Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy
MSc (PGCert PGDip)
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Course summary and entry requirements
Course duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years (max 6 years)
Professional accreditation
This course, developed with the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), enables graduates to apply for full membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
About the course
This course provides an opportunity for chartered physiotherapists to develop advanced skills in the examination, assessment and treatment of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Participants enhance evidence-based practice by critically evaluating the theoretical basis and clinical application of manipulative physiotherapy.
Typical entry requirements
Individual offers may vary.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 7 overall with no element below 6.5.For students enrolling on the MSc or PGDip in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy, whose first language is not English, the following examples are English Language proficiency tests accepted by Health and Care Professions Council (http://www.hpc-uk.org/apply/international/requirements/index.asp).
Overseas applicants normally require a degree qualification in physiotherapy, which is equivalent to a UK qualification and appropriate English language skills.
Degree and/or experience:
All students will normally hold an appropriate Honours Degree qualification in physiotherapy, which is recognised for registration purposes by the Health and Care Professions Council and by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Those without a first degree in physiotherapy but with a diploma qualification may be considered.Students enrolling for the PG Diploma and MSc must be registered by the Health and Care Professions Council and be a full member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or hold their own indemnity insurance.
All applicants will, however, be considered on an individual basis and those without a First Degree who can provide a significant portfolio of relevant work experience and commitment towards a continuing process of self and professional development will be given favourable consideration. This consideration will include an evaluation of the individuals needs and where it is thought necessary a suitable programme of pre-enrolment studies will be recommended by the Course Leader.
Students will have a minimum of one year post registration experience in a neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy setting.
For equivalent international qualifications
We can help you meet our English language entry requirements
For help meeting English language requirements contact our
Language Institute.We can help you meet our academic entry requirements
For help meeting academic entry requirements contact our
International College.If you cannot find your country listed, please email admissions@brighton.ac.uk
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Course content
Course structure
The flexible modular framework allows students to choose their pathway of module completion. The course requires two one-week modules and two three-week management modules at the university, as well as two three-week clinical placements which can be completed part- or full-time.
Syllabus
Key issues in Neuromusculoskeletal Management
Neuromusculoskeletal Management - Lower Quadrant or Upper QuadrantResearch Methods for Health Professionals
Clinical placement - Lower Quadrant
Clinical placement - Upper QuadrantOption from graduate programme in health and social science
Dissertation -
Fees and costs
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.
What's included in the fee?
When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.
You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.
Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MSc) (Full time) [L2BH020] UK/EU (Full Time) 7,650 GBP Island Students (Full Time) 9,450 GBP International (Full Time) 13,500 GBP -
Location
Location
Eastbourne Eastbourne is a thriving town which offers traditional seaside attractions, modern nightlife, good shopping and a wide range of sporting activities. It’s one of the sunniest places in the UK.
Our Eastbourne campus is located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, about ten minutes walk from the seafront and 20 minutes from the pier and Eastbourne town centre. Almost 3,000 students are based here.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s buzzing university community and compact town gives it a laid back and friendly feel. The town combines the traditional seaside attractions with modern nightlife, a wide range of sporting activities and an exciting arts scene.
Social scene
The student community in Eastbourne ensures it has a thriving social scene, with dedicated student nights at many of the town’s pubs and clubs. Eastbourne’s expanding nightlife includes trendy cocktail bars, laid-back country pubs and modern nightclubs.
Arts
The striking Towner contemporary art museum in Eastbourne features international exhibitions as well as a permanent art collection. Eastbourne's six theatres give you a chance to see West End musicals, touring shows, live music and comedy.
Sports
Eastbourne has long been the home of pre-Wimbledon tennis tournaments at Devonshire Park. Eastbourne also hosts an extreme sports festival and the Beachy Head Marathon that takes place across the South Downs National Park.
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Staff profiles
Clair Hebron, Course leader
Clair completed her undergraduate Physiotherapy degree in 1991, at which point she began clinical work in the NHS. She commenced study for an MSc in Manipulative Physiotherapy in 1997, and became a full member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) in 1999. Clair completed her MSc in 2002 and during this time also completed a yearlong post as a lecturer practitioner at which point she started lecturing full time. She continued to work in private practice until 2003.
