Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
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How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
Course summary
- Advance your clinical, therapeutic and reasoning skills.
- Develop your skills in communication and leadership.
- Prepare to bring about more evidence-based, efficient and effective services.
- Engage in debate and increase your ability to facilitate service development and enhance patient care.
This course is designed for experienced postgraduate healthcare professionals working in musculoskeletal clinical practice. It’s also suitable if you’ve studied manual therapy at a high level on clinically-based courses – such as with the International Maitland Teachers Association. You can have relevant clinically-focused learning recognised and the credits transferred via a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Student satisfaction
This course scored 100% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
How you learn
On this course you’ll engage with evidence, theories and concepts relevant to musculoskeletal practice. You’ll be encouraged to share ideas, broaden your understanding and reflect on your own clinical practice – as well as to learn from other people on the course.
You learn through
- practical sessions
- independent guided study
- student-directed learning
- formative tasks
- our virtual learning environment (Blackboard)
You also can study individual modules from this course and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.
Applied learning
Work placements
You can choose to take mentored clinical practice (MCP) as part of the course. These are opportunities to transfer knowledge to practice while gaining feedback from expert clinical practitioners.
MCPs are useful if you want to join the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) or pursue advanced clinical practice routes.
Networking opportunities
You’ll learn from enthusiastic tutors and specialist visiting lecturers – including academics who have physiotherapy research published in peer-reviewed journals.
Course leaders and tutors
David Alderson
Course Leader for Advanced Clinical Practice Musculoskeletal Management, Senior LecturerStaff profile for David Alderson, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
The aim of the module is to enhance your expertise and innovative management of neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the lower quadrant, informed by critical evaluation of the relevant literature and reflection on the effectiveness of your clinical reasoning skills.
These aims are in line with the requirements for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Pharmacology
- The mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, side effects and benefits of
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain relieving drugs
Evidence based practice
- Understanding and critiquing qualitative research
- Understanding and critiquing guidelines and pathways
- Integration of different forms of evidence into clinical reasoning
Applying a bio-psychosocial model of practice
- Using and critiquing screening tools specific to fear avoidance and risk of developing chronic pain
- Individualised/goal orientated measures
- Ergonomic and holistic assessment
Complex and dynamic movement
- Control of dynamic whole body movement
- Understanding balance and proprioception
- Movement screening tools
- Muscular dysfunction – assessment and management
Musculoskeletal problems in the lower quadrant
- Assessment of lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Posture and movement assessment,
- Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics relevant to specific conditions,
- Predisposing factors for musculoskeletal problems and preventative strategies
- Differential diagnosis including neurological, visceral and cardiovascular problems,
- Manual therapy assessment techniques.
- Management of lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Manual therapy approaches – mobilisation, manipulation and handling for patient education,
- Use of exercise and self-management strategies,
- Use of adjuncts such as supports,
- Patient education and advice,
- Indications for surgical interventions and injection therapy for musculoskeletal problems
- Influence of neurological, vascular and lymphatic systems on musculoskeletal dysfunctions
- Influence of psychosocial factors on the management of specific musculoskeletal dysfunctions (e.g. factors which hinder/facilitate recovery and rehabilitation)
Musculoskeletal problems in the lower quadrant
The content described above will be covered for dysfunctions relating to the lumbar spine, hip, knee and the foot and ankle complex. Other musculoskeletal problems will be covered through self-directed learning and formative assessment and summative assessment only.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
3.4 Actively seek and participate in peer review of your own and others’ practice across traditional health and social care boundaries |
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3.4 Actively seek and participate in peer review of your own and others’ practice across traditional health and social care boundaries |
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3.4 Actively seek and participate in peer review of your own and others’ practice across traditional health and social care boundaries |
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Skills |
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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Behaviour |
3.4 Actively seek and participate in peer review of your own and others’ practice across traditional health and social care boundaries |
3.4 The importance and impact of peer review and evaluation in advanced clinical practice |
The aim of the module is to enhance your expertise and innovative management of neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the upper quadrant, informed by critical evaluation of the relevant literature and reflection on the effectiveness of your clinical reasoning skills.
