Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

The MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is a postgraduate program designed for registered physiotherapists who wish to deepen their knowledge and manage complex conditions in musculoskeletal care. This program is tailored for physiotherapists working in public or private musculoskeletal settings and is particularly suitable for those who want to work at an advanced level of clinical practice.

Program Details

• Award: Masters – 90 ECTS
• Delivery: Hybrid – Part-time – 2 years
• Next start date: September 2026
• Price: €11,820
• Duration: 2 years (part-time)
• Start date: September 2026
• Delivery: Hybrid (online and in-person)
• Qualification: MSc

Program Structure

The program runs on a hybrid model, requiring two days' in-person attendance per month over the academic year (September to June) in Year 1, and one day in-person attendance per month in Year 2, with the remainder of content delivered online.

Core Modules

• Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics and Biomedical Law
• Compassion in CARE
• Accountability in CARE
• Respect in CARE
• Excellence in CARE
• Professionalism in Practice
• Research Methods and Dissertation

Optional Modules

• Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations
• Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy (additional eligibility criteria apply)

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor's/Master's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Physiotherapy (2.2 degree or higher)
• Be a physiotherapist (CORU-registered or equivalent from overseas regulator)
• Have at least one year of musculoskeletal clinical experience
• Have access to musculoskeletal patients for Year 2

Career Progression

The curriculum is built to help physiotherapists deepen their clinical specialization in musculoskeletal care and progress into senior or clinical specialist roles. Graduates are eligible for Level 2 membership with the Chartered Physiotherapists in Musculoskeletal Therapy (CPMT), a mark of clinical specialization recognized by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

Why Study at RCSI?

RCSI offers flexible online learning, global networking opportunities, expert faculty, and research-driven education. The program is designed to maximize flexibility and convenience for postgraduate learners while advancing their knowledge and accelerating career progression.

Faculty

The program is taught by experienced educators and clinical leaders, including:

Prof. Helen French

Associate Professor in the RCSI School of Physiotherapy with extensive clinical experience.

Louise Keating

Lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy and a practicing clinical specialist in musculoskeletal therapy.

Jennifer Ashton

Teaching Practitioner in the RCSI School of Physiotherapy and Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist.

Dr. Jennifer Ryan

Director of Cerebral Palsy Lifespan Health and Well-being (CP-Life) Research Centre.

Prof. Suzanne McDonough

Head of RCSI School of Physiotherapy with extensive experience as Professor of Health and Rehabilitation.