoretical basis of exercise and sports medicine in general and football in particular, and its application to the development of a physiotherapist's and doctor's clinical reasoning. Using the process of clinical reasoning as its framework, the programme will integrate the key issues central to practice in this specialist area, including: clinical assessment, communication skills, accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis, diagnostics and prognostics, treatment interventions, management approaches, best evidence, evaluation of outcome, strategies to reduce injury time etc.
The programme will facilitate the evaluation of existing evidence through the exploration of the assessment and management of athletes. It will provide students with the opportunity to tailor their learning experience to meet their personal and professional needs, developing their their capacity for leadership within a multidisciplinary team providing clinical management in football. The programme will promote enquiry based learning through a range of strategies including case analysis and problem based learning.
The programme is written in line with the international competencies and standards established by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists and the Specialty Training Curriculum for Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board, and in collaboration with The Football Association and physiotherapists and doctors working within football and other sporting contexts.
Download the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Postgraduate courses brochure here
As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.
You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.
The two specialist Sports Medicine (Football) modules will be delivered at The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park at Burton on Trent, with contributions from a range of national experts within the field.
The programme also includes anatomy development within the prosectorium in the Medical School, and practice mentorship within a football/sports medicine environment.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.
Careers
The programme has been written collaboratively with The Football Association for physiotherapists and doctors either working within football medicine or interested in moving into football medicine, to enhance your employability. Specifically, the programme has been written in line with the international competencies and standards established by the International Federation of Sports Phsyiotherapists and the Speciality Training Curriculum for Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board, and in collaboration with The Football Association and physiotherapists and doctors working within football and other sporting contexts.
Careers Support for Postgraduate Students
Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career
We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market.
Here are just a few ways in which we can help postgraduates to get ahead:
The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. They also have a dedicated careers website for international students where you can find useful resources and information.
Quotes
“We have hired some fantastic Birmingham graduates and postgraduates in the past, and believe that they have the experience and intelligence to understand the challenges of working with Procter and Gamble.”
In an independent survey, over 75% of employers regarded a postgraduate Masters-level qualification as ‘essential’ or ‘preferred’ when recruiting. ‘Talent Fishing: What Businesses want from Postgraduates’ A CIHE Report for Department of Business Innovation and Skills, March 2011.
For more information visit the Careers Network website.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Musculoskeletal) programme will give nurses, doctors, clinical researchers and research programme managers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on musculoskeletal through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning that includes spending a year working closely with the Experimental Medicine Musculoskeletal Team of the Biomedical Research Centre while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug or intervention into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students may participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For non-registered clinical researchers and research programme managers, no direct patient contact is envisaged and you may participate in clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Musculoskeletal) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier Biomedical Research Centre and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to musculoskeletal.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects working closely with the Experimental Medicine Musculoskeletal Team of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers across a range of different fields within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
This programme enables practitioners to gain a formally recognised standard of competence in their chosen area of Special Interest. It is taught and run by advanced clinicians, allied health professionals and service improvement specialists. It is designed for General Practitioners, Nurse Specialists and other medical professionals working in the specialty clinical environment.
There are four distinct versions of the Diploma, tailored to the following specialisms:
As a part-time diploma, this programme contains a large element of work-based learning. Attendance is only required for a total of eight study days on five separate occasions throughout the 18 months, so is accessible to students nationally.
This well established programme is delivered by The Ridge Training Ltd., as an external partner to the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford. This falls under the collaborative provision regulations, so although the Programmes are taught wholly by The Ridge, quality assurance and assessment are governed by the University of Bradford regulations.
The programme structure is specifically designed to encourage the development of the specialist practitioner role, by encouraging collaborative clinical work-based training between the practitioner and the clinical mentor. The issues of ethics and informed consent are an integrated part of the students’ daily practice, and it is implicit in all the modules that there is conformity to the usual standards and guidelines in these areas.
During the programme the emphasis is on critical thinking, reflective learning and the practice of evidence-based medicine. Students are enabled to directly apply their learning to their current and future roles.
Each module has a number of set learning outcomes, and it is up to you, together with your self-identified local clinical mentor, to identify your learning needs and generate the training plan to fulfil these learning outcomes. You will have a teaching day on the clinical content of each module, after which you will attend at least 14 sessions in suitable clinics of your choice over a period of 6 months (clinical attachment). At the end of this period you will have to demonstrate your competency in managing patients, and an ability to critically reflect on your own practice.
