UK University of Hertfordshire

MSc Advanced Physiotherapy (Neuromusculoskeletal)

University of Hertfordshire
College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB

IFOMPT Member Orgnaization :  MACP

 
Contact information:
Mary Sexton
m.t.sexton@herts.ac.uk
go.herts.ac.uk/hep
Tel: 01707 284689
 
 
MSc Advanced Physiotherapy (Neuromusculoskeletal)
This popular and well established programme is designed for physiotherapists who wish to specialise and develop advanced level skills and knowledge in neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy. Students are encouraged to challenge and advance contemporary practice through critical reflection, analysis and research. The programme provides the opportunity to gain both a postgraduate award and eligibility for membership of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
 
Structure
The 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 need to undertake a minimum of 120 credits to be eligible for MACP membership. The programme is available on a full time basis and students may take up to six years to complete the master’s course on a part-time basis. The programme includes a combination of research modules, physiotherapy modules and optional modules.
 

Module category	M level credits
Research	60
Compulsory Physiotherapy modules	90 credits (minimum)
Optional modules	30 credits
Total	180

 
Research modules:The research component consists of the Research Methods module (15 credits) and the Research Dissertation (45 credits).    
 
Physiotherapy modules:Students are required to undertake four compulsory modules.
 

Compulsory modules	Credits
Assessment and management of lower quadrant neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction Assessment and management of upper quadrant neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction NMS clinical practice 1 NMS clinical practice 2	30 30   15 15

 
Optional modules:The 30 credits of optional modules may be selected from either physiotherapy modules or interprofessional modules.

Interprofessional modules

Physiotherapy modules

Principles of functional rehabilitation (30 credits) Health promotion (15 credits) Leading and developing services (15 credits) Developing and managing people in healthcare (15 credits) Imaging for trauma (15 credits) Imaging for non-trauma (15 credits) Weight management (15 credits) Education in practice (15 credits) Pulmonary rehabilitation (15 credits) Foundation acupuncture (30 credits) Pain management (15 credits) Injection therapy (15 credits)

Clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal practice (15 credits) Physiotherapy professional independent study (15/30 credits) Reflection in professional physiotherapy practice (30 credits)

 
 
Please note that module availability will change from year to year and other modules may
also be available.
 
Teaching and Assessment
The University is a pioneer in blended learning, that is, the integration of e-learning activities with classroom based study in order to enhance the learning experience. The programme make extensive use of StudyNet, the University’s Managed Learning Environment, with a comprehensive range of e-resources available to enhance the learning environment including podcasts, videoclips, BLOGs, Wikis, Skype and Camtasia. The School employs an e-learning technologist who provides e-learning support for students and staff. Modules are assessed by a variety of methods including essays, presentations, reports, posters and practical examinations.
 
Staff
The staff have a broad range of clinical expertise and all are skilled teachers with extensive experience of delivering postgraduate programmes. Many staff continue to work in the clinical environment and undertake research in addition to their teaching commitments enhancing currency of the programmes. Several members of staff are members of the MACP.  Specialist external lecturers contribute to the programmes where relevant.
 
 
Facilities
The Physiotherapy Division boasts impressive facilities including four fully equipped laboratories, a student resource room and a research laboratory.
 
Entrance qualifications

• Applicants should have a recognised qualification in physiotherapy.
• Applicants who do not possess a first degree must provide evidence of appropriate continued professional development.
• Applicants should have at least one year’s post-qualification experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
• Applicants should possess membership of the Health Professions Council (HPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) upon application.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English Language proficiency of IELTS at Level 7.0 (including 7.0 in the writing component).

 
Fees
Please enquire re current fees. Please note students are also required to become Associate Members of the MACP prior to undertaking the placements.