| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
Program Overview
Why this course?
The MSc Prosthetics & Orthotics is one of the few programmes globally that offers a specific degree in prosthetics and orthotics. The National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics (NCPO), within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has an international reputation for quality education within this field. Staff of the NCPO is involved in research and clinical practice both nationally and internationally.
The course aims to produce postgraduates with a first degree to be in Prosthetics & Orthotics, who are capable of developing careers in allied health professions and biomedical engineering (research, industrial and NHS).
Our learning environment brings together ideas and concepts from science, medicine and engineering to enable the development of relevant clinical and industrial research. You'll also benefit from the opportunity to meet our many industrial and clinical collaborators to help advise and further your career.
Voraluck's story
Hear from Voraluck Prakotmongkol about her experience of the MSc Prosthetics & Orthotics at Strathclyde, and life in Glasgow.
What you'll study
Taught classes, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises and clinical visits take place during Semesters 1 and 2. MSc students complete a research or development project reported by a thesis.
Work placement
Visits to local clinical centres and lectures from industrialists and visiting experts from the UK and overseas are an integral part of our courses.
You'll also have the opportunity to meet our many industrial and clinical collaborators to help advise and further your career.
Major projects
You'll undertake a clinically-relevant project in the rehabilitation area of prosthetics and/or orthotics. The project provides an opportunity for you to experience the challenges and rewards of sustained, independent study in a topic of your own choice in the general field of prosthetics and orthotics.
It will involve you in a number of processes which include justification of the selected topic; selecting, devising and applying appropriate methods and techniques; anticipating and solving problems which arise; displaying knowledge of background literature; and evaluating and reporting the conclusions of the study. The project may take the form of an extended literature review or involve experimental work. This project work will have been supported by a compulsory research methods module and specialist knowledge classes throughout the year designed to assist with technical aspects of methodology and analysis.
Facilities
The Department of Biomedical Engineering comprises Biomedical Engineering and the National Centre for Prosthetics & Orthotics (NCPO) – two complementary and key areas of health technology teaching and research within the University.
NCPO has modern dedicated design and manufacture facilities for prosthetics and orthotics. Our custom-built facilities provide clinical examination, treatment and bespoke workshop areas. We can provide access to these high quality facilities for the assessment of devices and patient performance.
Specialist equipment includes:
Athena Swan Award
The Department of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Program Outline
Course content
Course modules
Disability & Societal Effects
This module aims to expand understanding of disability and its impact on societies. The World Health Organisations Report on Disability ,and the United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disability (UN CRPD) will be used as a basis to raise awareness and appreciation of disability and the effect on society, and future impact.
Throughout this module, students will be expected to:
Dissertation
This dissertation aims to provide an opportunity for students to experience the challenges and rewards of sustained, independent study in a topic of their own choice in the general field of Prosthetics & Orthotics.
It will involve students in a number of processes which may include justification of the selected topic; selecting, devising and applying appropriate methods and techniques; anticipating and solving problems which arise; displaying knowledge of background literature; and evaluating and reporting the conclusions of the study.
The dissertation is likely to take the form of a literature review. This project work will have been supported by a compulsory research methods module and specialist knowledge classes throughout the year designed to assist with technical aspects of methodology and analysis.
Project
The object of the project is to expand and enlarge on work within the clinically applied fields of prosthetics and/or orthotics or a revised topic in order to prepare a full paper for submission to a referee engineering journal.
This may involve further research and background study, further experimental and/or simulation work, more detailed analysis and discussion of results, or other activities, to be agreed by the individual supervisor.
The full paper will be prepared by the student, under supervision, in the correct format from submission to the chosen journal.
The primary aim of the class is to give students practice and experience of integrating different strands of rehabilitation engineering, design and business input to a prosthetic and orthotic investigation or design. The content will relate to a realistic context and the class will prepare students for situations which they may encounter in subsequent employment and future research.
Medical Science for Engineering
You'll be provided with instruction in key areas of human anatomy, physiology and cell biology relevant to the advanced study of bio and clinical engineering. You'll gain an understanding of normal biological function and control as derived from scientific and clinical evidence.
