Everything you need to know...
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How long will I study?
38 Months
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2027
Course summary
- Develop advanced musculoskeletal assessment, rehabilitation and clinical reasoning skills
- Strengthen leadership, communication and service innovation capability
- Apply evidence-based, patient-centred practice in complex healthcare environments
- Engage with research, education and professional development across the multiprofessional pillars of practice
- Follow flexible study routes aligned to professional goals, including pathways supporting MACP and Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation
The MSc Advanced Practice Musculoskeletal Management is designed for experienced musculoskeletal healthcare professionals working across primary and secondary care. It deepens clinical expertise while developing leadership, research and educational capability within advanced musculoskeletal practice.
The programme offers flexible study routes and elective module choice, allowing you to align learning with your professional goals. For those seeking professional recognition, defined module pathways support eligibility for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation, subject to meeting the criteria of those external bodies.
Student satisfaction
This course scored 100% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around key principles that engage you with real-world practice, encourage collaboration, challenge you to think critically and provide a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
On this course you will engage with theories, literature and specialist expertise relevant to neuromusculoskeletal practice. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate your knowledge, develop advanced clinical reasoning skills and strengthen your ability to influence musculoskeletal services.
Learning is grounded in applied musculoskeletal practice, with each module connecting theory to rehabilitation, assessment and decision making through case-based learning and professional debate.
You’ll learn through:
- practical sessions and applied musculoskeletal skills development
- independent guided study
- student-directed learning
- formative tasks with developmental feedback
- Sheffield Hallam’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard
Key Themes
You will develop high-level assessment and rehabilitation skills, strengthening diagnostic reasoning and complex decision making in diverse musculoskeletal settings.
You will explore leadership approaches, service development and innovation, preparing you to contribute to system-level improvement within musculoskeletal healthcare.
You will critically engage with contemporary literature and research, strengthening your ability to apply evidence-based practice and contribute to professional knowledge.
You may undertake a Mentored Clinical Practice module to integrate learning within your clinical environment. Completion of this module is required for those seeking eligibility for MACP membership and Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation, subject to meeting external requirements.
Course Level Support
You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to experienced musculoskeletal clinicians and research-active academic staff
- structured formative feedback throughout modules
- peer collaboration within a diverse professional cohort
- access to the Skills Centre for academic writing and study development
- guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning where applicable
Applied learning
Live Projects
Applied learning is embedded throughout the programme. Assessments reflect professional practice, combining practical tasks and written assignments that demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, communication and evidence-based decision making.
You will integrate theory with practice through case-based learning, service development projects and research-informed initiatives aligned to musculoskeletal healthcare.
Networking Opportunities
You will engage with experienced tutors, visiting clinicians and active researchers. Learning alongside experienced peers enhances professional dialogue and broadens perspectives within advanced musculoskeletal practice.
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
This module develops students’ critical understanding and application of leadership and education principles in advanced physiotherapy practice. It explores how advanced practitioners influence service delivery, lead change, and support learning within teams and patient interactions. Students examine contemporary leadership theories, professional accountability, and strategies for developing others. The module also focuses on the therapeutic educator role, including promoting self-efficacy, behaviour change, and shared decision-making through effective communication. The module aligns with the capabilities of advanced clinical practice as defined in the Multi-Professional framework, supporting the professional development of learners in leadership, education, and collaborative working domains in musculoskeletal physiotherapy contexts.
Module Content:
Leadership models: transformational, systems, authentic, and situational.
Ethical leadership, governance, collaboration and service improvement
Adult learning theory, mentorship, and clinical supervision
Developing learning cultures and evaluating teaching
Patient education: motivational interviewing, health literacy, and personalised care
This module develops 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. The content aligns with the requirements for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) and the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists (IFOMPT).
Module content:
Assessment of lumbar spine and lower limb disorders and pathologies, including differential diagnosis and masqueraders.
The biopsychosocial approach and it’s integration into practice.
Develop understanding of critique of quantitative and qualitative literature and apply to clinical practice.
Analyse evidence base and apply to the clinical reasoning process
Management of lower quadrant, including education, manual therapy, exercise therapy and awareness of other interventions (e.g. injections, surgery)
Manual therapy approaches – mobilisation, manipulation and handling for patient education.
This module develops 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. The content of this module aligns with the requirements for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) and the Internation Federation of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists (IFOMPT).
Module content:
Assessment of Cervical and Thoracic spine and lower limb disorders and pathologies, including differential diagnosis and masquerader’s.
