Course Description/Details

The Lower Quadrant is designed for qualified physiotherapists who want to further develop their skills in the assessment and management of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction of the lumbopelvic spine and lower limb. The module will focus on research informed patient centred care of acute and chronic musculoskeletal dysfunction resulting from disease, trauma and surgery. There will be an emphasis on advanced clinical reasoning and examination, to select, justify and evaluate management strategies.

It is an expectation that you will have MSK experience and an existing caseload of patients with lower quadrant dysfunction, to facilitate consolidation and application of learning for the assessment process. You will be encouraged to utilise self-evaluation and reflection of your own and others practice, to actively engage in evaluation of relevant research and facilitate transformative practice.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to build on your existing knowledge and skills, to facilitate a critical approach to musculoskeletal physiotherapy theory and practice, from an evidence-informed perspective and to apply advanced clinical reasoning and practical skills to the assessment and management of lower quadrant dysfunction.

Module Content

• Anatomy, biomechanics, pathology & pathophysiology
• Advanced clinical reasoning
  
• Skilled practical assessment and management of lower limb and lumbopelvic MSK conditions
  
• Critical consideration of evidence to enhance practice
  
• Patient centred care within a biopsychosocial model
  
• Holistic practical assessment and management of articular, neural and muscle dysfunction

Course Notes

Teaching will be a blend of online delivery requiring access to a reliable PC & internet connection, plus practical classes that will take place on campus.  This module is equivalent to 300 hours of student effort including 11 taught days and 1 assessment day.

The course forms part of a broader CPD framework that can lead to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma, or Master's degree, or can be taken as a single independent CPD course.

All applications are considered on a first come, first served basis. Once the module is full the application portal will close, so early application is advised.

Attendance dates

ALL DATES ARE PROVISIONAL AND TO BE CONFIRMED

All teaching is 9am – 5pm 

Wednesday 1st October 2025 (Online) 
Thursday 2nd October 2025 (Online)
Monday 20th October 2025 (On Campus)
Tuesday 21st October 2025 (On Campus)
Tuesday 25th November 2025 (On Campus)
Wednesday 26th November 2025 (On Campus) 
Monday 5th January 2026 (On Campus)
Tuesday 6th January 2026 (On Campus)
Wednesday 18th February 2026 (On Campus)
Thursday 19th February 2026 (On Campus)
Wednesday 11th March 2026 (On Campus) 

Assessment Dates
Presentation (online submission) Wednesday 1st April 2026
OSCE (on campus - 9am-5pm) Tuesday 21st April 2026

Assessment details
The assessment is a combination of a narrated PowerPoint presentation (submitted on-line) and a practical examination (OSCE) (taken on campus). 

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate critical understanding of theories, principles and concepts underpinning musculoskeletal practice.
• Critically synthesise and evaluate current evidence to demonstrate advanced problem solving and clinical reasoning skills relevant to lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills

• Demonstrate professional expertise, technical mastery and adaptability in developing management skills/strategies appropriate for patients with lower quadrant peripheral and spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• Engage effectively in academic and professional communication, using a range of communication skills which demonstrate application of critical understanding of theories, principles and concepts appropriate to the management of lower quadrant peripheral and spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• Utilise self-evaluation and reflection on their own and others practice in order to develop advanced clinical reasoning skills, taking into account the evolving evidence-base and current legal, ethical and professional issues.

Who teaches the course

The module is led by Laura Eccott.  Regular contributors include Dr Hubert Van Griensven, Rebecca Christenson, Kate Montgomery, Andrea Moulson, Dr Brad Neal, Dionne Ryder, Lewis Rawson and Matthew Low along with other clinical and research experts.

What our students say

"A great module, really enjoyable. Thank you for your expertise. I feel inspired to do more modules.” 
“I have really enjoyed the module as a whole; it has developed my practice exponentially.”
“Teaching is practical based and interactive, definitely useful to clinical practice.” 
“I have enjoyed each and every one of the teaching days.”
“I always leave the university feeling inspired and ready to take on the next challenge.”