These aims are in line with the requirements for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Clinical reasoning
- Different models of clinical reasoning – hypothetico- deductive reasoning, pattern recognition
- The pros and cons of different reasoning approaches in musculoskeletal practice
- Tissue properties, tissue responses to damage and mechanisms of repair
- Approaches to practice in musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Pain physiology
- Pain physiology and pain mechanisms
- The role of the CNS in perception of pain
- Patient beliefs and pain perception
Evidence based practice
- Searching for evidence and posing research questions relevant to practice
- Understanding and critiquing randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews
- Use of outcome measures in musculoskeletal practice – types of measures, assessment across the spectrum of the International Classification of Functioning
- Reliability, validity and responsive of measures
- Diagnostic and predictive tests in musculoskeletal practice – reliability and diagnostic validity
Musculoskeletal problems in the upper quadrant
- Assessment of upper quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Posture and movement assessment,
- Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics relevant to specific conditions,
- Predisposing factors for musculoskeletal problems and preventative strategies
- Differential diagnosis including neurological, visceral and cardiovascular problems,
- Manual therapy assessment techniques.
- Management of upper quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Manual therapy approaches – mobilisation, manipulation and handling for patient education,
- Use of exercise and self-management strategies,
- Use of adjuncts such as supports,
- Patient education and advice,
- Indications for surgical interventions and injection therapy for musculoskeletal problems
- Influence of neurological, vascular and lymphatic systems on musculoskeletal dysfunctions
- Influence of psychosocial factors on the management of specific musculoskeletal dysfunctions (e.g. factors which hinder/facilitate recovery and rehabilitation)
Musculoskeletal problems in the upper quadrant
The content described above will be covered for dysfunctions relating to the temperomandibular joint, the neck, the shoulder, the thoracic spine and the elbow. Other musculoskeletal problems will be covered through self-directed learning and formative assessment and summative assessment only.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills
Behaviour |
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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3.4 Actively seek and participate in peer review of your own and others’ practice across traditional health and social care boundaries |
3.4 The importance and impact of peer review and evaluation in advanced clinical practice |
Year 2
Compulsory modules
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to research design and methods relevant to an applied area of investigation. It will enable you to consider factors that will impact on future planning and management of their investigation.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Identifying a research question
- Research methods to support quantitative and qualitative research
- Research ethics
- Literature based studies
- Service evaluation - design and methods
- Project planning and management
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.2 Evaluate and audit your own and others’ clinical practice and act on the findings |
4.2 The range of valid and reliable evaluation and audit methods used in clinical practice |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
Elective modules
On successful completion of the module a student will have demonstrated a critical and evaluative insight into health and social care professionals who are leading and delivering autonomous advanced or advancing practice roles.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
● Legal and ethical principles and frameworks
● Complex decision making and clinical reasoning
● Socio-political elements of advancing practice
● Positive risk-taking
● Leadership
● CPD
● Resilience
● Community of practice and learning
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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Skills |
1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.2 Use your advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional and service boundaries; drive service development and influence clinical practices to enhance quality productivity and value |
3.2 The implications and applications of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional trends and developments appropriate to your clinical practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
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This module considers how the work environment can promote well being and/or safety. You will examine the relationship from the perspective of both worker and employer and reflect on how, using an ergonomic/human factor approach, the workplace can support individuals effectively and productively. Sickness absence and management is also considered and relating issues explored.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
These are examples of the content of the module
- Understanding the health benefits of work
- Health behaviour theory
- Consider how different health conditions can affect work
- A range of approaches and strategies that contribute to the management of different health conditions.
- Exploring the role of ergonomics and its application to the work environment
- Explore human factors and the relationship to effective wellbeing and safety
- Risk assessment and management to promote a healthier and safer work environment
The module is designed to help students build upon prior learning they have undertaken through non-accredited means. It provides the opportunity to enhance personal and professional development through planning & justifying a package of evidence to demonstrate achievement of 15 level 7 academic credits.
Application to and reflection upon learning and practice are a key focus of the module alongside academic writing skills and targeting dissemination of outcomes to a relevant audience.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module content will be unique and individually determined, negotiated and justified by each student, however, it is anticipated that the following aspects will provide a core foundation for achievement of the learning outcomes:
- Forming personal and professional goals & learning outcomes, driving your CPD.
- Evidencing learning and development
- M-Level academic writing
- Reflecting on learning & development and models of reflection
- Considering impact of learning & development on practice
- Targeting dissemination of learning & practice/writing for publication
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
The module is designed to help students build upon prior learning they have undertaken through non-accredited means. It provides the opportunity to enhance personal and professional development through planning & justifying a package of evidence to demonstrate achievement of 30 level 7 academic credits.