Any module can be selected as a standalone if students do not wish to complete the whole programme. On successful completion of their chosen modules students will be awarded a Certificate. Students who successfully complete all modules gain the Diploma, and will be able to progress to the MSc for Practitioners with Special Interest if they wish. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will have greater breadth of knowledge of cardiology than those who complete the Certificate.
Students will be learning at The Ridge premises, which are located at Cousen Road, Bradford. BD7 3JX.
This is a quality venue, well equipped and an easily accessible location.
Find out more on The Ridge website.
Access:
The Musculoskeletal Medicine with Rheumatology for Practitioners with a Special Interest version of the Diploma is endorsed by the Primary Care Rheumatology Society.
Each module is worth 30 level 7 credits; this nominally equates to 300 hours of work.
120 credits are required to achieve Diploma level.
Certificate level can be achieved by completion of Applied Methodology plus one or two clinical modules.
Cardiology specialism
The British Cardiology Society accredit this programme
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
MSK with Rheumatology
The Primary Care Rheumatology Society (PCR) endorse this programme.
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Gynaecology
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Diabetes
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Students can access the extensive Study Support resources provided by the University.
See: Learning Resources
Further support offered by the University include:
Further programme specific support is provided:
Induction takes place on the first day of the teaching programme. Students are guided through an overview of their chosen programme and the Blackboard system, where all the relevant documents are placed.
The programme tutors and the programme co-ordinator are committed to supporting students as they progress. They provide advice and guidance for all students on all aspects of the course both academically, administratively and pastorally.
Students are able to access the programme co-ordinator and tutors via individual contact (face to face, email or telephone).
Students working at the MSc level are expected to liaise on a regular basis with their project supervisor.
We focus on research themes that have a direct impact on the quality of care.
Our research is locally and internationally significant, undertaken in collaboration with NHS and other partners.
This unique programme is designed to provide an education in the underlying scientific principles of physical therapy - physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports therapy - and an opportunity to experience the clinical application of specialist rehabilitation techniques with expert clinicians at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).
Students can expect to acquire a broad and deep understanding of the science underpinning a physical therapy approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. In addition, the MSc builds on cognitive skills, and students will become creative in their thinking and highly skilled in analysis and evaluation, and thus ideally placed to become innovative leaders within their field.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits), and a research project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project that will contribute to cutting-edge scientific, clinical and industrial research, and culminates in a dissertation and oral examination. The research project thesis will be approximately 6,000-7,000 words (20-30 pages).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case-based studies, workshops and practical classes. Assessment is through MCQ examinations; coursework, including narrative reviews, structured questions and case studies; and poster presentation. The research project is assessed by a written dissertation and viva examination.
The programme will be taught mostly at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, London. Some teaching will also take place in Bloomsbury.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
On successful completion of this programme, students can expect to assume leadership positions in clinical practice in the NHS, or in private practice for those with a prior clinical qualification. Graduates will also be well placed to enter academic or clinical research or a biomedical/healthcare-related position in industry.
Employability
Graduates are likely to be highly attractive to prospective employers; not only will they have gained multidisciplinary knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and treatments for musculoskeletal disease and dysfunction, but importantly they will have developed their skills in analysis and evaluation of information and creation of new ideas. These higher-level cognitive skills are highly sought after by employers.
This programme is unique in that it covers the basic science informing a physical therapy approach to treatment. The programme encourages students to integrate knowledge across modules and to use a multi-dimensional approach to patient management.
The programme is delivered through a partnership between internationally renowned UCL academics and world-leading specialist clinicians at the RNOH, providing students with excellent networking opportunities with academics, clinical professionals and like-minded peers.
UCL was rated as the best university for research strength in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework (December 2014). The RNOH has a worldwide reputation for ground-breaking neuro-musculoskeletal healthcare and specialist rehabilitation.
This MSc is designed to give clinicians and practitioners a deeper understanding of sports medicine, sports injuries and exercise medicine. The programme covers the evidence-based management of sports medicine and musculoskeletal injuries, and emphasises the vital role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. This MSc can be taken full-time over one year, part-time over two years, or via flexible distance learning.
The programme focuses on sports injuries and their prevention and treatment, and provides a thorough grounding in relevant areas of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology and psychology, as well as the fundamentals of exercise in maintaining and improving health. Students develop essential research skills through an independent research project.
All students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of seven core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (60 credits). Clinical sessions are spread over the year; commitment is equivalent to one half-day per week over three 12-week semesters. Clinic options include sports injury, physiotherapy and podiatry, exercise testing, and team visits.
