Why This Programme?

Whether you are an early-career physiotherapist looking to build a strong specialist foundation, a mid-career clinician ready to step into a more senior role, or an NHS professional working towards Advanced Practice — this programme is built around you.

The contemporary well-established MSc Advanced Physiotherapy at the University of Hertfordshire offers something rare: academic rigour combined with real-world flexibility. You choose which modules to study, when to study them, and how fast to progress. The result is a qualification that reflects your professional identity, and career aspirations.

What our graduates go on to do:

• Physiotherapy Consultants & Clinical Specialists
• First Contact Practitioners (FCP) in primary care
• Advanced Practitioners (AP)
• Team Leaders, Clinical Mentors & Practice Educators
• Lecturers & Researchers in higher education & clinical practice

Is This Programme Right For You?

The programmes of study are for you if you are:

• A qualified physiotherapist registered with the HCPC
• Passionate about advancing your clinical skills and career
• Motivates to develop and challenge your practice
• Able to evidence at least one year of relevant post-qualification experience
• Normally in a clinical role with a relevant patient caseload
• Committed to continuing professional development (CPD)

Not sure yet?

You can start by applying for a single module as an independent student - no commitment to a full programme required. This gives you a real taste of level 7 study before you decide.

If English is not your first language, you will normally need IELTS 7.0 overall (with at least 7.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in any other band). Several modules of study have specific pre-requites for successful application (please see individual application sites for details). A full-time option is not available in 2026-27.

Choose Your Award Level

MSc Advanced Physiotherapy  •  180 credits  • Up to 6 years
The flagship award. Combines discipline-specific physiotherapy modules, research modules and elective options into a fully personalised Master's degree. 
Must include at least 30 credits of discipline-specific physiotherapy modules and 60 credits of research (7SHK2211 Research Methods in Health & Social Care; 7HSK2210 Preparation for Research in Health and Social Care; 7HSK2209 Research Project in Health & Social Care). Full MACP membership eligibility available (pending approval).

PgDip Advanced Physiotherapy  •  120 credits  •  Up to 4 years
Ideal if a full research project is not your immediate goal. Must include at least 30 credits of discipline-specific physiotherapy modules and the 7HSK2211 Research Methods in Health & Social Care module.

PgCert Advanced Physiotherapy  •  60 credits  •  Up to 2 years
A focused, achievable first step. Must include at least 30 credits of discipline-specific physiotherapy modules. A great entry point if you are new to postgraduate study.

Additional Professional Accreditation: MACP

The MSc Advanced Physiotherapy is approved by the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) — a member organisation of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual & Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). Eligible MSc students can achieve full MACP membership by completing a specific set of modules as part of their programme. 

Required modules for full MACP membership eligibility (if enrolled on the MSc Advanced Physiotherapy):

1.  Lower Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (7HSK2226)  •  30 credits
2.  Upper Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (7HSK2227)  •  30 credits
3.  Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice (7HSK2228)  •  15 credits
4.  Full 60 credits of research modules
5. 45 credits of other discipline specific or optional modules/short courses

What Will You Study?

The programme is made up of three component types. You build your own study plan from these, guided by your career goals and advice from the Programme Leader.

1. Discipline-Specific Physiotherapy Modules

The clinical core of your award. Choose from taught modules delivered in-person on campus and online, work-based clinical placements, and independent learning modules.

Lower Quadrant – Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  •  7HSK2226  • 30 credits  • Taught online & in-person on campus
Upper Quadrant – Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  •  7HSK2227  • 30 credits • Taught online & in-person on campus
Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy •  7HSK2230  • 15 credits  • Taught online & in-person on campus
Physical Activity, Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription  •  7HSK2252  • 15 credits  • Taught online & in-person on campus
Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice*  •  7HSK2228  • 15 credits  • Work based placement + online
First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Stage 1 Musculoskeletal  •  7SCZ2019  • 15 credits  • Online

Note: Lower Quadrant must be completed successfully before Upper Quadrant; both must be completed successfully before Advanced MSK Clinical Practice.  *not available at PgCert level; only for eligible students at PgDip level.

2. Research Modules (60 credits)

Develop the skills to critically evaluate evidence and conduct your own clinical research. These modules are normally completed sequentially.

Research Methods in Health & Social Care* •  7HSK2211  • 15 credits  • