Entry requirementsThis programme is designed for physiotherapists specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy who wish to gain both a postgraduate award and eligibility for membership of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP). The MACP is a clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Course descriptionThe programme is modular in structure. Modules are discreet packages of study, each of which is assigned a credit value. A master's award requires 180 credits. Students may choose to finish their studies after completing 60 credits (postgraduate certificate) or 120 credits (postgraduate diploma). Students need to undertake a minimum of 120 credits to be eligible for MACP membership.
The programme includes a combination of research modules, physiotherapy modules and optional modules.
The research component consists of the Research Methods module (15 credits) and the Research Dissertation (45 credits). The dissertation module may only be undertaken on completion of 135 credits. You have to undertake a minimum of 90 credits of physiotherapy modules including four compulsory modules. The remaining 30 credits may be made up from physiotherapy or optional modules. Optional modules are divided into specialist optional modules which are mainly run by physiotherapists and interprofessional modules which are delivered by an interprofessional team. Please note that module availability will change from year to year and other modules may also be available.
Work placement
Neuromusculoskeletal Practice 1 and 2 are compulsory modules. You are expected to complete at least 120 hours within the clinical setting. You are facilitated by a highly skilled and specialised clinical mentor who is a member of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP). You are expected to effectively manage patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, apply theory to practice using advanced clinical reasoning skills and critically evaluate their practice through reflection in order to promote continuing professional development.
Optional modules:
Physiotherapy Professional Independent Study and Reflection in Professional Physiotherapy Practice are work based learning modules that support your learning through tutorial support.
Education in Practice and Facilitation of Education facilitate you to attain practice educator accreditation within your professional field.
Extended Scope of Practice - Professional Practice builds on the theoretical background provided by an Extended Scope of Practice (ESP) module through a period of placement experience. Careers
This programme will enhance your career development by developing your skills, knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. It aims to equip you with advanced level skills and knowledge in order to enhance patient care and contribute to the evidence base through research. Many students who have completed the programme have gone on to attain extended scope practitioner or clinical specialist roles. For more information on careers and learning visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) website
Teaching methods
Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers and may involve both University and external lecturers. Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You will therefore need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you.