Clair is a member of the International Advisory Board and reviewer for Manual Therapy Journal. She was secretary of the MACP executive committee from 2008- 2012 when she became the MACP representative for the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). She is Vice-chair of the Committee for Educational Approval of the MACP.
Clair's research interests include low back pain, the neurophysiological and biomechanical effects on mobilisations and the effects of treatment dosage. She is currently studying for a PhD entitled ‘The Biomechanical and Neurophysiological Effects of Lumbar Mobilisations’.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Hebron, C., Moore, A., Saber-Sheikh, K., Jackson , A. (2012). A comparison of three-point bending and displacement methods of stiffness measurements in the lumbar spine: IFOMPT, the World Congress of Manual/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. September 30 to October 5, Quebec City, Canada.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Hebron, C., Moore, A., Saber-Sheikh, K., Jackson, A. (2012). The immediate effects of 3 and 6 minutes of lumbar mobilisations on pain, ROM and stiffness in patients with low back pain: IFOMPT, the World Congress of Manual/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. September 30 to October 5, Quebec City, Canada.
Pentelka,L., Hebron, C., Shapleski, R., Goldshtein, I. (2012). The effect of increasing sets (within one treatment session) and different set durations (between treatment sessions) of lumbar spine posteroanterior mobilisations on pressure pain thresholds: IFOMPT, the World Congress of Manual/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. September 30 to October 5, Quebec City, Canada.
Colette Ridehalgh, Course leader
Colette graduated in 1992 from the University of East London with a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree. She worked in the NHS in London for 8 years before starting her MSc in Manipulative Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton. She worked in Brighton at this time as a clinical specialist in low back pain. Colette completed the MSc and gained her membership of the Manipulative Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) in 2002. She began teaching at the University of Brighton in 2002. She was secretary of the MACP from 2004-2007. Colette is a reviewer for the Manual Therapy Journal.
Colette is currently studying for a PhD entitled ‘Is the response to neurodynamic treatment linked to specific group characteristics in people with referred posterior leg pain’.
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Student views
Christopher Mercer, Consultant Physiotherapist Western Sussex NHS Trust
I have had time to reflect on the impact the MSc Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy has had on me both as a clinician and in terms of my career development. Clinically, it has given me great confidence to examine and treat any patient. The emphasis from the course on critical analysis and focus on the patient's story and individual clinical presentation means that I am confidently able to tailor treatments to all individuals and their needs. I am confident to integrate research into this process where appropriate, but the real benefit of the course, and actually the real "release" I have felt from completing this course, is that I feel I have the freedom to be guided by the patient, free from the constraints of the limited evidence base that we have. The emphasis on treating each patient like an individual case study, with close questioning, excellent listening skills and constant reassessment has revolutionised my patient management. Perhaps more importantly it has transformed the outcomes for my patients.
The detailed analytical skills fostered by the course have given me the confidence to be able to justify all my treatment choices in discussion with colleagues, both within physiotherapy and with medical colleagues, helping me to develop sensible patient pathways of care. This questioning approach also inspired me to develop my skills as a clinical educator, and led me to undertake the PG Cert in Clinical Education. I have been an MACP Clinical Mentor now for 9 years, and in that time have used the MSc course as the basis for my approach to clinical education. The life-long skills encouraged, with the lack of didactic teaching, and the emphasis on group learning and self-directed learning required from both the MSc and the PG Cert have profoundly influenced my approach to both clinical and non-clinical aspects of my role. These skills have proved transferable into the research and strategic components of my current role, as Consultant Physiotherapist, and have been invaluable in helping me to develop the role to its full potential. This approach has been pivotal in helping to turn around the culture within my current workplace. We now have a vibrant, questioning, forward thinking department, full of physiotherapists questioning their practice, and that of others at every stage.
