Course Description/Details

The course has been developed to provide qualified physiotherapists the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and exercise prescription. The course has a total of 3 days of in person teaching at the University of Hertfordshire and 2 days of online synchronous teaching for which you will need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection.

Module aims

The course aims to build on existing knowledge and skills to facilitate an enhanced critical awareness of contemporary and emerging musculoskeletal rehabilitation theory and practice from an evidence-based perspective and apply advanced clinical reasoning skills to the development of safe and effective client specific rehabilitation programmes and exercise prescription.

Module Content

Students will be expected to participate in discussions regarding the theoretical considerations and practical issues surrounding the musculoskeletal rehabilitation and exercise prescription of patients. Students will be encouraged to draw on past experiences of clinical practice and educational processes and actively engage in critical evaluation of relevant published material and contemporary clinical practices within the musculoskeletal field. Part of the module will be dedicated to facilitating the development of technical expertise in the skills and practices required to safely and effectively rehabilitate patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. This will be in terms of developing skills but also the ability to be flexible and innovative in applying and evaluating these skills within a clinically reasoned patient−centred framework which is informed by the evolving evidence−base and current professional issues. This course forms part of a broader CPD framework that can lead to the award of Postgraduate Diploma, or Master's degree, or can be taken as a single independent CPD course.

Course Notes

This module is equivalent to 150 hours of student effort including 5 taught days. The course forms part of a broader CPD framework that can lead to the award of 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.

Module Dates

Day 1: Tues 26th May 2026 9am - 4pm (Online)
Day 2: Weds 27th May 2026 9am - 4pm (On Campus)
Day 3: Tues 16th June 2026  9am - 4pm (Online)
Day 4: Mon 29th June 2026 9am - 4pm (On Campus)
Day 5: Tues 30th June 2026 9am - 4pm (On Campus)

Assessment details

The assessment will consist of a narrated power point presentation.
Submission week commencing 27th July 2026 (online submission).

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding: 

Successful students will typically: 

1. Synthesise current knowledge demonstrating critical awareness of the evidence relating to the relevant principles underpinning both musculoskeletal rehabilitation and exercise prescription. 

Skills and Attributes: 

Successful students will typically: 

1. Demonstrate technical expertise and adaptability in developing, progressing and evaluating programmes of rehabilitation and evidence-based exercise prescription appropriate for patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction.
2. Demonstrate advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning based on judgements made from analysing and evaluating appropriate evidence.
3. Utilise self−evaluation and reflection of their practice.
4. Engage confidently in academic and professional communication

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