Intro

The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy MSc is for qualified physiotherapists wanting to build on their skills and knowledge to advance their professional practice.

There are two pathways on the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy MSc; in collaboration with the course leader you will decide on the best pathway and course of study depending on your clinical experience and professional registration status.

The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy pathway enables you to choose from a number of university-based modules with a musculoskeletal focus.
Alternatively you may be eligible to follow the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MACP) pathway; this pathway has been developed with the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT).

You will develop your advanced evaluative and problem-solving skills for the examination, assessment and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. Choosing option module(s) means you can create a study programme to suit your professional or personal interests and aspirations.

The course is designed to fit around your existing physiotherapy practice hours. Week-long intensive study blocks allow attendance for students based in the UK and EU. We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with clinical module intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.

Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.

Key facts

Location Eastbourne

Full-time 18 months
Part-time 2–6 years

Graduates from the MACP pathway are eligible for membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP)

Find out about postgraduate events

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

Course structure

There are two pathways and both can be completed part- or full-time.

The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MSK) pathway enables you to choose from a number of university-based modules with a musculoskeletal focus.

Alternatively, you may be eligible to follow the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MACP) pathway, which is approved by the Musculoskeletal Associations of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), the UK member organisation of the International Federation Manipulative of Physical Therapists (IFOMPT).

This second pathway includes two clinical placements and to follow it you will normally be registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) which gives you a licence to practice in the UK. Please see the syllabus, modules in focus and study plans for further information.

Health sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our postgraduate education programme. 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 interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.

Both pathways have a flexible modular framework which enables you to tailor your degree course to suit your professional and personal interests and aspirations.

To discuss your options, contact the course leader Dr Clair Hebron by email at c.l.hebron@brighton.ac.uk who will help you decide on the best pathway and course of study based on your clinical experience and professional registration status.

The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via group discussion, case studies, supervised placements (MACP pathway), lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in our Clinical Skills Rooms. Assessment is via the method most appropriate to your chosen modules.

Syllabus

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MSK)

Modules

Research Theory and Application
Dissertation (not necessary for award of PGDip)

Plus four from

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Evaluating Practice
Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb
Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb
Exploring Pain
Physical Activity and Rehabilitation

And

a module of your choice from our postgraduate education programme.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MACP)

Modules

Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb

Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb

Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb
Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb
Research Methods for Healthcare
Dissertation (not necessary for award of PGDip)

Plus

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Evaluating Practice

a module of your choice from our postgraduate education programme.

Facilities

Practical Skills and Simulation Rooms

Our practical skills rooms are equipped for physiotherapy practise with fellow students. They include manual skills and exercise therapy rooms equipped with treatment couches.

Physiotherapy students

Modules in focus

Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral and lower limb
This module considers the holistic management of people experiencing pain in the lumbosacral region and lower limb. In this module students will consider the experience of people suffering from pain and dysfunction, and develop strategies to effectively examine, assess, treat and manage such individuals. Students will evaluate the theoretical concepts with specialist practical skills used in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The module requires three weeks' attendance at the university.

Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic and upper limb
This module considers the holistic management of people experiencing pain in the cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb. In the module students will consider the embodied experience of people suffering from pain and dysfunction (including biopsychosocial, emotional, political and cultural aspects). Students will evaluate theoretical and philosophical concepts along with specialist practical skills used in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The module requires three weeks' attendance at the university.

• Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Lumbo-sacral and lower limb
• Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Cervico-thoracic and upper limb
Two supervised clinical placements take place in approved locations. In these modules students will integrate the communication and practical skills, clinical reasoning and theoretical aspects of musculoskeletal therapy and demonstrate holistic management of people with musculoskeletal disorders in a practice-based setting.

Research Theory and Application
This module discusses the variety of research methods available and the selection and implementation of an appropriate research strategy in preparation for your 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 musculoskeletal physiotherapy. All dissertations are individual pieces of research on a topic chosen by yourself, which you will complete under the guidance and support of a supervisor.

MSK Study plans

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Example plan for full-time study (12 months)

October
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Evaluating Practice (one week)

October/November/ December (exact dates depending on year) Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks)

November
Work on ethics proposal*

January
Exploring pain: Ethics submission and pilot work, potential period for data collection and writing literature review*

February
Research Theory and Application

March
Leadership for Allied Health Professionals (example of an optional module)

June
Physical Activity and Rehabilitation.

