Musculoskeletal Medicine PGCert

Musculoskeletal medicine (MSK) is a rapidly growing and developing area practiced by a range of clinicians from phyisotherapists, doctors and allied health care professionals. Our part-time online musculoskeletal medicine PG Cert is aimed to meet the needs of those wishing to work or working mainly in primary care, community or interface clinics. The programme has been developed by some of the UK’s leading MSK professionals, ensuring it provides you with the skills and knowledge to work in a range of specialist MSK settings.

Programme topics will provide you with essential information largely missing from undergraduate degree courses that will facilitate effective practice and enhance employability.

Course highlights

• This is a unique programme aimed at creating exceptional MSK practitioners.

• Our programme offers flexible learning with instruction delivered by expert clinicians.

• Academic and careers related support is provided by our team, alongside a dedicated educational supervisor.

• Our individual topic experts, specifically selected from around the country for their expertise.

• Our course is aligned to the national FSEM Diploma in MSK exam.

Our department is home to four of the UKs’ consultants in SEM, GPs with an extended role in musculoskeletal medicine and a number of the UK’s leading physiotherapists in MSK medicine and elite sport. Dr Richard Collins in our team was one of the lead clinician’s on developing the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine’s (FSEM) Diploma in MSK professional exam. While this course is a stand-alone and covers above and beyond the syllabus of the FSEM Diploma in MSK, it does prepare any of our students wishing to sit the professional exams post-course.

Our academics and lecturers

Our PG Certificate is delivered via the University of Leeds renowned Sport and Exercise Science Department and includes a variety of world-leading MSK clinicians, each with their own specialism. Below are just a few of our leading academics that teach on our programme:

• Dr Richard Collins MBBS MRCGP MSc DipSEM(UK) FFSEM | Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine| GP with Special Interest in MSK | Author of the national syllabus FSEM Diploma in MSK

• Dr Dane Vishnubala MBBS PGCME MRCGP MSc DipSEM(UK) FFSEM FHEA | Clinical Lead | Consultant in SEM | GP with Extended Role in MSK

• Dr Craig Zalecki MBBS MRCGP MSc DipSEM (UK) FFSEM | Clinical Tutor | Consultant in SEM | GP with Special Interest in MSK

• Sarah Hattee BSc MSc | MSK Physiotherapist

• Dr James Hamilton– MSK Radiology Lead | MSK Radiologist

• Dr Camilla Nykjaer BSc MSc PhD FHEA | Programme Lead | Lecturer in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health.

• Jack Marsh MCSP MSc | Advanced Practice Rheumatology Physiotherapist

• Val Jones MCSP MSc | Extended Scope Physiotherapist | Upper Limb Physio with specialist interest in Elbow

• Jo Gibson MCSP MSc | Extended Scope Physiotherapist |Upper Limb Physio with specialist interest in Shoulder

• Mr Simon Boyle MBBS MRCS (Eng&Ed) MSc FRCS(Tr&Orth) | Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Nick Knight BSc (Hons) MFPM RCPS | Podiatrist

Meet more of our team and find out why they are at the forefront of their fields.

Year 1

Aimed at doctors, physiotherapists, sports therapists and rehabilitators, this programme will cover topics including:

• MSK issues of the upper and lower limbs – You will develop an in-depth knowledge of key MSK conditions of the upper and lower limb; Develop clinical reasoning and critical thinking focused around a range of common presentations; Learn how to investigate common presentations from blood tests to imaging, and learn how to manage common conditions using an evidence-based approach. Our world-leading experts Jo Gibson and Val Jones will teach you everything you need to know!

• Chronic considerations in MSK – You will learn more about rheumatological conditions, spinal issues and chronic pain amongst other topics, learning from some of UK’s leading clinicians including Jack March and Dr Richard Collins.

• The MSK practitioner – While knowledge is important, a great clinician knows how to consult. Throughout the PG Cert we will teach you to critically think, improve your clinical reasoning, explore video, telephone and face-to-face consultation, teaching the range of subjects required to be an exceptional practitioner.

These specialist topics will enable you to recognise and treat both acute and chronic MSK conditions.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Musculoskeletal Medicine PGCert in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

Core course material will be delivered by means of online seminars, interactive workbooks, tutorials, and independent e-learning. Private study will be centred around accessible resources completed at a student-appropriate pace, involving practitioner-led material relevant to professional development.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessments involve a variety of forms suitable for the application of knowledge in the professional context, including a mix of MCQ, poster presentations, a case study report and reflective log, and viva.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have at least a 2:2 honours degree. Currently, we are accepting candidates with degrees in medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, or sports rehabilitation/training. Appropriate professional registration should also be held with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers or equivalent.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0.

How to apply

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Applications missing any of the following will not be considered:

• completed online application form
• supporting statement (500 words max) that must include:
  • examples of your aspirations, and commitment to a specialty career in MSK Medicine
  • a plan for completion of the course (your time available/schedule)
  • reasons why you wish to study this particular course
  • a full CV
  • transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
  • copy of final degree certificate.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

• UK: £3,750 (total)
• International: £3,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.