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    Clearing is now open - find your place at Keele >

    Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare - MSc

    Advance your clinical skills and broaden your knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and related neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems on our part-time MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare. The course will provide you with the skills to progress your professional development as a therapist, strengthen your metacognition, develop a questioning attitude, and give you the opportunity to gain a solid grounding in research methodology.

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Part time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Physiotherapy

    Fees for 2022 entry

    • UK - Part time £4,600 per year

    Duration of study

    • Up to 3 years
    Apply now

    Why study Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare at Keele University?

    Taught by research active academics and internationally renowned specialists in their field
    Flexible ways to study via a part-time or modular route with various qualification options
    Benefit from the School of Allied Health Profession’s strong links with Keele University’s Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Pharmacy and Bioengineering and with local clinical units
    Enhance your clinical expertise in an important growth area of healthcare

    Course summary

    Our flexible, part-time postgraduate course allows you to enhance your study of the health care of patients with neuromusculoskeletal issues.

    Core module themes aim to consolidate your existing scientific know-how such as Research Methods in Healthcare, which focuses on the fundamentals of health and social research. You will investigate the key role of evidence-based practice and develop your understanding of the strategies for gathering and evaluating evidence.

    Explore the theories and practice of applied clinical anatomy on the core anatomy module which features the themes of histology, embryology, radiology, gross anatomy, and the identification of prosections. You will also expand your physiological knowledge about the neuromusculoskeletal system in relation to inflammation, tissue repair, and degenerative change.

    Optional modules provide you with the opportunity to tailor your studies to your own interests and professional development goals. You could choose to develop your skills about manual therapy assessment or further advance your anatomical studies. There are opportunities to engage with, assess and manage real patients in a supportive learning environment and to discover how dynamic ultrasound can be used in evaluating soft tissue anatomy to inform clinical decisions. You can also enhance your understanding of the different assessment and measurement theory and methods utilised in the neuromusculoskeletal field.

    Other modules seek to deepen your knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of the experience of pain as well as your comprehension of the physiology, pharmacology, and modulation of pain. You could also focus your studies on the theme of behaviour change and its impact on health and wellbeing or undertake independent study to improve your critical thinking in an area related to your practice.

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    Course structure

    The MSc in Neuromusculoskeltal Healthcare offers you the flexibility to study on either a part-time basis, or a modular route depending on your current circumstances. The part-time option can be completed in two years (three years maximum) and if you select the modular route you can study over a period of up to five years.

    The taught modules on this programme have a value of 120 M Level credits and the dissertation a total of 60 M Level credits making a total of 180 credits. You can choose to finish the course after 60 credits (Postgraduate Certificate) or after 120 credits (Postgraduate Diploma) or you can select to study individual modules and obtain the relevant credits.

    Core Modules (each 15 credits totalling 60 credits):

    The core modules meet the needs of individuals to review and evaluate the scientific background of their own specialism and to integrate this into their clinical practice. The option modules allow students to devise a programme to suit their own specific requirements in terms of professional and personal development. The Research module and Evidence Based Practice module together with the dissertation develop the student’s research capabilities and critical evaluation skills.

    Option Modules (credit value in brackets – 60 credits required for MSc and PgDip):

    Availability of options may be subject to change in any year and other modules may also be available. A list of modules run by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences can be found at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Module Listings, some of these are listed below.

    Candidates can also apply for assessment of prior learning (APL) exemptions against option modules, or choose to take option modules from a range offered by other schools in the University provided they are consistent with the aims of the programme and are approved by the Course Team.

    Dissertation (60 credits)

    A dissertation of 15,000 words on a topic related to the course. Dissertation workshops provide support for students.

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    Entry requirements

    The course is open to therapists, (e.g. physiotherapists, occupational therapists), other allied health professionals and members of other related disciplines such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists. Applicants should normally have a first or second-class honours degree (2.1 or 2.2) in a relevant subject such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, or an equivalent professional qualification.  

