Primary Care - Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine

This MSc in Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Medicine is delivered on a part-time basis over two years. It offers a University Masters level qualification, with options at both Certificate and Diploma level. The course is open to doctors, and allied health professionals interested in developing expertise in the area of musculoskeletal medicine. This may include those working in General Practice, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Rheumatology, Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine.



Training is offered in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions. The course is delivered by consultants in Orthopaedic Surgery, Rheumatology, Sports and Exercise Medicine and other relevant specialities and emphasizes a practical approach. Students will be expected to develop applicable clinical skills, including expertise in musculoskeletal examination, and an introduction to both musculoskeletal injections and MSK ultrasound.



What Will I Learn?

Semesters 1 and 2

Distance and Online Learning:

Distance and online learning allow students to develop their competencies in musculoskeletal medical conditions in these semesters. In addition, two full-day workshops per semester allow students to put into practice their examination techniques, provide an introduction to skills in MSK injections and diagnostic MSK ultrasound techniques, and revise some key steps and skills in early orthopaedic trauma management. Online resources allow students to work at their own pace during the semester. This flexible, practitioner-focused approach to course delivery takes account of and caters for time and work pressures experienced by busy clinicians.



In addition to the clinical course content, students will also complete a module of medical scholarship allowing them to:

• Develop their research skills, allowing them to successfully complete a research project (review literature, plan and enact a project, analyse and interpret findings, disseminate their work).

• Review own practice and improve patient care through clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives

• Critical thinking, analysis and problem solving.



Semester 3 & 4

Clinical Placement:

Students will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements (80 hours over 2 weeks) with Consultants in Orthopaedic Surgery in the out-patient (OPD) setting, allowing them to broaden their clinical exposure and hone their diagnostic skills. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the use of diagnostic modalities, clinical decision making and treatment options at secondary and tertiary levels of care.



Module Options include:

• Sports

• Spine

• Joint Replacement: Hip & Knee

• Shoulder & Upper limb

• Hand

• Foot and Ankle Surgery



Research Dissertation

Students undertake to plan, enact, and disseminate an original piece of research in the area of primary care orthopaedics under the supervision of faculty. The dissertation should demonstrate the following:

• Enhanced critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving.

• Ability to review their own practice and improve patient care through clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives.



This course is targeted towards:

• Doctors working in clinical practice wishing to develop a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine.

• Physiotherapists working in clinical practice wishing to enhance their knowledge and skills in musculoskeletal medicine.

• Physicians Assistants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and other relevant Allied Health Practitioners working in clinical practice wishing to develop a specialist interest in musculoskeletal medicine.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:

(Core modules for Years 1 - 2) MDCS42140 and MDCS42150 are second year modules. Please choose all modules for first year apart from MDCS42140 and MDCS42150

MDCS42150 Primary Care Res Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 30

MDCS42100 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I Autumn 10

MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP Autumn 10

MDCS42140 Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III Autumn 20

MDCS42110 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II Spring 10

MDCS42130 Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac Spring 10

• Have relevant clinical experience in orthopaedics, primary care or physiotherapy, and be working in active clinical practice.

And



• Hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Medicine, and be in good standing with the Irish Medical Council; or

• Hold a BSc in physiotherapy and are registered with CORU.



Applicants who do not meet the above academic or experience requirements may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) after the school of medicine's faculty review their individual qualifications and experiences.



Please note that Garda Vetting may also be required.



All candidates may be subject to an interview process once all necessary documents are submitted.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

2 years part-time. Delivery: Blended.

X875: Master of Science in Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught