05 Oct 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 28 Sep 2026
Semester ABC. 09:30-12:00 (online) plus clinical mentored hours in practice (various dates and times to be locally agreed with student, University and practice site)
05 Oct 2026 (Online)
Course overview
THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED FOR 2026/27. APPLICATIONS ARE NOT YET OPEN.
Course Description/Details
The aims of this module are to enable students to:
Effectively and holistically manage patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction in the practice setting, demonstrating advanced problem solving, expert clinical reasoning, technical mastery of practical skills and reflection on patient-centred practice, underpinned by a critical understanding of current evidence.
7HSK2228 builds on successful completion of 7HSK2226 (or 7HSK0331) and 7HSK2227 (or 7HSK0332). The module consists of two elements: preparation for clinical practice and a period of clinical mentorship in practice (normally within an NHS musculoskeletal setting under the supervision of a full member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists). There is emphasis on advanced clinical reasoning and examination of musculoskeletal patients to select, justify, evaluate and implement transformative evidence-informed care. Students work with the University to locate suitable placements with a variety of patterns of work permissible.
This course is taught via directed on-line activities facilitated by the university (requiring access to a PC & internet connection) and during a period of mentored clinical practice. Placements are coordinated by the course team and/or the student (in collaboration with the University team). There is a national shortage of placements and it is essential that you are as flexible as possible in terms of your requests. Agreement from your place of work needs to be implemented before registering for this 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.
Assessment details
Students are required to undertake all elements of the assessment and achieve a minimum pass mark (50%) in all summative assessments.
x 1 new patient examination & professional discussion, in practice
x 1 follow up patient examination & professional discussion, in practice
A log of 150 hours of mentored clinical practice
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding:
KU1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of theories, principles and concepts underpinning professional activity to support evidence-informed, patient-centred, transformative musculoskeletal practice.
Intellectual, practical and transferable skills:
IPT1: Autonomously manage new and follow up musculoskeletal patient presentations in practice demonstrating initiative, originality and technical expertise within a biopsychosocial patient centred framework of care, taking into account issues governing professional practice and drawing on the expertise of the others where appropriate.
IPT2: Use advanced clinical reasoning and reflective practice to critically analyse new and follow up musculoskeletal patient presentations, measuring and evaluating outcomes of management approaches used, either justifying their use or providing a rationale for alternative strategies.
IPT3: Engage effectively in academic and professional communication relevant to the assessment and management of new and follow up musculoskeletal patient presentations in practice, demonstrating a range of communication skills that are appropriate to contemporary professional activity.
Who teaches the course
Andrea Moulson MSc MA MMACP (Programme Lead for MSc Advanced Physiotherapy). Clinical supervisor/s in practice (led by a full MACP member)
What our students say
“Brilliant placement with plenty of support”
“A rich opportunity to learn and improve my patient care”
“The placement is a challenging experience but one that has given me the opportunity to reflect on my practice and improve my clinical skills”
“I am so pleased that I completed this module as it was so valuable”
“Absolutely transformational to practice”
This module can contribute to the following programme(s)
Accredited by
Funding
£1,620.00
The price quoted above is an enhanced rate for the 15 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
01707284800
Course delivery
Blended. Number of Learner Hours: Scheduled 3; Independent 2; Placement 145
Downloads
Prerequisites
To undertake this module students are required to have:
- Current membership of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Current membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), including Public Liability Insurance (PLI).
- A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure undertaken by the University of Hertfordshire.
- Up to date statutory and mandatory training suitable for working within an NHS clinical site.
- Up to date immunisations suitable for working within an NHS clinical site (note an Occupational Health clearance via UH OH department may be required for some students prior to undertaking module 7HSK2228).
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice (7HSK2228) can only be studied upon successful completion of Lower Quadrant – Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (7HSK2226/7HSK0331) & Upper Quadrant – Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (7HSK2227/7HSK0332).
Students who are considering undertaking this module are strongly advised to speak with the Module Lead prior to application to discuss their period of study.
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