Application to and reflection upon learning and practice are a key focus of the module alongside academic writing skills and targeting dissemination of outcomes to a relevant audience.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module content will be unique and individually determined, negotiated and justified by each student, however, it is anticipated that the following aspects will provide a core foundation for achievement of the learning outcomes:
· Forming personal and professional goals & learning outcomes, driving your CPD.
· Evidencing learning and development
· M-Level academic writing
· Reflecting on learning & development and models of reflection
· Considering impact of learning & development on practice
· Targeting dissemination of learning & practice/writing for publication
The module aligns to the KSA FCP Roadmap document and will ensure the appropriate competencies are achieved leading to recognition on the HEE Centre for Advancing Practice Directory if the FCP 2 module is also completed. The module is underpinned by the essential personal attributes, the integration of complex clinical reasoning training and patient safety. Learner’s will self-assess against the KSA’s at 3 time points to set development goals and action plans; pre-study, mid-way and completion to submit a final triangulated portfolio. Learning outcomes have been developed from the KSA mapping under the 4 domain headings in relation to advanced musculoskeletal management and will be synchronous across this module and the associated FCP 2 module/work based learning in practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
A prior knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system is expected. The indicative module contents include:
Personalised care appraoches
- Demonstrate an advanced level of effective, direct, person-centred approach to practice, responding and rapidly adapting the assessment and intervention to the emerging information and the patient’s perspective e.g. enabling individuals to make and prioritise decisions about their care, exploring risks, benefits, and consequences of options on their MSK condition and life, such as paid/unpaid work, including doing nothing.
- Policies, protocols and guidelines within the field of clinical practice, i.e. ACP MSK framework
- Medico-legal issues, responsibility and accountability
- Components and communication of an autonomous opinion
Assessment, investigation and diagnosis
- Advanced clinical examination skills including triage, red & yellow flags, masqueraders, patient centred care & informed consent, listing patients for surgery.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of accurate and efficient selection of inquiry strategies, based on early recognition and correct interpretation of relevant complex clinical cues e.g. gather, synthesise, and appraise from various sources, sometimes incomplete or ambiguous information relating to current and past history, their activities, any injuries, falls, frailty, multimorbidity, or other determinants of health and wellbeing and characteristics of MSK conditions (pain, stiffness, deformity, weakness, sensory loss, and impact on tasks and occupation etc.).
- Justifying the selection, ordering and interpretations of a range of diagnostic investigations including Xray, MRI, blood tests
- The role of alternative imaging and testing modalities
- The significance, availability, and use of clinical information to guide clinical reasoning and decision making, including onward referral of patients within your clinical field
- Musculoskeletal radiographic findings of the normal skeleton, anatomical variants, injuries, pathological and developmental skeletal conditions (common non-trauma)
Condition Management, interventions and prevention
- Understanding the principals of pharmacological intervention of patients within own scope of practice • Evaluate findings from written formal reports, diagnostic imaging and tests with other clinical information to deliver an optimal management pathway
Service and professional development
- Multi-disciplinary team working.
- Evidence based practice
- Utilising evidence relevant to practice
- Diagnostic utility of tests, validity, reliability, specificity, sensitivity etc
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.6 Initiate and evaluate a range of interventions which may include prescribing of medicines, therapies and care |
1.6 Local and national policies, regulatory frameworks and guidelines for prescribing where appropriate; knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics relative to your scope of practice |
The aim of this module is to facilitate you in the development of complex reasoning and decision-making skills in advanced musculoskeletal practice. This will include the development of personalised care approaches with advanced interpersonal abilities, holistic and critical assessment, investigation and diagnostic skills to offer client focused prevention, intervention and management of complex conditions. You will develop many personal attributes that underpin the 14 capabilities of the KSA’s detailed in the HEE FCP roadmap to practice with particular focus on critical evaluation of evidence based practice, service and personal development.
