Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine - MSc/PgDip

The MSc/PgDip in Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine is designed for learners who have successfully completed the 60-credit Foundation Module offered by the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM).

Delivered fully online as part of our Advancing Professional Practice Framework, , this pathway builds on the SOMM Foundation Module to support the development of the knowledge and skills essential for advanced professional practice in musculoskeletal medicine.

There are rich learning opportunities in areas such as the fundamentals of advancing practice, critical analysis, evaluation, research methodologies, and clinical competency workplace modules.

This part-time course is delivered fully online. As teaching is asynchronous (ie not delivered in real time), it offers flexibility regardless of your time zone or working hours.

Updated: 14/8/25

Why QMU?

Educationally and practice-relevant postgraduate framework: This award will enable those working in healthcare to develop their knowledge and skills and advance their practice.
Flexible study options: The course offers flexibility that is responsive to individual needs and today’s culture of work and learning. Single module study is also available.
Multi-professional learning and cross institutional input: Based on a model of collaborative multi-professional learning, the Framework also offers opportunities to draw on expertise across the University on subjects such as leadership, social science and education.
Make a difference to people’s lives: Framework modules will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and contribute to the health of our nation and beyond.
Theoretical and practically focused: Learning and teaching is underpinned by research, evidence and scholarship against the background of the current and evolving political and social landscape for health and wellbeing.

This course will allow you to advance your practice in your chosen field. The learner-centred approach enables individuals to tailor their learning to their interest, requirements and aspirations.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Dr Kavi Jagadamma for further information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at QMU, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate with approximately 200 hours of study, which will include regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules:

Methods of Enquiry (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies, and analysis.
Optional modules (40 credits in total): You will complete two optional modules (20 credits each) from any approved Framework modules.
Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation.

This course will provide learners with enhanced career progression opportunities in leadership roles or within their specialist field of practice.

Entry requirements

Honours degree in a relevant discipline and successful completion of 60 credits Foundation module in Musculoskeletal Medicine run by Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine in the past five years.

International students:

You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
Please note as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on Student visa.

Other requirements

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or have access to a suitable workplace setting along with the support of a line manager and work place mentor.

For applicants thinking of studying full-time we strongly recommend you contact the Pathway Lead for an initial discussion.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Typically December for a January start and August for a September start.

Contact Dr Kavi Jagadamma or Contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2024) but is subject to change following routine re-validation in 2025. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

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