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    Prosthetics and Orthotics - MSc

    Progress your career within the exciting field of prosthetics and orthotics on our MSc programme. The programme has been carefully designed to reflect current innovation and technology in the field but also the need for evidence-based treatment options. Prosthetics and Orthotics at Keele embraces the challenges of modern healthcare and enables you to develop key clinical skills to become a highly competent Prosthetist and Orthotist who can make a positive impact on people's lives.

    Month of entry

    • January

    Mode of study

    • Full time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Health and Rehabilitation

    Fees for 2024/25 academic year


    • UK - Full time £9,250 per year
      International - Full time £28,000 per year 

    Duration of study

    • 2 years
    Apply now

    This course is open for January 2024 entry for UK students only

    Why study Prosthetics and Orthotics at Keele University?

    Study at the only institution in the UK to offer a master's level pre-registration prosthetics and orthotics programme.
    This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council enabling you to apply to their register upon successful completion of the programme.
    Study a programme which is supported by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists
    Learn from experienced clinicians and teaching staff who are nationally and internationally recognised experts in their field
    Eligible students can apply for the £5,000 NHS grant

    Course summary

    Our two-year MSc aims to facilitate your development into a highly competent Prosthetist and Orthotist who can confidently assess and treat patients to promote their physical well-being. You will gain the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and values that underpin contemporary prosthetics and orthotics practice, strengthening your competence in applying your skill-set to contemporary clinical practice.

    You will explore clinical reasoning and the need for decision-making skills that are informed by evidence-based practice to enable you to undertake best practice in partnership with service users and colleagues. Modules in year one focus on core areas such as developing your professional development as a Prosthetist and Orthotist and the various techniques in clinical assessment.

    You will deepen your understanding of health promotion, primary and secondary prevention, and health behaviour change. We introduce you to the foundations of prescription, technical design, fabrication, and provision of prosthetic and orthotic devices with a focus upon the lower limb. You will learn to apply your knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of a patient with a complex upper limb or spinal condition and evaluate healthcare and evidence-based practice.

    Your second year provides you the opportunity to look at leadership and service development within prosthetics and orthotics and investigate innovations in the field. You will continue to advance your prescription expertise and undertake a research project. Orientation, clinical and manufacturing placements are also a key element of the course which you will be expected to participate in throughout both years of the course.

    Placements

    There are seven placements throughout the two year course providing over 1000 hours of practical exposure. These are a mix of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Manufacturing placements, which can range from one week to six weeks and may be located across the whole of the UK. There will be an expectation for students to travel and experience new locations throughout their studies.

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    Course structure

    This two year programme commences in January. Each year is divided into two semesters and runs over an extended academic year with reduced vacation periods when compared to other courses at Keele.

    Taught modules are interspersed with practice experience modules. These offer you the opportunity to apply and develop skills and knowledge you have learnt on the course with patients in a clinical environment.

    Each year carries 90 credits:

    The course is structured around key aspects of prosthetic and orthotic practice including:

    • A fundamental understanding of biomechanical and human sciences
    • A strong grasp of physical assessment skills, product knowledge and clinical reasoning
    • A repertoire of safe and effective prosthetic and orthotic device prescriptions based on individuals' specific requirements
    • Evidence based evaluation and discharge/modification skills
    • Effective communication and inter-personal skills.

    These are introduced, developed and enhanced via individual modules over the two-year programme; each year carries 90 credits:

    Modules

    The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

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    An introduction to Prosthetics and Orthotics at Keele

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    Entry requirements

    • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
    • A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview.

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    Entry requirements

    The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.

    Typical offer: 2:2 degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, psychology, or physics subject

    Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    UK

    2:2 degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Bangladesh

    60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject from a public university
    or
    CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, or physics subject from a private university
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada

    70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    China

    70% in a degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    65% in a degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject from a '211' university
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    Second class degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    India

    55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years, in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya

    Second class degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nepal

    60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nigeria

    Second class degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan

    We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
    or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

    South Africa

    Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Sri Lanka

    55% in a Special Bachelor's degree degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Uganda

    Second class degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Zimbabwe

    Second class degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, psychology, or physics subject
    or
    a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
    • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
    • A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview.

    English language requirements

    All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.

    References

    Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

    Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

    Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

    RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

    General information

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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    Meet the Prosthetics and Orthotics team

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    Funding

    Eligible Prosthetics and Orthotics MSc students are eligible to apply for funding support via the NHS Learning Support Fund which includes a £5,000 training grant and certain travel and accommodation costs for placements. More information, including the eligibility criteria can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.

    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 and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, 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 programme will help you to develop the competencies required for autonomous practice in the NHS, industry and other healthcare settings globally.

    The course promotes research awareness and its application to prosthetic and orthotic practice and the wider health and social care context. It will provide you with the expertise to adapt and respond positively to change whilst developing key transferable skills to prepare you for graduate employment.

    A prosthetics and orthotics degree from Keele will ensure you graduate with clinical and research skills that will enable you to work as an autonomous professional across a variety of national (including the NHS, private sector, occupational health and performance sport) and international healthcare settings.

    Approval from the Health and Care Professions Council will enable you to register for membership upon successful completion of the programme.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    How you'll be taught

    You will learn in a variety of ways using a number of different approaches:

    • Lectures and independent study enable you to broaden and deepen your existing professional knowledge and understanding of the core scientific principles and concepts of prosthetics and orthotics, and to transfer scientific knowledge from theory into practice.

    • Practical work in both university and clinical environments supports you to develop, enhance and update your learning of new skills under the supervision of experts. It facilitates the development of safe and competent practice, and the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. You will focus on the management of common pathologies whilst demonstrating the transferability of these skills to the management of less common or multiple complex pathologies.

    • Small group work, such as seminars, and workshops, provides opportunities for you to clarify and exchange ideas with both peers and staff, and to question and challenge professional concepts.

    • Guided independent study and tutorials will assist you to explore in depth, and evaluate, aspects of professional practice.

    • Seminars, tutorials and web-based e-learning activities encourage reflection upon your learning and to take responsibility for its development, and to collaborate with others to share, explore, and evaluate ideas in greater depth.

    In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt.  These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe,  respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.

    How you'll be assessed

    You will develop a broad range of knowledge and skills as you advance on this Prosthetics and Orthotics MSc. To reflect this we use a wide variety of assessment methods on the programme. These currently include:

    • Written work and assignments. These will highlight the application of your subject matter and your research and written skills.
    • Written examinations will test your knowledge through different exam formats such as multiple choice, critical analysis reports and short answer questions.
    • Reflective assignments enable you to improve your reflective learning and practice which are fundamental skills used by healthcare professionals.
    • Oral exams and presentations will assess your knowledge, understanding and application of the subject.
    • Practical examinations and Interactive Practical Assessment (IPA) take place as part of the programmes practical modules.
    • Research project. Student led piece of independent research which will be supported by a nominated supervisor.
    • Practice placement assessment is undertaken during your placement modules through criterion referenced assessment forms.
    • Online assessments with multiple choice questions.

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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

    The academic teaching team on our MSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics includes highly skilled, highly qualified and knowledgeable staff. Many are nationally and internationally recognised experts in their field.

    Our staff group

    The staff group has extensive experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and includes individuals with competence in learning and teaching and research. We also invite national experts to lecture as external speakers.

    Teaching team:

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    Prosthetics and orthotics patient assessment suite Prosthetics and orthotics motion analysis lab Prosthetics and orthotics patient assessment suite Prosthetics and orthotics workshop Prosthetics and orthotics workshop Prosthetics and orthotics workshop
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    Facilities

    A newly purpose built workshop designed in collaboration with world leading prosthetics and orthotics company, Ottobock, fulfills all University manufacturing and clinical training requirements.

    Also, a 3D gait analysis laboratory, equipped with a Vicon system and AMTI force plates, will complement practice training and research activities.

    Take a closer look at our facilities in our virtual tour:

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