The aim of this module is to allow you to interpret musculoskeletal radiographic appearances of the appendicular skeleton, with a particular emphasis on the acute and emergency setting
INDICATIVE CONTENT
A prior knowledge of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system is expected. The indicative module contents include:
- Development of a systematic approach to musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation
- The significance, availability, and use of clinical information
- Components and communication of an autonomous opinion
- The role of alternative imaging modalities
- Musculoskeletal radiographic appearances of:
- the normal skeleton and anatomical variants
- fractures, dislocations, and other traumatic skeletal conditions
- common non-traumatic musculoskeletal pathology
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.3 Work collaboratively to identify and meet the learning and development needs of health or care professionals; support practice education; act as a role model and mentor |
2.3 The application of teaching and learning theories and models in health and care; how to identify learning needs; organisational and professional roles and responsibilities in relation to life-long learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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Behaviour |
3.1 Demonstrate the impact of advanced clinical practice within your scope of practice and the wider community |
3.1 Methods and systems to measure impact of advanced clinical practice |
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3.2 Use your advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional and service boundaries; drive service development and influence clinical practices to enhance quality productivity and value |
3.2 The implications and applications of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional trends and developments appropriate to your clinical practice |
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3.5 Identify the need for change; generate practice innovations; act as a role model; lead new practice and service redesign solutions in response to individuals’ feedback and service need |
3.5 Theories, models and techniques which can be deployed across health and social care systems to affect change at individual, team and organisational level |
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3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
This module explores the concept of health promotion and lifestyle management. During the module you will develop an understanding of how models of health promotion can potentially impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. It also explores the potential of preventive approaches to improved health and wellbeing. The module will allow you to apply your understanding to individuals and/ or groups of individuals that you may be working alongside.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Policy context related to public health and health promotion
- Social determinants of health
- Models of health promotion or social marketing
- Approaches to behaviour change
- Practical skills development including the techniques of self-management, motivational interviewing and goal setting.
- Evaluation of health promotion and lifestyle management interventions
This module is designed for practitioners to develop the underlying cognitive and practical skills required for safe and effective application of injection treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. It will develop non-medical clinicians with regulatory body and/or employer support with advanced neuromusculoskeletal pathophysiology knowledge, assessment skills and expert clinical reasoning to identify safe patient selection and application of peripheral intra- and peri-articular injection therapy. It will also develop critical thinking in the evaluation of injection therapy practice.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
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4.2 Evaluate and audit your own and others’ clinical practice and act on the findings |
4.2 The range of valid and reliable evaluation and audit methods used in clinical practice |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.6 Initiate and evaluate a range of interventions which may include prescribing of medicines, therapies and care |
1.6 Local and national policies, regulatory frameworks and guidelines for prescribing where appropriate; knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics relative to your scope of practice |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
This module aims to help you develop an in-depth understanding of the fields of management and leadership in the contemporary health and social care context, whilst considering your role and future development.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Overarching concepts of leadership and management
- Leadership overview
- Mapping the field of leadership
- Leadership and learning diagnostic tools
- Leadership learning and development
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
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2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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Behaviour |
3.3 Provide professional leadership and supervision in situations that are complex and unpredictable; instill confidence and clinical credibility in others; work across boundaries to promote person-centred care |
3.3 Theories, techniques and models of leadership and teamwork and how these can be applied across professional boundaries in health and social care |
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3.5 Identify the need for change; generate practice innovations; act as a role model; lead new practice and service redesign solutions in response to individuals’ feedback and service need |
3.5 Theories, models and techniques which can be deployed across health and social care systems to affect change at individual, team and organisational level |
This module aims to facilitate your reflection and critical appraisal of underpinning theories of learning, teaching and assessment of adults that enables the design, delivery and evaluation of education. The emphasis is on exploring how educational concepts and theories are implemented and how they impact on your professional practice and development in the health and social care setting.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In the module, a framework is delivered by staff and is planned to promote discussion. The following is indicative of the content:
• Lesson planning and evaluation
• Theories of adult learning and teaching in higher education
• Teaching strategies
• Assessment and feedback
• Learner support
• M level academic writing
• Engagement with the HEA UKPSF and other professional body requirements as appropriate.
Additional aspects of education may be added depending on learning requirements.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.3 Work collaboratively to identify and meet the learning and development needs of health or care professionals; support practice education; act as a role model and mentor |
2.3 The application of teaching and learning theories and models in health and care; how to identify learning needs; organisational and professional roles and responsibilities in relation to life-long learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
This module aims to facilitate your reflection and critical appraisal of underpinning theories of learning, teaching and assessment of adults that enables the design, delivery and evaluation of education. The emphasis is on exploring how educational concepts and theories are implemented and how they impact on your professional practice and development in the health and social care setting.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In the module, a framework is delivered by staff and is planned to promote discussion. The following is indicative of the content:
• Lesson planning and evaluation
• Theories of adult learning and teaching in higher education
• Teaching strategies
• Assessment and feedback
• Learner support
• M level academic writing
• Engagement with the HEA UKPSF and other professional body requirements as appropriate.