Pain physiology and pain mechanisms
Search for evidence and pose research questions that are relevant to practice.
Analyse evidence base and apply to the clinical reasoning process
Management of upper quadrant, including education, manual therapy, exercise therapy and awareness of other interventions (for example, injections, surgery)
Manual therapy approaches – mobilisation, manipulation and handling for patient education.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module prepares and enables you to embed research and innovation as a core component of your practice and engage in projects that address priorities and seek to transform lives.
It explores the role of research and innovation in healthcare practice and will provide you with an in-depth insight into a range of designs and methods that are used when undertaking such projects. The practicalities of proposing, implementing and undertaking successful projects is explored and you will be supported to create your own research and innovation plan for practice.
Module content:
Health innovation and research - principles and priorities
The research cycle
Formulating research/evaluation questions
Service evaluation design and methods
Research paradigms and methodology
Literature based reviews
Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research
Ethics and governance
Public and patient involvement and co-production
Funding and support
Project management
Dissemination and knowledge exchange
Career planning (including PhD study)
Elective modules
Module Aim
This module will enable you to develop a critical understanding of imaging pathways for a breadth of musculoskeletal pathologies. Using diagnostic images and local and national policies and frameworks, you will develop underpinning knowledge and skills in the identification of normal and abnormal appearances, of the musculoskeletal system.
Understanding your professional role within the patient imaging pathway; you will utilise frameworks that underpin professional practice; ensuring high standards of patient care.
Application of knowledge surrounding diagnostic imaging modalities on an individual case basis is a key focus of the module, recognising professional responsibilities within the MDT.
Module content:
Appendicular and axial skeletal anatomy and imaging appearances (normal and abnormal)
Approaches to diagnostic image interpretation, escalation of findings (expected and unexpected).
Evidence-based decision making.
Patient pathways.
Person-centred care.
Multi-disciplinary working to encompass all 4 pillars of practice.
Legislation ang policy e.g. IRMER (2017), IRR (2017).
M level academic development.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
K 2.2, 2.4, 4.3, 4.6
S 1.8,
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.
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 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.
Module content:
Safe execution of an injection/ aspiration
Awareness of governance for injection and injectables
Clinical reasoning and incorporation of the evidence base for injection therapy
Patient centred care and use of injection therapy
Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics of injectables
Risk Assessment
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
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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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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 |
Year 3
Compulsory modules
This module focuses upon independent research for students working towards a full Award at Master's Level, in their chosen programme.
Students are allocated a designated supervisor to support them in undertaking an independent exploration of an appropriate project relevant to their professional practice. Students may conduct either primary or secondary research to explore complex and impactful themes, contributing to professional practice through dissemination and informed recommendations.
Module Content:
Relevant content will vary according to the student’s chosen research methodology; however common elements include exploration of:
Background and context of chosen theme, contextualising the Research Question
Individual Research Question design using recognised tools
Select and justify chosen methodology
Gain approval for Ethical and Research Governance for professional practice, from the University and any organisation in relation to data.
Data analysis, management, and security
Collate, Synthesise and evaluate evidence
Explore the impact and create recommendations for practice and research dissemination
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 (MACP).
MODULE CONTENT
Patient- centred care in musculoskeletal practice
Principles of patient-centred care and empowerment, including shared decision making
Consultation skills
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 (although this list is not exhaustive) such as load management, manual therapy, injection therapy, pharmacology, medical prescribing or cognitive behavioural approaches
Principles of exercise prescription, including
Behaviour change, motivational strategies and adherence
Reflection
Types and tools of reflection that are available
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 your 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
Future careers
This course prepares you for advanced musculoskeletal practice roles across healthcare settings. Graduates have progressed into roles within:
- NHS musculoskeletal services
- private clinics and private hospitals
- military and sports sectors
- emergency department musculoskeletal specialist roles
- research and academic environments
- leadership and system-level positions
For those pursuing MACP membership or Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation, completion of the appropriate module pathway supports eligibility, subject to meeting external body requirements and employer criteria.
Equipment and facilities
Our Collegiate Campus facilities are designed to support flexible and practical study. These include:
- 24-hour libraries and dedicated study spaces
- extensive online journal access
- specialist teaching facilities such as plinth rooms and seminar rooms
- simulated clinical environments, movement studios and strength and conditioning facilities
You will also need regular access to a PC, laptop or Mac with reliable internet connectivity to engage with online and blended learning components.
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
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, 277.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