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project from a diverse range of available topics, which culminates in a dissertation, an oral examination and a presentation.
Teaching and learning
Teaching is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, hands-on practical sessions, small group seminars, clinics and field trips, and will be delivered by lecturers who are highly experienced in their field. Up-to-date, evidence-based practice will be emphasised throughout and students' contribution through discussion is considered key. Assessment is through written examination, presentations, coursework and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), as well as the dissertation and viva voce (oral) examination.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of the programme will gain a deeper understanding and valuable insights into the key areas of sports injury prevention and management, health and physical activity, and will be able to prescribe exercise safely for a range of medical conditions. This will prepare them for potential work in many areas from elite sports medicine to NHS sports and musculoskeletal clinics, and exercise medicine services.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
A Master's-level degree in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health from UCL will open many doors in the sports and exercise medicine world, from sports injury clinics to developing exercise medicine programmes for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and working with sports teams. UCL's MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health is led by local experts with active involvement in the NHS and elite sports and exercise medicine settings. A distinct feature of the programme is the wide variety and large number of distinguished external guest speakers, all experts in their own field locally, nationally and internationally. Students have unrivalled access to our guest speakers for career advice and potential opportunities.
UCL is one of the world's very best universities, consistently placed in the global top 20 in a wide range of world rankings. The UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science is part of one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, with a team of nearly 400 people, from surgeons and oncologists to clinical trials specialists and researchers. This programme is based at the Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH). Our aim is to understand the causes of human disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve quality of life.
The MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health at UCL places a strong emphasis on improving health through exercise alongside the management of sports and musculoskeletal injury. The programme has significant clinical content and students benefit from attendance at numerous specialist clinics and opportunities for field visits to sports teams and events.
Graduate students on the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health at UCL are from diverse backgrounds reflecting the true multidisciplinary nature of sports and exercise medicine.
These courses provide academic opportunities for physiotherapists to develop the clinical and basic science knowledge, reasoning and analytical research skills required to carry out advanced physiotherapy assessments and deliver optimal care and management of people with musculoskeletal conditions. Both courses offer modules which facilitate the development of advanced physiotherapy knowledge and skills.
Students on the Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy course have the opportunity to choose an optional module in areas such as Health Economics, Psychology or Management in Organisations.
Students on the Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (with Clinical Placements) course must take the Clinical Education module and undertake placements for a minimum of 150 hours.
The Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy courses will provide you with the basic science and clinical knowledge and analytical skills to comprehensively assess and manage individuals with musculoskeletal problems. You will learn how to design, implement and evaluate care and rehabilitation programmes tailored to the needs of your individual patients.
The courses offer you flexibility, to study either full or part-time and the choice of whether to study for a full master’s qualification or a Postgraduate Diploma.
The MSc consists of modules totalling 180 credits including a research project and dissertation worth 60 credits. The Postgraduate Diploma requires completed modules with a total of 120 credits to meet the requirements of the award. If you are studying full-time you will complete the course in one year studying from September to September. Part-time students will complete the course over two years.
Course accreditation
Students on the MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (with Clinical Placements) are eligible for MACP membership on successful completion of the course. Students on the MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy are eligible to apply for MACP membership through the MACP portfolio route.
Regulating body
King’s College is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Location
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the King’s College London Guy’s Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary.
Research projects can take place in a variety of locations including King’s, occasionally other local universities and also in local hospitals, clinics or sports clubs.
Work placements can be held in any healthcare setting with a suitable MACP qualified mentor and mainly take place in the UK; Predominantly NHS outpatient physiotherapy departments, some private hospitals, private physiotherapy practices and sports clubs.
Teaching
You can expect to receive approximately 280 contact teaching hours for the MSc and 260 contact hours for the PG Dip during the courses. This will include lectures, seminars and practial sessions.
Students are expected to spend approximately two days a week studying independently and preparing for assignments during terms 1 and 2.
Students studying on the Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (with Clinical Placements) MSc and PG Dip will also go on clinical placements totalling at least 150 hours and will have direct contact time with their mentor for at least 50% of this time. Students are expected to spend approximately 50 hours consolidating learning from clinical placements and preparing for clinical assessments.
Students on both MSc courses will also undertake the Research project module which involves approximately 20 contact hours with their project supervisor(s) and approximately 600 hours self-study.
Assessment
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of oral, practical and clinical assessments, written assignments, and written examination. MSc students will also be assessed through a written thesis.
Graduates of the course have successfully gone onto roles and further study including:
