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Join the next generation of musculoskeletal physiotherapy experts and enhance your clinical reasoning. This course is ideal for those looking to elevate their clinical expertise, refine hands-on skills, and strengthen research capabilities and practice-based evaluation for a successful career in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Study at a world-leading research university with a team of multidisciplinary experts. You’ll engage in assessing and managing conditions, while critically evaluating evidence and your own experiences to enhance your expertise in this specialised field. Apply clinical reasoning skills to effectively handle complex clinical cases as you learn from experts in the field.
I can't stress enough the incredible support I've received at every stage of my experience in the Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy programme. Whether facing personal or academic challenges, the support provided has been exceptional.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also the scope of undertaking the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
The term one includes three modules:
With our world-leading research expertise, your learning will be facilitated by our distinguished research and teaching staff. Learn from experienced clinical academics, educators and researchers who will enrich your learning and development. With flexible study options, you can tailor your learning experience to meet your personal and professional needs.
in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
in the world
QS World University Rankings 2024
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
This course is delivered via several methods, including distance learning, two/three-day blocks of teaching etc. If you decide to only take one module per semester, you will only need to be at the University for the duration of that module and any scheduled tutorials (organised by each module leader depending on the module). You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.
Lectures: delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within physiotherapy-related organisations.
Seminars and tutorials: led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
Assessments: a combination of coursework assessments, research papers, reports, reflective commentaries and oral examinations.
Our new MoveWell clinic will provide unique oppourtunities to interact with patients and gain real-life experiences through placements. The physiotherapy clinic is at the heart of MoveWell, offering targeted therapies to support good health, through the treatment and rehabilitation from injury, acute illness and chronic disease.
This degree comprises a series of taught core and optional modules alongside a 60-credit research dissertation. You will take a total of 180 Masters level credits.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice | 20 | Full Term |
Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant | 20 | Semester 1 |
Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2: Upper Quadrant | 20 | Semester 2 |
Innovation in Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must select 20 credits of modules from options available from the School, as outlined below. Further optional modules delivered at other schools within the University be taken if discussed and approved by the programme lead.
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Sports Medicine 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Sports Medicine 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Neuromuscular adaptation to training | 20 | Semester 2 |
Work Based Continuing Professional Development | 20 | Full Term |
Paul Sealey is an Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy. He has a specialist interest in rotator cuff related shoulder pain.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in an undergraduate (pre-registration) physiotherapy qualification
Documented evidence (through personal statement and employment history) of approximately 750 hours of post-registration manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy skills and experience.
Registration as a practising physiotherapist in the country where they are currently/have been practising.
You will also need to submit the following documentation in support of your application:
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Physiotherapy graduates have entered careers both in the NHS and private sector. They work in hospitals, in the community as well as sports clubs and the military. An increasing number of Physiotherapy graduates are working on a freelance basis alongside their work in the NHS. Some choose to pursue further studies in education, or research or undertake further training.
My experience on the course was excellent and it has been invaluable in my development as a critical thinking practitioner. The course was delivered by leading academics and external lecturers who are leading experts in their fields making it exciting to be part of. The University staff are supportive and passionate about their work. The content was well-balanced with lectures, practicals, written work, presentations and clinical assessment. All elements are valuable and in addition, peer support is amazing and you meet so many interesting people in your fellow students. My group supported each other (and still do) on our journeys and shared in each other’s success. This was a bonus!
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.