I feel that these wider lessons that I have learned, especially the critical analysis of all situations, and the questioning approach, has given me life long skills that will see me continue to develop into the future. It is interesting to look back on the impact I feel the course has had on my professional development, and if anything, I feel the impact is more relevant now than it was when I first completed the course
Laura Finucane, Consultant Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, East Surrey Hospital
At the time I completed the MSc Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy I was a clinical specialist/superintendent of an out patient department. I came to the course uncertain of my practice knowledge but I had a strong internal drive to enhance my clinical practice and career development. I valued sharing knowledge and hearing alternative perspectives from my peers and this was crucial to my learning. The course gave me the ability to learn through rational argument and reflection. Being assessed helped to drive my practice to a higher standard and made me able to be more critical of my practice knowledge which helped to inform and change my practice. This criticality was developed through the questioning and challenging of my practice knowledge by peers and tutors; this was particularly useful on placement with the clinical educator. Through their direct observation of my practice and through questioning, I identified gaps in my practice knowledge and learnt a framework of questions to ask myself of my practice. Enhanced critical understanding of my practice knowledge led to an enhanced capability to be patient-centred. Overall the process led to a critical understanding and a transformation of my practice. I gained the capacity to continually question my practice and become a critically reflective learning professional. I feel sure my confidence in my own ability has enhanced my practice and led to better outcomes for patients. Following the completion of the course I became a Consultant physiotherapist.
Kostantinos Kasimis, current student
I am a Greek student enrolled in the Msc Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy course. I was aware when applying that it would be a challenging and very demanding course, but I had not realised that I would be able to gain so much knowledge in a such a short amount of time. I have come to realise that this course has not only enhanced my skills and handling, but also helped in self-evaluation of my skills which is important for improvement in the future. The way in which the modules are taught enhanced my ability to critically evaluate evidence and helped to improve the quality of my practice. Studying this course has taught me to use other people’s knowledge, whether from the classroom or from literature, to test my own knowledge and move forwards. So far it has been a demanding but inspiring journey for me that I am convinced will enhance my expertise in clinical practice and will provide me with the tools for an academic career.
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Career opportunities
The course enhances professional and academic development, enabling graduates to pursue careers in research, lecturing in higher education, or expanding and developing their own clinical practice.
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More...
Modules in focus
Neuromusculoskeletal Management - Upper Quadrant module
This module critically discusses the theoretical underpinning of clinical examination, differential diagnosis, assessment, treatment and overall management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper quadrant. In addition, this module develops the student's manual and clinical reasoning skills used in examination, assessment, treatment and management of these patients. The module requires 3 weeks attendance at the university.
Neuromusculoskeletal Management - Lower Quadrant
This module critically discusses the theoretical underpinning of clinical examination, differential diagnosis, assessment, treatment and overall management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the lower quadrant. In addition, this module develops the students manual and clinical reasoning skills used in examination, assessment, treatment and management of these patients. The module requires 3 weeks attendance at the university.
Clinical Placement 1-Lower Quadrant module and Clinical Placement 2 -Upper Quadrant module
Two supervised clinical placements take place in approved locations. These modules will enable you to develop a high level of clinical expertise in the examination, assessment, treatment and management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction so that they are safe, effective and efficient practitioners. Each placement requires 90 hours of clinical practice.
Research Methods for Health Professionals
This module discusses the variety of research methods available and the selection and implementation of an appropriate research strategy in preparation for the dissertation. It enables you to develop specific research skills in the preparation of research proposals, project design, methods of data collection, analysis and presentation of research findings.
Dissertation
The dissertation will be in a topic related to Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy. All dissertations are individual pieces of research on a topic chosen by the student, and will be undertaken with the guidance of a supervisor from the school.
Plan for full-time study
September
Research methods (1 week)
Key issues in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy (1 week)
October/November
NMS management lower quadrant (3 weeks)
November
Work on ethics proposal*
January – April
Clinical placement 1 (90 hours)
Ethics submission and pilot work, potential period for data collection/ writing literature review*
April/May
NMS management upper quadrant (3 weeks)
June - Aug
Clinical placement 2 (90 hours)
Remaining data collection and write up of dissertation**These elements are not necessary for PG Dip
Example plan for part-time study over 3 years
Year 1
Research methods (1 week)
Key issues in NMS Physiotherapy (1 week)
NMS management upper quadrant (3 weeks)
Year 2
NMS management lower quadrant (3 weeks)
Clinical Placement 1 (90 hours)
Year 3
Clinical placement 2 (90 hours)
Dissertation*
*These elements are not necessary for PG Dip
01273 643878
Email sohpadmissions@brighton.ac.uk
Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences
This course is part of our Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to a range of interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects. Find out more
See module details for this course