MSc in Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy

Our Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy MSc qualifies you for membership in the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) and the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT).

This program enables exploration of the theoretical basis of manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy and its application to the development of your clinical reasoning for advanced clinical practice. Using the process of clinical reasoning as its framework, this program integrates many approaches to clincal practice in this specialist area. It facilitates an evaluation of existing evidence and your clinical experiences through the exploration of the assessment and management of clinial presentations of musculoskeletal complaints.

The programme offers part-time, full-time modes of study, with some modules available and supported through distance learning providing you with the opportunity to tailor your learning experience to meet your personal and professional needs.

Why study this course?

Successful completion of the program qualifies you for membership in the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) and recognition by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT).

The Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy Masters program offers you:

• a route to membership with the MACP and IFOMPT
• the support of a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor
• easy travel access with a dedicated University train station
• the opportunity to gain advanced-level competencies in your clinical specialty
• an opportunity to study in a world-leading research facility with a team of multi-disciplinary experts
• a flexible study that can be organized around your other commitments

On completion of the Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy Masters program, you will have the ability to :

• critically evaluate approaches and methodologies for researching theoretical and practical issues relating to clinical practice
• critically evaluate previous professional development and plan future development within the framework of contemporary healthcare practice
• critically analyze the theoretical and conceptual issues underpinning manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy and the different approaches
• use clinical reasoning skills to enable the effective management of complex clinical presentations
• formulate a justifiable research design and conduct analytically an investigation to address a given problem
• produce a written report worthy of scrutiny in both academic and clinical settings

You will take the following six mandatory modules:

• Research Methods (20 credits)
• Innovation in Professional Development (20 credits)
• Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant (20 credits)
• Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2: Upper Quadrant (20 credits)
• Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice (20 credits)
• Research Dissertation – MSc only (60 credits)

In addition, you will choose one option module with a value of 20 credits (subject to availability and viability):

• Neuromuscular Adaptations to Training
• Sports Medicine Football 1
• Sports Medicine Football 2
• Work-based continuing professional development
• Mixed methods research
• Project management and research governance

For this programme, it is also possible to take relevant M Level modules from within the College. These would form part of the optional modules you are to choose as part of the MSc Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy programme. Our optional modules are each worth 20 credits, therefore, if you wish to take modules on offer within the College, these will also need to equate to 20 credits.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event, we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy programme positivity embraces and welcomes the diversity of Physiotherapy globally. Diversity encompasses ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, indigeneity, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and other factors such as educational background, health status, occupation and personality traits.

Some of our practical teaching sessions will involve practical “hands-on” components where students will practice certain assessment and management techniques with their student peers from diverse backgrounds. Our academic team and student cohorts are responsible for teaching and practising safely, efficiently and effectively in diverse environments.

Our academic teams work collaboratively with learners and other stakeholders to ensure the programme’s cultural awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity. Our teaching methods are delivered to foster inclusion involving all student learners and educators.

We look forward to supporting and including all students in our Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy programme.

Physiotherapy graduates have entered careers both in the NHS and private sector. They work in hospitals, in the community as well as sports clubs and the military. An increasing number of Physiotherapy graduates are working on a freelance basis alongside their work in the NHS. Some choose to pursue further studies in education, or research or undertake further training.

Careers Support for Postgraduate Students

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognize that as a postgraduate student, you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market.

Here are just a few ways in which we can help postgraduates to get ahead:

• Careers Networking opportunities
• Effective careers strategy toolkit
• Year planner for all postgraduate students
• Masters Career Coaching Workshops
• One to one careers guidance

The Careers Network also has subject-specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. They also have a dedicated careers website for international students where you can find useful resources and information.