30 Sep 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 23 Sep 2026
Cohort A. All dates are provisional and may be subject to change. All teaching days are normally 9am-5pm. Students are expected to attend all teaching dates
30 Sep 2026 (Online), 01 Oct 2026 (Online), 19 Oct 2026 (On Campus), 20 Oct 2026 (On Campus), 30 Nov 2026 (On Campus), 01 Dec 2026 (On Campus), 18 Jan 2027 (On Campus), 19 Jan 2027 (On Campus), 15 Feb 2027 (On Campus), 16 Feb 2027 (On Campus), 08 Mar 2027 (On Campus), 06 Apr 2027 (Coursework Online presentation), 20 Apr 2027 (OSCE on Campus)
30 Sep 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 23 Sep 2026
Cohort B. All dates are provisional and may be subject to change. All teaching days are normally 9am-5pm. Students are expected to attend all teaching dates
30 Sep 2026 (Online), 01 Oct 2026 (Online), 26 Oct 2026 (On Campus), 27 Oct 2026 (On Campus), 02 Dec 2026 (On Campus), 03 Dec 2026 (On Campus), 19 Jan 2027 (On Campus), 20 Jan 2027 (On Campus), 15 Feb 2027 (On Campus), 16 Feb 2027 (On Campus), 09 Mar 2027 (On Campus), 07 Apr 2027 (Coursework Online presentation), 21 Apr 2027 (OSCE On Campus)
Course overview
THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED FOR 2026/27. APPLICATIONS ARE NOT YET OPEN.
Course description/details
This module builds on existing knowledge and skills to develop an enhanced evidence-informed systematic and critical approach to musculoskeletal physiotherapy, theory and practice, and apply advanced clinical reasoning and practical skills relevant to the assessment and management of lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction.
The module focuses on research informed assessment and management of patients with lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction. There is emphasis on advanced clinical reasoning and physical examination, to select, justify and evaluate management strategies. The learner is expected to undertake independent study both to supplement their learning and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Learners will be encouraged to utilise self-evaluation and reflection on their own and others practice and actively engage in evaluation of relevant research to facilitate transformative physiotherapy practice.
This module may be studied as a stand-alone module for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development or as part of a programme of study.
This module is equivalent to 300 hours of student effort including 11 taught days and an assessment day. 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.
Course dates (All dates are provisional and may be subject to change)
There will be 2 x cohorts running in Semester A. Teaching dates below for each cohort:
Cohort A:
Wednesday 30th September 9am-5pm (Online)
Thursday 1st October 9am-5pm (Online)
Monday 19th October 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 20th October 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Monday 30th November 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 1st December 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Monday 18th January 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 19th January 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Monday 15th February 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 16th February 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Monday 8th March 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Assessment Dates Cohort A:
Coursework: 6th April 2027 Online presentation
OSCE: 20th April 2027 9am-5pm (On campus)
Cohort B:
Wednesday 30th September 9am-5pm (Online)
Thursday 1st October 9am-5pm (Online)
Monday 26th October 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 27th October 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Wednesday 2nd December 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Thursday 3rd December 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 19th January 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Wednesday 20th January 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Monday 15th February 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 16th February 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Tuesday 9th March 9am-5pm (On-campus)
Assessments Dates Cohort B:
Coursework: 7th April 2027 Online presentation
OSCE: 21st April 2027 9am-5pm (On campus)
Assessment details
Coursework:
Presentation on a student selected patient case with a professional discussion related to the presentation. The assessment will normally be synchronous and on-line.
Practical:
The practical is an in-person three station OSCE.
Each OSCE station must be passed there is no compensation between stations. Compensation is not permitted between Coursework and the Practical.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
KU1: Demonstrate critical understanding of theories, principles and concepts underpinning lower quadrant musculoskeletal practice.
Intellectual, practical and transferable skills:
IPT1: Demonstrate enhanced professional expertise, technical mastery and adaptability in assessment and management skills appropriate for patients with lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction.
IPT2: Critically synthesise and evaluate current evidence to demonstrate advanced problem solving and clinical reasoning skills relevant to lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction.
IPT3: Utilise self-evaluation and reflection on their own and others practice to demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills, taking into account the evolving evidence-base and current legal, ethical and professional issues relating to lower quadrant musculoskeletal practice.
IPT4: Engage effectively in academic and professional communication, using a range of communication skills which demonstrate application of critical understanding of theories, principals and concepts appropriate to the assessment of patients with lower quadrant musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Who teaches the course
Past contributors have included: Laura Eccott, Gulten Dogan, Dr Akushla Rathnayake, Matthew Guilliatt, Caroline Coulthard, plus expert external speakers including Dr Hubert van Griensven, Dionne Ryder, Kate Montgomery, Aurelian Noyer, Matthew Low, Elizabeth Marlow & Elizabeth Bayley.
What our students say
Students from the 2025/26 cohort said:
“The module provides practical application of knowledge and skills with our own clinical expertise to consider why we do things the way we do and whether there are ways to improve this and become more advanced and refined clinicians”
"The strong focus on current research makes the content highly relevant and engaging”
“The module is highly valuable due to the pre-recorded lectures and wide range of resources, which support flexible and in-depth learning”
“The lecturers are able to answer and explain questions well so that information can be understood, they clearly care about teaching and are masters in their fields”
This module can contribute to the following programme(s)
Accredited by
Funding
£1,890.00
The price quoted above is for a 30 credit module in the 2026/27 academic year and applies to students who are assessed as Home fee payers ONLY. Fees will differ for students assessed as Overseas fee payers. Fee assessment decisions follow UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) guidance, which is based on UK law and government regulations. Further information on who will pay Home or Overseas tuition fees can be found here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees
Once confirmed, a student’s fee status will normally remain the same for the duration of their course. However, information regarding fee reassessment is available here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees#FeeReassessment
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Student Loan. Please note that to access this funding, you must enrol on the full MSc programme; funding is not available for individual modules or interim awards (for example, a Postgraduate Diploma). Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Further details, including tuition fee amounts, fee policy and payment deadlines, can be found here: https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/fees-and-finance-policy-documents
If you require further information or have any questions regarding fees, please contact: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk
Why Choose HERTS?
Excellent sector connections: we have extensive links with eight NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in Hertfordshire.
Links with over 98 NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in East Anglia and London regions.
Flexibility: we provide flexible study options to ensure you can fit CPD study around your busy professional and personal lives.
Location: the main University of Hertfordshire campus is 25 minutes from London with easy access by both road and rail services.
Course details
Course leader
Andrea Moulson MScAdvPhysio@herts.ac.uk
Administrator
Julie Porter
Telephone
01707 284800
Course delivery
Blended. Number of Learner Hours: Scheduled 88; Independent 112
Downloads
Prerequisites
Students who undertake this module should be:
- Qualified Physiotherapists with BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy or equivalent physiotherapy qualification with current HCPC (or equivalent) registration.
- Have at least one year's post-qualification experience in a musculoskeletal physiotherapy setting and have a relevant caseload of patients.
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