Physiotherapy - Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

On the MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from RCSI School of Physiotherapy you'll learn from experts from a range of disciplines who promote interdisciplinary learning and practice. Year 1 covers topics such as understanding pain, advanced musculoskeletal management of the upper and lower quadrant, therapeutic exercise, leadership and management, translating evidence to practice and research methods, alongside optional modules in musculoskeletal injection therapy or physical activity and behaviour change, to tailor your learning to your personal goals.



Upon successful completion of Year 1 of the programme, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (60 ECTS).



If you wish to gain an MSc (90 ECTS), you may continue your studies in Year 2 of the programme, in which you will undertake a module in Advanced Clinical Practice, where you will be mentored in applying theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and behaviours obtained from other modules, in clinical and simulated settings. You will also complete a research dissertation in the area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The MSc programme is two years, part-time.



This programme runs on a hybrid model – two days in-person attendance is required per month over the academic year (September to June) in Year 1; and one day in-person attendance is required per month in Year 2, with the remainder of content delivered online.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.



Suitable for

This MSc is designed for physiotherapists working in public or private musculoskeletal settings and is particularly suitable for those who want to work at an advanced level of clinical practice.



Accreditation and recognition

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). All RCSI programmes are accredited by the NUI. Recognition by Ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.

Year 1

Module 1

Translating Evidence to Practice

Develop skills to search, retrieve, and appraise evidence for professional practice, combining online and in-person workshops.



Module 2

Understanding Pain

Advance understanding of contemporary knowledge underpinning multidimensional pain and advanced clinical skills in assessment and management of the complex pain patient.



Module 3

Therapeutic Exercise

Develop skills and advanced reasoning in the assessment, prescription, delivery and progression of therapeutic exercise for use in physiotherapy practice.



Module 4

Leadership and Management Essentials

Delivered online, explore essential leadership and management skills in healthcare, aiding transition from clinical roles to leadership.



Module 5

Advanced Musculoskeletal Management of the Upper Quadrant

Develop knowledge, clinical reasoning and skills in the management and prevention of musculoskeletal problems of the cervical spine, thoracic spine and upper limb.



Module 6

Advanced MSK Management of the Lower Quadrant (core)

Expand knowledge, clinical reasoning and skills in the management and prevention of musculoskeletal problems of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb.



Module 7

Research Methods

Enhance understanding of the research process through protocol design, beneficial for those undertaking a project in Year 2.



Module 8 (optional)

Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations

Enhance knowledge of health behaviour change psychology, focusing on promoting physical activity in long-term conditions.



Module 9 (optional)

Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy

Build practical skills and knowledge pertaining to the use of joint and soft tissue injections in the management of upper and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions and ensure safe and professional practice.



Year 2

Module 1

Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice

Apply theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and behaviours obtained from other modules to deliver the highest quality clinical practice, underpinned by best-practice evidence and reflective practice.



Year 2

Module 2

Research Project

Develop practical research skills by undertaking a research project/dissertation in a topic related to musculoskeletal practice.

To be considered for entry into the programme, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor's/Master’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Physiotherapy (2.2 degree or higher). Please note that a physiotherapy degree covering the three core areas (cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurology) is essential for entry onto this programme. If you have any queries around whether your qualification is eligible, please contact rcsionline@rcsi.ie for further advice.



• Be a physiotherapist (CORU-registered or equivalent from overseas regulator)



• At least one year of musculoskeletal clinical experience



• Have access to musculoskeletal patients for Year 2



Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.



This programme is delivered through blended learning and students will be required to attend in-person workshops and classes at RCSI's St Stephen's Green campus in Dublin, Ireland: if students are not able to attend in person then unfortunately they will not be eligible for the programme. Please note that this programme is not eligible for a student visa.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

On the RCSI MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be used to gain exemptions from course modules that duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.



English language requirement exceptions

English language requirements for RCSI Postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website at: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements



If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination or equivalent, with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no individual band below 6.5.

Register your interest

Are you interested in learning more about this programme? Submit your details (Application Weblink) and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.

2 years. Mode of delivery Hybrid - Part-time.

Next start date: September 2027.