Prosthetics and Orthotics - MSc
Progress your career within the exciting field of prosthetics and orthotics. Our MSc 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
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
-
Type of study Fees (per year) UK - full time £9,790 International - full time £26,600
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 2 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study Prosthetics and Orthotics at Keele University?
About the course
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 two week to five 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.
Course structure
The programme has 180 credits in total, with 105 credits in year one and 75 credits in year two. This distribution supports placements, with five out of seven placements in year two.
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.
What you will study
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.
Compulsory modules
Year 1
Pre arrival introduction and work packages
Transition into Prosthetics & Orthotics (15 credits)
This is a transition module laying foundations to introduce P&O specific principles and practice. The module introduces you to the principles of professionalism (including communication) and attitudes and behaviours required as health professionals. You will begin to appreciate the role of the Prosthetist and Orthotist (P&O) in a multidisciplinary healthcare team and have awareness of P&O service provision in different settings. Required baseline knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics for a Prosthetist and Orthotist will be taught.
Essentials of Prosthetics & Orthotics Assessment (15 credits)
This module introduces you to the knowledge and practical skills required to undertake and interpret the information gained from a subjective and objective service user assessment in order to formulate an effective management plan.
Spinal and Upper Limb Orthotics and Prosthetics (15 credits)
This module refines and advances earlier anatomy knowledge and focuses on upper limb and spinal pathologies. You will learn patient assessment skills, management strategies and provision of P&O devices which may be associated with congenital, pathophysiological and trauma.
Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change (15 credits)
This module brings together the concepts of health promotion, primary and secondary prevention and health behaviour change, and provides a context for the study of prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation. You'll explore the factors which affect health and wellbeing and also the theories, models and principles which underlie health behaviour change. Health promotion strategies are evaluated.
P&O Practice Placement 1 (Pass/Fail)
P&O Practice Placement 1 introduces you to P&O healthcare/industry settings. The module aims to prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also developing transferable skills (i.e. multidisciplinary team working, organisation and observe leadership and advance your communication skills) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities.
P&O Practice Placement 2 (Pass/Fail)
Practice Placement 2 builds on the previous observational practice placements, as well as educational content learnt earlier in the MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme. This 4 week placement enables you to further develop and apply knowledge and skills in both assessment and service-user management approaches. The module continues to prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also developing transferable skills.
Prosthetics and Orthotics Management (15 credits)
This module prepares you for practice in a healthcare/industry setting, applying knowledge and developing practical skills to enable you to start to manage a patient requiring a prosthesis or orthosis.
Advanced Prescription in Prosthetics and Orthotics (15 credits)
This modules is designed to introduce you to advanced P&O prescriptions, to enable critical evaluation of the rehabilitation needs of complex patients and further refine clinical decision-making skills to be able to offer evidence-based innovative solutions.
Evaluating Healthcare and Evidence Based Practice (P&O) (15 credits)
Designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to practice as a highly desirable evidence-based practitioner. Module highlights include, research study designs, evidence-based practice, health apps evaluation and trusted information via electronic healthcare information. This also covers governance frameworks, CAT (Critically Appraised Topic) production and assessment preparation.
Year 2
Innovations in Prosthetic and Orthotic Assessment (15 credits)
Explore the latest technology supporting the P&O professions, preparing you for practice in 21st century healthcare.
Research Proposal (P&O) (15 credits)
The Research Proposal module allows you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in designing and justifying a comprehensive plan for a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
P&O Practice Placement 3 (Pass/Fail)
This placement will be undertaken within a three week manufacturing setting to enable you to understand the importance of the patient prescription documentation and determine/discern optimal materials for that prescription. Practice Placement 3 builds on general communication and professional experience gained in the previous placements. Manufacturing content is introduced earlier in the MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme and enables you to further develop and apply knowledge and skills.
P&O Practice Placement 4 (Pass/Fail)
Practice Placement 4 builds on previous Practice Placements as well as educational content learnt earlier in the MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme. This 3-week placement enables you to develop additional knowledge and skills in both assessment and service-user management approaches. It continues to prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also building transferable skills that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
P&O Practice Placement 5 (Pass/Fail)
Practice Placement 5 builds on content introduced in Year 1 of the MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme and previous placements. The module enables you to enhance comprehension and skills through P&O practice experience, with an increasing focus on clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, in both assessment and service user management approaches.
Research Project (Level7) (P&O) (30 credits)
The Research Project module builds on the 'Research Proposal' module and enables you to implement the research proposal presented in the previous module and produce a structured written report of your work. It aims to develop your ability to carry out subsequent research independently as well as commission, manage and evaluate future research activities of others.
Leadership and Service Development - P&O (15 credits)
Understand the characteristics of effective leadership in a health service delivery context, preparing you to take a future lead on the delivery of high quality patient services.
P&O Practice Placement 6 (Pass/Fail)
Practice Placement 6 builds on content introduced in Year 1 of the MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics programme and previous placements. Through P&O practice experience, you will further develop, apply and enhance your comprehension and skills.
P&O Practice Placement 7 (Pass/Fail)
Practice Placement 7 builds on content delivered throughout Year 1 and earlier in Year 2 of the programme. The placement module enables you to enhance comprehension and skills through additional P&O practice experience. It will help to prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also developing transferable allied health professional skills.
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.
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, nursing, psychology, or physics subject
or
a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, psychology, or physics subject or a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
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)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, psychology, or physics subject 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)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, psychology, or physics subject or a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics
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)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, psychology, or physics subject or a 2/3 year Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- degree in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in an anatomy, biology, biomechanics, health science, exercise, engineering, nursing, 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. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
UK Full Time - £9,790 for the 2026/7 academic year
International Full Time - £25,600 for the 2026/7 academic year
Fees
2026/27 academic year
For start dates between September 2026 and July 2027.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £9,790 |
| International - full time | £26,600 |
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £10,050 |
| International - full time | £26,600 |
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
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 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
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.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Mandatory costs
You can expect some additional costs as a student on this course, which may support learning activities, specialist equipment, fieldwork, placements, or other course-related requirements. Details of these mandatory costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Optional costs
In addition to the mandatory costs listed below, there may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
Mandatory:
- Enhanced DBS check with digital ID check: £52.20. Registration to the DBS Update Service: £15 per year. These prices are not set by the University and are liable to increase.
- Travel to placement: initial costs of travel to placement is provided by student. This could vary significantly depending on where they are travelling to and from.
- Uniform (1x top and trousers - £39.46) prices subject to inflationary increases year on year.
- Practical clothing - DoE will provide costs for AY26/27.
Optional:
- Student membership of the British Association of Prosthetics & Orthotics (BAPO) is paid directly to BAPO. Membership is not mandatory but recommended. Current costs is £49.20 per year subject to annual increase.
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.
Key programme expectations
Before applying, it is important to understand the core physical and psychological demands of training for a career in this field. To help you make an informed choice, our programme aligns with fitness to train standards detailed by the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) group. We encourage all prospective students to review these core capabilities to ensure they feel confident meeting the day-to-day expectations of both the academic study and clinical placements.