May/June
Remaining data collection / analysis and write up of dissertation*

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Example plan for part-time study (three years)

(registration is for six years so these modules could be taken over a more extended period)

Year 1
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – Evaluating Practice (one week)
This is recommended for students who did not qualify or have not worked in the UK OR Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks) AND Physical Activity and Exercise Rehabilitation

Year 2
Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks) OR if taken above Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb (three weeks) And Exploring Pain

Year 3
Research Theory and Application
A module of your choice from our postgraduate education programme

Dissertation undertaken alongside other studies*

* not necessary for PGDip

MACP Study plans

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy(MACP): Example plan for full-time study (18 months)

October/November/ December (exact dates depending on year)
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Evaluating Practice (one week)
Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks)

November
Work on ethics proposal*

January
Exploring Pain: Ethics submission and pilot work, potential period for data collection and writing literature review*

March/April/May (exact dates depending on year)
Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb (three weeks)

June/August
Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (90 hours)

October/December
Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Lumbo-sacral spine and upper limb (90 hours)

December/April
Remaining data collection and write up of dissertation*

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy(MACP): Example plan for part-time study (three years)

(registration is for 6 years so these modules could be taken over a more extended period)

Year 1
Research Theory and Application AND
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – Evaluating Practice (one week). This is recommended for students who did not qualify or have not worked in the UK OR  Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks)

Year 2 
Musculoskeletal Management – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (three weeks) OR if taken above, Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb (three weeks)
Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Lumbo-sacral spine and lower limb (90 hours)

Year 3
Musculoskeletal Management – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb
Musculoskeletal Clinical Placement – Cervico-thoracic spine and upper limb (90 hours)

Dissertation undertaken alongside other studies*

*These elements are not necessary for PGDip

Study advice

There are lots of resources to support you with postgraduate level study. Our Build your study and digital skills page contains advice and tips for developing your key skills, alongside guidance on how to make the most out of your learning experience.

For further support and resources make sure to visit the library support pages and our LinkedIn Learning site.

Staff profiles

Dr Clair Hebron, course leader
Clair completed her undergraduate physiotherapy degree in 1991, after which she began clinical work in the NHS. She began study for a Manipulative Physiotherapy MSc in 1997 and became a full member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) in 1999. Clair completed her MSc in 2002, during which time she also fulfilled a year-long lecturer practitioner role and started lecturing full-time. Clair continues her clinical work at the university's Physiotherapy at the Leaf clinic.

Clair is the social media editor for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Science and Practice Journal. She was a member of the MACP executive committee from 2008–2014 where she had a number of roles including secretary, vice-chair of the Committee for Educational Approval, representative for the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) and from 2012–2014 chair of the MACP.

Clair's research interests include low back pain, the effects of treatment dosage, health promotion, exercise prescription and person centred practice. Clair is also interested in research using phenomenological and phenomenographic methodologies exploring lived experience and the understandings and conceptions of physiotherapists and patients. In 2014 she completed her PhD entitled The Biomechanical and Neurophysiological Effects of Lumbar Mobilisations.

Dr Clair Hebron

Colette Ridehalgh

"I am currently involved in teaching musculoskeletal physiotherapy at both undergraduate and masters level. The development of students as independent learners is an essential aspect of my teaching.

"I believe that students have the potential to generate and develop new ideas and concepts at any level of study, and therefore I use moderated and supported peer learning, and encourage self-directed learning where possible.

"Practical skills are an essential aspect of physiotherapy practice, and I believe the key elements to ensuring a high level of expert practice is to develop students’ ability to understand the principles of these techniques and find their own unique way of performing these with rigorous critique, rather than simply by demonstration and replication.

"My area of research interest is in the assessment and management of people with nerve related disorders such as spinally referred leg pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and arm pain. I am currently looking at the validity of some common bedside tests for sensory nerve dysfunction. I am starting to investigate sensory profiling of people with spinally referred leg pain and exploring how these profiles might affect prognosis."

How this course is delivered

How will my course be taught?
For the academic year that starts in September 2022 we’re planning for all students to be taught face-to-face on campus, enhanced by some online learning.

Students who started their course with us in 2021 are on campus for some face-to-face learning including tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and studio sessions. They are also taking part in off-campus learning activities such as placements, field trips and study visits. And all of our campus facilities – libraries, learning spaces, restaurants, gyms and more are open.

Like all universities we are following government guidance and we are monitoring the pandemic very closely. Should Public Health advise it we have robust plans in place for additional safety measures to be introduced to enable everyone to continue learning on campus, and, as a last resort, for students to continue their learning remotely.

We will update you regularly on our teaching plans for the next academic year as you progress your application with us.

When does my course start?
The 2022 academic year begins on Monday 26 September 2022. Teaching for most courses starts the following week.