The class aims to educate you to use your knowledge of normal function to better understand pathology, disease diagnosis and treatment.
Engineering Science
This class aims to provide instruction of fundamental engineering (mechanics of rigid bodies, mechanics of deformable bodies, mechanics of fluids and electronics) for life scientists who have no formal education in the engineering sciences.Professional studies in Biomedical Engineering
This class aims to:
Research Methodology
This class aims to equip the students with the skills necessary to use mathematics and statistics tools including software in experimental design and data visualisation and analysis needed to progress in their research in Biomedical Engineering.Regenerative Medicine
You'll learn to describe the developments and advances in regenerative/repair medicine in terms of
Tissues mechanics
This class aims to provide an introduction to the mechanical properties of human tissue using a PBL approach. With the aid of an existing finite element (FE) model of the knee, students will virtually dissect the knee joint identify the different tissue types in the knee. Discussion will take place to determine how to incorporate the material properties of the different tissues into the model. A Journal “club” will be used to discuss recent literature, informing and directing you to perform appropriate experimental methods to determine the mechanical properties. these can then be incorporated into the FE model. A fully working FE knee joint will be the objective of the class.Clinical & Sports Biomechanics
This class aims to provide you with the ability to appraise the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement techniques in the development and evaluation of clinical practice in rehabilitation and in the production and management of sports injuries. The class will also allow you to assess the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement in the improvement of human function and the optimising of sports performance. The class will focus on orthopaedic and neurological issues.
Biosignal Processing & Analysis
This class aims to familiarise students with the fundamentals and concepts of signals and systems (both continuous-time and discrete-time), and to develop a framework for processing and analysing a variety of biomedical signals and images (biosignals), including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and magnetic resonance images.
You'll also develop valuable Mathcad and MATLAB signal/image processing skills, through non-compulsory self-study laboratory exercises.
Biomaterials & Biocompatibility
This class aims to:
Cardiovascular Devices
This class aims to:
Haemodynamics for Engineers
This module aims to give students an insight into the complexities of blood flow, and how the laws of fluid relate to the flow of blood in health and disease, and the design of cardiovascular prostheses and devices, in particular.
The basic principles underlying the measurement of blood pressure and flow will be explored in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Numerical Modelling in Biomedical Engineering
This module aims to provide experience of using numerical modelling tools, in particular Matlab, in a Biomedical Engineering context. For those with no knowledge of matlab, some pre-class preparatory work will be required and expected.
Case studies will be presented from the departmental research portfolio that require the use of numerical modelling. These case studies will be explained in detail, together with a methodology of the required numerical modelling to answer the research question. Students will be expected to write their own code to answer the research question, to appropriately graphically present results and to interpret the results in context.
Medical Robotics
This module aims to introduce the concepts and the design of medical robotics and its applications in various medical disciplines including, interventions, surgery and rehabilitation.
The course focuses on fundamental principles such as kinematics, dynamics, control and artificial intelligent combined with medical applications and examples.
Learning & teaching
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, practical laboratories, teaching seminars, networking events and career support sessions.
Guest lectures
This programme will include internationally recognised lecturers from the World Health Organisation and large NGOs globally which may include Handicap International and the international Committee for the Red Cross.
Assessment
Methods of assessment include written assignments, exams, presentations and individual projects.
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be an Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat now!
Our students have progressed to managerial or specialist clinical roles. Many are educators who will facilitate learning for new practitioners within their home country.
Dr Anthony McGarrySenior Teaching Fellow Hear more about the course from Dr McGarry
Careers
This Masters degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics is planned to afford the graduates the ability to consider and evaluate prosthetic and orthotic clinical practice with an evidence-based approach. The programme is designed to develop the ability to assess the country-specific health care needs as recommended in the World Health Organisation guidelines and standards, and in alignment with the UN convention of Human Rights of the persons with a Disability. Future careers would include:
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Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Overview:
- Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
- Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
- Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
- Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)
Student Life:
- Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
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Academics:
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
- Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
- Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
- Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
- Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
- Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
- Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center with a range of medical services
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- Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
- Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
- Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements |
Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in prosthetics and orthotics. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements |
If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
International students
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