Additional aspects of education may be added depending on learning requirements.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.3 Work collaboratively to identify and meet the learning and development needs of health or care professionals; support practice education; act as a role model and mentor |
2.3 The application of teaching and learning theories and models in health and care; how to identify learning needs; organisational and professional roles and responsibilities in relation to life-long learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
The aim of this module is to challenge your existing clinical practice by exploring established and evolving concepts, knowledge and evidence related to patient centred assessment and management of neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction.
This module meets the requirements for Membership to the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
To enrol on this module you must:
- Be a full member of the CSP and have current registration with the HCPC
- Be an associate member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
- Have completed the following modules:
- Manual Therapy of the Upper Quadrant
- Manual Therapy of the Lower Quadrant
- Comply with the requirements of the clinical placement host and SHU Professional Issues i.e. CRB, immunisations, health screening
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Patient- centred care in musculoskeletal practice
- Principles of patient-centred care and empowerment
- Interviewing skills
- Collaborative decision making
- Augmentative interventional strategies including psychological models, such as fear avoidance management, behaviour change, motivational strategies and activity management versus pacing, cognitive behaviour management.
- Context and place of supporting management strategies such as acupuncture, injection therapy, pharmacology and medical prescribing, relaxation
Principles of exercise prescription
- Behaviour change
- Motivational strategies
- Adherence
Reflection
- Types of reflection
- Tools and models to aid reflection and action planning
- Using peer support and reflective practice understand how your personal values, ways of working and preferences, strengths and weaknesses, emotions and prejudices, personal scope of practice can and will affect you individual behaviour and practice, potentially impacting on how you manage patients.
Documentation
- Legal requirements of consent and record keeping
- Structuring patient notes
- Referral processes and report writing
Application and integration of skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal manual therapy
This module will address the following issues, pertinent to prescribing as a non-medical practitioner, meeting regulatory requirement that typically include:
- Consultation, Assessment and decision making skills
- Models and frameworks used in prescribing
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Prescribing governance
- Ethical and legal issues of prescribing
- Current issues in prescribing
- Evidence based practice
- Professional accountability and responsibility
- Consent & Adherence
- Prescribing In the public health context
- Toxicology
- Leadership in prescribing
- Human factors
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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|
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.6 Initiate and evaluate a range of interventions which may include prescribing of medicines, therapies and care |
1.6 Local and national policies, regulatory frameworks and guidelines for prescribing where appropriate; knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics relative to your scope of practice |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
This module aims to enable the student to gain a broad understanding of the dimensions of pain, a critical awareness of current pain management and an ability to apply pain management principles effectively in practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Examples of topics within the module may include:
• The nature of pain - neurophysiology of pain processes, pain theories, models of pain
• Factors influencing the assessment and interpretation of pain
• Management of pain - strategies to therapeutically manage & patient self-manage pain processes e.g. altered pain perception, hands on versus hands off, lifestyle management, Motor imagery, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, integration of movement and exercise
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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|
You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
|
Skills |
1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
To identify and successfully plan a negotiated and critically justified work based service improvement project. The service improvement project will consider benefits for the organisation and will develop your understanding of service improvement methodologies whilst enhancing your personal and professional skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The content of the module will be driven by personal and organisational goals negotiated at the start of the module. Key areas will be:
- Organisational structures
- Project management and evaluation
- Change management
- Selecting and using evidence
- Reflective practice
- Action planning
- Work based learning and organisational goals
- Action learning set methodology to support learning and progression through the module.
This module aims to provide the underpinning theoretical knowledge related to safe, patient-centred musculoskeletal ultrasound practice and the interpretation of normal anatomy and pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module will expect the student to have a pre-requisite understanding of the normal gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the basic fundamentals of ultrasound imaging. Indicative content of the module will include:
· Normal sonographic appearances of the musculoskeletal system in relation to gross anatomy
· Guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound.
· Common musculoskeletal pathology and sonographic demonstration of abnormal appearances and pathology of the musculoskeletal system
· Differential diagnosis and written evaluation of findings.
· Invasive procedures for diagnosis and intervention.
