Program Overview

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MSc Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice

The MSc Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice is a postgraduate course designed for experienced clinicians in the musculoskeletal field. This pathway enables students to advance their practice, engaging in material related to clinical decision-making, with options to advance clinical skills such as injection therapy and independent prescribing.

Overview

• Course: MSc Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice
• Start Date: October 2026
• Study Mode: Part-time
• Duration: 2 - 6 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based In: School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences

This course is aligned with the four pillars of advanced practice (clinical, leadership, education, and research) as outlined by Health Education England's framework for Advanced Clinical Practice. To meet the Master's award, workplace supervision is required throughout the program.

Course Objectives

On this course, students gain:

• Critical understanding of the key concepts underlying advanced musculoskeletal clinical skills beyond their normal professional scope of practice.
• Opportunity to acquire advanced musculoskeletal clinical skills beyond their normal professional scope of practice.
• Skills to access and critically appraise research findings to develop their own evidence-based practice.
• Enhanced understanding of the essential principles of research design and to conduct an extensive piece of independent research.
• A range of transferable employment-related skills.

Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Bodies

The University is committed to embedding the NHS Constitution Values into everything they do. These values define the behaviors and expectations of all staff and students, underpinning the work done in the university, clinical arena, and other workplaces.

Professional Accreditation

The course is accredited by NHS England's Centre of Advancing Practice.

Expert Staff

The course features a range of guest specialists, including consultant physiotherapists, consultant rheumatologists, radiologists, consultant neurophysiologists, and other injecting practitioners.

Specialist Facilities

This pathway is taught in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the Colchester Campus, with options for on-campus or online study to suit students' needs.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

To apply, students need:

• A relevant professional qualification and current registration with the relevant UK professional body.
• A minimum of 1 year post-registration experience and relevant musculoskeletal experience.
• A relevant first degree or relevant professional experience and qualifications that demonstrate the ability to study at level seven.
• To be currently employed in a relevant field of practice.
• To provide a demonstration of existing specialist competencies in musculoskeletal practice.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the University for more information on accepted qualifications.

Structure

Course Structure

• Total Credits: 180
• The course includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules, with flexibility to direct learning to topics and regions of personal interest.

Modules

The course structure includes:

• SE713: Understanding and Managing Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions (15 credits)
• SE714: Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy (15 credits)
• SE717: Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment (15 credits)
• SE761: First Contact Musculoskeletal Practice (30 credits)
• SE731: Leading Change in Healthcare (30 credits)
• SE730: Research Dissertation (60 credits)
• Optional modules include:
  • SE747: Postgraduate Research Methods (Distance Learning) (30 credits)
  • SE785: Musculoskeletal Research: Data Collection and Analysis (15 credits)
  • HS632: Preparation for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing V300 (30 credits)
  • SE713: Understanding and Managing Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions (15 credits)
  • SE714: Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy (15 credits)
  • SE717: Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment (15 credits)
  • SE729: Applying and Using Learning in Practice (15 credits)
  • SE761: First Contact Musculoskeletal Practice (30 credits)
  • SE783: Current Concepts in Upper Limb Rehabilitation (15 credits)
  • SE784: Medication Use in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (15 credits)
  • SE786: Evaluation of Clinical Practice for Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioners (30 credits)

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Fees are charged per module and may vary. A full list of current module fees can be found on the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences CPD page.

International Fee

• Fees are charged per module and may vary. A full list of current module fees can be found on the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences CPD page.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

Open Days

The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to tour the campus, meet students and staff, and find out more about studying at Essex.

Applying

To apply, students should email the relevant programme lead to discuss their plans and create a pathway plan. The application process includes filling in an application form and providing supporting documents.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University recognizes the importance of previous academic learning and professional experience and offers the option to use both to gain credit value towards the specific programme, known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).