Program Overview

MSc Advanced Physiotherapy

The MSc Advanced Physiotherapy is a postgraduate degree designed for qualified physiotherapists. The course focuses on developing evidence-informed practice and critical thinking at the master's level. Students will complete core modules that equip them with the skills to design and undertake a research project, quality improvement project, service evaluation, or systematised literature review within a contemporary area of physiotherapy.

Course Overview

The course is designed to develop a physiotherapist's knowledge and professional practice across a range of practical and theory-based modules. The core modules include:

• Research and Quality in Professional Practice
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Upper Quadrant
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Lower Quadrant

These core modules account for 120 out of the 180 credits needed for the degree. To complete the course, students will choose additional option modules, primarily focused on musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Features and Benefits

• Flexible studying: Fit studying around your career and take some modules as standalone study, or study an MSc full-time or part-time.
• Specialist facilities: Use our on-campus physiotherapy facilities, which include eight separate practice rooms and a movement laboratory.
• Specialist Study: We offer several modules of study that suit more experienced clinicians looking to advance their skills in First Contact Practice or skills such as Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy.

Year 1

As a full-time student, you will complete taught modules within 12 months. If you are a part-time student, you must complete your MSc over a period of two years.

Core Modules

• Musculoskeletal Practice – Upper Quadrant: Develops a physiotherapist's evidence-based practice skills of assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction of the cervical and thoracic spine and upper limbs.
• Musculoskeletal Practice – Lower Quadrant: Develops a physiotherapist's evidence-based practice skills of assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower limbs.
• Research and Quality in Professional Practice: Develops a physiotherapist's existing knowledge of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, introducing the concepts of Quality Improvement (QI), service evaluation, and clinical audit in healthcare.

Option Modules

• Physical Activity in Health and Ageing: Critically explores the relationship between physical activity and healthy ageing.
• Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Empowers you to understand and critically evaluate current research in the multi-disciplinary management of patients with chronic pain.
• Foundations of Effective Education and Leadership: Establishes and develops a student's knowledge of education and leadership skills within healthcare.
• Musculoskeletal Medicine – Injection Therapy: Develops cognitive and psychomotor skills essential to the advancement of the clinician specialising in injection treatments for musculoskeletal disorders.
• First Contact Practice and Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice: Develops the knowledge and skills of a musculoskeletal clinician in the areas of assessment, clinical reasoning, triage, treatment, and management at an advanced level.
• First Contact Practitioner (MSK) Placement: Enables learners to develop the skills to work in a First Contact Practitioner role within primary care (Musculoskeletal).

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 20% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study.
• Part-time: 20% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study.
• Assessment: 50% coursework; 0% practical; 50% examination.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum 2:2 UK undergraduate honours physiotherapy degree (or international equivalent) and post-qualification clinical experience is recommended. Some option modules have additional entry requirements.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £10,250 per year, part-time fee £1709 per 30 credits.
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £20,000 per year, part-time fee £3334 per 30 credits.

Careers Support and Prospects

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained significant knowledge and skills, widening the opportunities to apply for more senior and specialist physiotherapy roles within the NHS or in the private sector. The course may also open avenues in higher education teaching or research.