Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert

This is a unique model of continued professional development for allied health professionals. You will learn from industry experts in intimate learning groups. You will gain a master’s level award, be it PG Certificate, PG Diploma or full MSc, in your chosen area of Advanced Musculoskeletal Practise. The award you decide upon will affect the duration of the course, as well as how many modules you undertake

You will be a qualified professional, working in UK health and/or social care, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. You will be seeking to develop advanced practice in your own specific clinical area.  

The award pathways have different expected learning outcomes. Each one advances the previous award. To complete your chosen award, you will be able to:

PG Cert

• Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical decision making
• Critically evaluate and apply current evidence related to assessment and outcome measures appropriate to your area of practice
• Demonstrate comprehensive leadership skills to support and encourage development of others.

PG Dip

• Critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence on health coaching, health literacy, leadership and change management
• Develop high levels of effective communication appropriate to patients in health coaching and health literacy, and to key stakeholders in leadership and change management
• Demonstrate comprehensive leadership skills to support and encourage service development.

Full MSc

• Select, justify and implement a methodology appropriate to the research question or aim
• Follow research ethics principles to conduct the research ethically
• Present research findings in a recognised journal format for manuscript submission.

This First Contact Practitioner (FCP) course is recognised by The Centre for Advancing Practice as meeting the FCP Roadmap Stage 1 and 2 requirements and evidence of successful completion meets current requirements for FCP.

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

If you choose to study for the PG Cert the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:

• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2

If you choose to study for the PG Dip the course will take 2 years to complete. You will study:

• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2 of your first year
• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2 of your second year

If you choose to study for the MSc the course will take 3 years to complete. You will study:

• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2 of your first year
• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2 of your second year
• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1, 2 and 3 of your third year

Modules

Teaching and learning

Each module requires 36 hours of assessment, spread over 6 non-consecutive days. The learning time for each module is 600 hours, which includes any external independent research and tutor and peer review sessions.

We use a variety of learning methods, including:

• Discussions on critiques and theories
• Consideration of case studies to explore authentic scenarios
• Critical appraisal of evidence
• Self-reflection

You will engage with an approach to learning that mirrors and enhances the practice in which you work. You will refine your practice, focusing on autonomous activity and complex decision making. This will give you the abilities to develop innovative methods that will enhance your clients' experiences and improve outcomes.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

The course is made up of formative and summative assessments, designed to support and inspire your development. Assessments are carried out in environments that are as authentic as possible to the scenarios you will find in the health and social care industry.

Your formative assessments include:

• Critiquing a research paper with your peers and tutors
• A plan for transformational service change
• Self-reflection on your experience of implementing a health coaching approach with a service user
• A critique of a standardised assessment tool
• Producing a manuscript suitable for possible publication

Qualifications

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered.

In addition, you must have:

• 5 years current postgraduate experience with 3 years in an appropriate musculoskeletal clinical setting
• A letter of support from your line manager
• Proof of appropriate and up to date professional registration (for example HCPC or GMC)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you may be eligible for entry on the basis of Recognition of prior learning (RPL). Check your eligibility by visiting the RPL page below. We also consider applications for entry with advanced standing.

Recognition of prior learning

International students

Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students. Discover the other courses we offer.

Find a course

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £2,333 per year for part time study

If you choose to study for a PG Diploma, the tuition fee is:

• £2,500 per year for 2 years of part time study

These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Funding your studies

UK 2024-2025

Workforce transformation funding is no longer available but you may be able to seek alternative CPD funding (best discussed with your manager and/or workforce development lead) or self-fund. Please note all courses are subject to meeting minimum cohort numbers to enable a full student experience. To receive the CPD e-newsletter please email business@yorksj.ac.uk.

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

International 2024 - 2025 entry

Unfortunately this course is not available for international students. Discover the other courses we offer:

Find a course

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice take you?

You will already be a qualified professional working in UK health and/or social care.

This course will help you further develop the advanced level of your practice in your own clinical area and enhance your career options.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.