· The role of Doppler and Colour Doppler in the abdomen.
· Complimentary and alternative imaging modalities and diagnostic tests.
· Professional issues in musculoskeletal ultrasound and occupational standards.
The module aims to develop skills and understanding around the facilitating physical activity in clinical populations and in using specific exercise for addressing therapeutic goals.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module brings together several themes relevant to good practice in exercise prescription and uses an enquiry-based learning approach to apply these themes to clinical practice.
Principles and practice of behaviour change
o Key principles and models of behaviour change
o Motivational interviewing skills and techniques
Understanding patient experience
o Understanding the range of evidence around patient experience
o Critical appraisal of qualitative research
o Health beliefs and health literacy - understanding what impacts upon these and how these impact upon people's responses to advice and education
o Understanding barriers to exercise and factors affecting adherence
Exercise physiology
o Impact of sedentary behaviour and ageing on the health and wellbeing
o How the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular/respiratory systems respond to exercise/loading in the short-term and over a training period
o Different types of exercise - aerobic, strengthening and stretching.
Principles of exercise prescription
o Risk assessment for exercise.
o Analysing the demands of a task or activity for the purpose of designing an exercise programme.
o Theories and guidelines regarding repetitions, sets and frequency
o Facilitatory approaches, including hands-on techniques, self-assisted techniques, use of equipment and technology
o Group vs. individual approaches to exercise.
Exercise in specific conditions and contexts
o Exercise for fatigue
o Exercise for managing pain
o Exercise and self-management for Long Term Conditions
o Exercise in mental health conditions
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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|
You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
|
Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
|
Skills |
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.2 Use your advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional and service boundaries; drive service development and influence clinical practices to enhance quality productivity and value |
3.2 The implications and applications of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional trends and developments appropriate to your clinical practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
This module aims to enable the student to gain a broad understanding of the dimensions of pain, a critical awareness of current strategies for non- pharmacological pain management and an ability to apply pain management principles effectively in practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Examples of topics within the module may include:
- The nature of pain - neurophysiology of pain processes, pain theories, models of pain
- Factors influencing the assessment and interpretation of pain
- Management of pain - strategies to therapeutically manage & patient self-manage pain processes e.g. altered pain perception, hands on versus hands off, lifestyle management, Motor imagery, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, integration of movement and exercise
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
|
|
You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
|
Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
|
Skills |
1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
|
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
|
|
1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module will enable you to develop a proposal and then plan and conduct an in-depth investigation of a topic that contributes to professional practice. It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows you to demonstrate your ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It promotes the dissemination of findings to your professional community.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module is essentially an individual, self-directed piece of work the contents of which will be specific to your professional area and interests. You will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge base relevant to the topic of interest as well as knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methods.
Students must submit a proposal for approval and this is a mandatory element of this module. You will be advised and supported through the proposal stage and necessary internal and external ethical and scientific approval processes. Approval from the reviewers on behalf of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee is essential before students can progress with their study.
You will be advised about the necessity of obtaining SHU ethical and scientific approval for your project. This and other ethical approvals outside of SHU e.g. NHS will be supported.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in physiotherapy and musculoskeletal practice.
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in
- the NHS
- the public sector
- the military and sports sector
- private clinics and private hospitals
- advanced practice roles, such as emergency department physiotherapist
- research
- teaching
Equipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
360 tour - physiotherapy facilities
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
Academic Qualification
Normally, applicants will hold a first degree or professional qualification which is recognised in the UK in a related health care subject.
Other formally certified qualifications
Equivalent, international academic and/or professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants will be considered on other relevant evidence. Applicants are usually required to provide at least one reference evidencing their capability for postgraduate study.
Level of English language capability
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area. Note that the attainment of an IELTS score of 7 (with no element below 6.5) is required for registration with HCPC.
Relevant work or work-related experience
Applicants must usually have 24 months full time (or equivalent part time) experience managing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction and normally be working in a relevant role. Applicants will be motivated and prepared to study independently and autonomously. They must be prepared to embrace the challenges of Masters level study including online distance learning, have access to a reliable internet connection to support engagement and have sound IT skills.
Use of Prior Credit (RPL): prior certificated credit or prior experiential credit may be used within the programme in the following ways:
Through the University's recognition of prior learning (RPL) process it may be possible for applicants to be exempt from some modules of the programme.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £3,650 per year.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 277.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