    In addition, applicants must have completed at least 12 months of professional work experience by 30 June prior to admission or be registered with the UK Professional Council. Registration with the Professional Council is strongly recommended; if this is not obtained then this will severely limit your choice of options since you will not be able to undertake practical clinical modules.

    Forms for UK Professional Council registration are available from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), at www.hcpc-uk.org General Medical Council (GMC) information obtained from www.gmc-uk.org and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) via www.nmc-uk.org

    This process can take at least eight weeks, so please do apply early.

    All applications are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants should ensure that their personal statements identify why they wish to study this course.

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    Funding

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in this case, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

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    Your career

    The aim of Keele University's MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare is to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the assessment and management of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and promote your professional and personal development.

    You will develop a greater insight into how different disciplines, through a programme of shared learning and teaching, can contribute to these aims. The programme also facilitates analysis, discussion and critical appraisal of scientific and clinical knowledge.

    As the course draws from modules from across the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the wider university to encourage interprofessional learning, you may choose to pursue level 7 modules available within the Faculty to develop your leadership or education skillset to directly support your future career.

    This programme could support your progression into positions which may include:

    • Clinical Specialist
    • Extended Scope Practitioner
    • First Contact Practitioner
    • Advanced Practitioner Roles
    • Academia
    • Research
    • Leadership
    • Management Roles
    • Education

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    How is the course taught?

    We use a variety of teaching methods on the MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare depending on the module theme. You will learn in traditional style lectures which may feature specialist speakers from the neuromusculoskeletal field.

    Small group workshops will provide you with the opportunity to work together with other students to undertake activities such as critically appraising papers relating to specific aspects of neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation. Seminar presentations are used as a teaching method to enable you to research and present your findings about a specific and current clinical theme.

    We organise student and tutor led tutorials to facilitate small group discussions about topics relevant to the module. We also use these to explore problem solving scenarios and appropriate case studies.

    Some modules require you to undertake practical activities either observing the application of or to develop your learning of practical skills. This could include gait analysis, electrical stimulation, injection, and manual therapy all under the supervision of exert practitioners and academics.

    You will also have access to the KLE - Keele University’s virtual learning environment. All modules use this tool which provides you with a virtual space to share discussions as well as being a key resource for accessing learning resources and research tools.

    Independent study is a substantial part of each module and you will be encouraged and guided by tutors when applicable. Some independent study will be self-directed depending on the module. Independent study also plays a significant role in writing your dissertation where you will also be supported by your academic staff, including one-to-one supervision, and student led workshops.

    How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed on this programme through a variety of different methods that reflect the nature of each module. These currently include:

    • Essays. These may be based around specific questions, case studies or areas of interest, depending on the module. Using your findings to support your argument.
    • Reflective assignments. A reflective piece of work in your specific area of interest. Reflective learning and practice are a fundamental part of your continual professional development as a practitioner.
    • Portfolios. These contain evidence of your critical reflection on your learning journey and clinical practice.
    • Presentations. Oral presentations will develop communication skills and develop your confidence in presenting your findings and rationale behind your argument.
    • Practical examinations.
    • Dissertation. Student led, independent piece of research.

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    Academics teaching on this MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Healthcare have a wealth of experience teaching at postgraduate level with the majority having postgraduate qualifications in areas such as healthcare, rehabilitation, or education.

    Many of our current staff are active researchers and some are members of specialist of specialist organisations like the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).

    Teaching team

    Our multidisciplinary staff have expertise across a wide range of healthcare and health promotion specialisms. Our academics and clinicians are dedicated and enthusiastic, with a consistent record of inspiring and supporting students towards successful completion of their chosen programmes. We also invite a range of speakers to contribute to our postgraduate provision to enhance your learning.

    Click here to meet the team

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    Facilities

    We host a selection of materials that will assist with your theoretical and practical learning, including an ALS patient simulator, old age simulation suits, 3-D anatomical on-line learning materials and models, as well as diagnostic, assessment and therapeutic equipment.

    You will also be able to utilise exercise testing equipment during the programme to help with teaching. Other facilities may also be used for teaching including the Anatomy Suite, modern and spacious laboratory facilities and the Movement Analysis Suite.

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