Program Overview

Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Conditions

This 20-credit master's-level module is designed for qualified physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to extend their current practice within the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Key Features

• The module will build upon existing knowledge and skills, enabling participants to develop an advanced level of critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
• It will evaluate current practice within musculoskeletal practice, develop advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, and integrate these skills into practice using innovative strategies.
• The module considers and critically discusses anatomy and biomechanics, common pathologies, screening and diagnostic tools, management approaches, and psychosocial aspects including pain and self-management within the context of evidence-based practice.
• Case studies form an important basis of the taught module component.

Module Details

• Module code: ADV767
• Credits: 20
• FHEQ level: Level 7 master's degree
• Location: Blended learning approach with face-to-face delivery at InterCity Place: facilities for health professions, nursing, and midwifery, Plymouth

Course Details

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate their own musculoskeletal practice, integrating ideas, perspectives, and theories from evidence-based practice.
• Demonstrate advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills and apply these to the musculoskeletal practice setting.
• Demonstrate the ability to synthesize information and use specialist knowledge and skills to evaluate and justify clinical decision-making.
• Develop innovative strategies to integrate advanced clinical reasoning into future physiotherapy practice.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is in two parts:

• A critical analysis of the assessment and/or management of a case study.
• A presentation on a relevant case study followed by questions.

Module Dates

• Module dates: 30, 31 October, 13, 14 November 2025
• Note: Module dates may be subject to change.

Admissions Information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process include application forms, change of name forms, pre-course information, and downloadable guides.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for a place on this module:

• Participants must be a registered health and social care professional or a health and social care worker who has previously studied to graduate level to study the module at master's level.

Fees and Funding

• Fees: Please see the professional development module fees page.
• Funding: Funding for this module may be available through the employing organization.

Further Information

For further information regarding this module, please note that the module lead is Shona Crick.