Many education courses, some health science courses including Medicine, and some postgraduate business courses have an earlier start date. Check your offer letter for the start date of your course.

Our latest news

Managing Complexity: Physiotherapists’ experience of managing persons with persistent low back pain

Physiotherapists’ experience of managing persons with persistent low back pain.

The Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Vinoth Ketheeswaran Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy where there is a compression of the median nerve at the wrist as it passes through an osteofibrous canal known as the carpal tunnel.

Are Nerve Sliders and Tensioners Effective for Sciatica? (Part 2)

Seeing the Wood for the Trees What is ‘Sciatica’?

Are Nerve Sliders and Tensioners Effective for Sciatica? (part 1)

As an MSK physiotherapist aligned to a spinal pathway I treat a lot of people with sciatica.

Careers

Masters-level education is an important component of advanced and specialist practice. It allows you greater autonomy and to accelerate personal and professional development or promotion in your practice.

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.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience

This course is for qualified physiotherapists. Applicants should normally hold an honours degree in physiotherapy but those with suitable alternative qualifications, such as a diploma in physiotherapy, will be considered.
We would normally ask for a minimum of one year's post-registration experience in a musculoskeletal physiotherapy setting.

English language requirements
IELTS 7 overall with no element below 6.5.

We normally require overseas applicants to hold a degree qualification in physiotherapy, which is equivalent to a UK qualification, and appropriate English language skills.

COVID-19 vaccine requirement

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been removed. Find out more about this decision.

The COVID-19 vaccine requirement applies to the MACP pathway only.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,828 GBP

International (full-time) 15,462 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. 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. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

Where health course includes a placement
- UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
- Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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-time 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.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Eastbourne campus

Our campus is within 15 minutes' walk of the beach, South Downs National Park and the Eastbourne's busy town centre.

Campus learning facilities include the Queenwood library, computer rooms, a media centre and a learning and technology suite. Welkin halls are also on campus.

Eastbourne Student Centre provides services including careers, volunteering, counselling and wellbeing, student advice, disability and dyslexia support and chaplaincy.

Accommodation

Eastbourne

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students who apply by 30 June.

Welkin halls
Located in the Meads area of Eastbourne, right next to the Students' Union and Student Services, Welkin halls are a short walk or bike ride to other areas of the campus.

Ensuite halls with a choice of room and flat sizes.
All rooms are self-catered with access to shared, fully equipped kitchen facilities.
Rent includes all utilities, 24/7 security and support, contents insurance and cleaning of communal areas.

Private renting
Eastbourne offers good choice when it comes to student accommodation.

There’s a good supply of affordable, high quality private rented accommodation and plenty of support and advice from us if you choose this option. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Student accommodation in Eastbourne

Student bedroom in Welkin halls

Modern kitchen in Welkin Halls

Local area

Easy-going Eastbourne

The South Downs National Park, the bustling town centre and the beach with the pier, prom and bandstand are all within a 15-minute walk of our Eastbourne campus. Officially the sunniest place in the UK, Eastbourne has loads on offer: a year-round calendar of sporting events, the independent shops and cafes of Little Chelsea, music and arts festivals, theatres, galleries, great restaurants and high street shopping.

Every June, leading tennis players descend on Eastbourne for one of the main warm-up tournaments for Wimbledon. One of the UK's biggest free extreme sports festivals, Beach Life, takes place on the seafront in July, bringing hi-octane action on land and sea. The international airshow Airbourne is another summer highlight.

Every autumn our students and staff participate in and support the Beachy Head Marathon, one of the UK's largest off-road marathons with challenging climbs and descents along the Seven Sisters.

The beach and the South Downs provide sports opportunities including horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, sailing, canoeing, body boarding, kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing.

The Towner Art Gallery has world-class exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and entry is free. Eastbourne also has four theatres, two cinemas and hosts a varied programme of arts and music events throughout the year.

It's only 90 minutes by train from Eastbourne to central London and less than 40 minutes to Brighton. There are also daily direct trains to Ashford International and Gatwick Airport.

Maps

Eastbourne campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Cricket Academy

New for September 2023, our Cricket Academy offers aspiring players the opportunity to continue their cricket development alongside studying for a degree. The programme offers a world-class training environment with the highest quality coaching.

Find out more about the Cricket Academy.

Student views

Laura Finucane

Consultant Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, East Surrey Hospital

At the time I completed the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy MSc 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 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.

Christopher Mercer

Consultant Physiotherapist, Western Sussex NHS Trust

I have had time to reflect on the impact the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy MSc 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.

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.

Stay in touch