Program Overview

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MSc Musculoskeletal Practice (Hand Therapy)

Overview

The MSc Musculoskeletal Practice (Hand Therapy) is a postgraduate course designed for clinicians who have specialized in Hand Therapy. The course enables students to develop their practice, engaging with material related to clinical decision-making, clinical service quality improvement strategies, research methods, and clinical skills such as injection therapy. Students are also supported in undertaking their own research project.

Course Details

• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Part-time
• Duration: 2 - 6 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)

Benefits of the Course

• Critical understanding of the key concepts underlying contemporary musculoskeletal practice
• Opportunity to acquire additional musculoskeletal clinical skills beyond normal professional scope of practice
• Encouragement to contribute to policy-making, planning, and evaluation
• A range of transferable employment-related skills
• Skills to access and critically appraise research findings to develop evidence-based practice
• Enhanced understanding of the essential principles of research design and the ability to conduct an extensive piece of independent research

Professional Accreditation

• Accredited by NHS England's Centre of Advancing Practice
• Accredited by the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT)
• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

Expert Staff

The course involves a range of staff, including Sarah Golding - Accredited Hand Therapist, and other tutors such as injecting practitioners and therapists with a special interest in the upper limb.

Specialist Facilities

The course is taught in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the Colchester Campus, with modules available on campus or online to suit students' needs.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A relevant first degree or relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrate the ability to study at Level 7
• A minimum of 1 year post-registration experience and relevant musculoskeletal experience
• Current Registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body
• HCPC or equivalent registration

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Structure

Course Structure

The course is composed of components and modules. Components are blocks of study that make up the course, and each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards the qualification.

Components and Modules

• Core: Modules that must be taken and passed
• Core with Options: Modules from which students can choose, but must pass
• Compulsory: Modules that must be taken, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Compulsory with Options: Modules from which students can choose, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Optional: Modules from which students can choose, with limited opportunities to continue if failed

Year 1 Components

1. Dissertation (60 credits): An in-depth study and analysis of a topic relevant to the Masters degree programme
2. Postgraduate Research Methods (Distance Learning) (30 credits): Exploration of theoretical and practical issues in relation to the research process, with emphasis on research in the musculoskeletal specialism
3. Optional Modules (15 credits each): Various options available, depending on the pathway

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

To be confirmed. Fees are charged per module and may vary.

International Fee

To be confirmed. Fees are charged per module and may vary.

Scholarships and Financial Support

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

What's Next

Open Days

The university holds Open Days for applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to tour the campus, find out more about courses, and meet students and staff.

Applying

Intending students should email the relevant programme lead for guidance on how to apply.

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.

Related Courses

• Postgraduate Certificate Musculoskeletal Practice (Hand Therapy): Part-time, Colchester Campus
• Postgraduate Diploma Musculoskeletal Practice (Hand Therapy): Part-time, Colchester Campus