About the course

The course provides students with a sound academic core to their relevant clinical practice, encourages a broad approach to health provision, and gives a thorough understanding of research methodology. The overall philosophy is to encourage an analytical, questioning attitude, which in turn will lead to an increase in evidence-based practice together with innovation in clinical practice.

Allied health professionals and members of other related disciplines often require both academic accreditation and flexibility when seeking continuing professional development (CPD) and our postgraduate courses endeavour to fulfil these needs. This flexible course is available part-time, or modules can be taken as independent stand-alone programmes of study. The School of Allied Health Professions is based on Keele campus and has a well-established undergraduate physiotherapy programme. It has strong connections both with local clinical units and with other Schools within the University such as the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, and Pharmacy and Bioengineering.

The part-time MSc programme can be completed in two years although up to three years is permitted. Students who opt for the modular route may take up to five years if they wish. The structure of the course therefore allows flexible learning in accordance with individual student interests and needs.

Course structure

The MSc programme comprises taught modules to the value of 120 M Level credits and a dissertation of 60 M Level credits, giving a total of 180 credits. Students may choose to finish their studies after completing 60 taught credits (Postgraduate Certificate) or 120 taught credits (Postgraduate Diploma), or they may study any module on a stand-alone basis and obtain the relevant credits. The part-time MSc programme can be completed in two years however up to three years is permitted. Students who opt for the modular route may take up to five years if they wish. The structure of the course therefore allows flexible learning in accordance with individual student interests and needs. Visit the school website to view module block sessional dates, and details of all modules.

Taught Modules

Core Modules (each 15 credits totalling 60 credits):

• Research Methods in Health
• Evidence-Based Practice – this is delivered electronically entirely via distance-learning 
• Applied Clinical Anatomy 1
• Physiology of Neuromusculoskeletal Tissue

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.

• Essentials of Manual Therapy Assessment (15)
• Musculoskeletal Management at the Interface (15)
• Applied Clinical Anatomy 2 (30)
• Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging (15)
• Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation (15)
• Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain (15)
• Assessment and Measurement (15)
• Psychosocial Aspects of Pain (15)
• Independent Study (15)
• Behaviour Change for Health and Well-Being (15)

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.

How the course is taught

Teaching sessions are led by a variety of experienced authorities in their field. Therefore, the student receives a wide knowledge base from academics and practising experts.

How you'll be assessed

The programme is assessed by a variety of techniques chosen to reflect the aims and objectives and teaching methods of individual modules, for example: essay, critical evaluation, paper review, seminar presentations, examination, the use of the Virtual Learning Environment, and dissertation. The pass mark for all modules is 50%.

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.

Funding

Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate course. 

Living costs

Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage for more information.

Careers

The aim of this flexible modular course is to broaden your knowledge and understanding of neuromusculoskeletal health care, and encourage personal development. It is also about fostering greater insight into how different disciplines, through a programme of shared learning and teaching, can contribute to this aim.

This course facilitates analysis, discussion and critical appraisal of scientific and clinical knowledge.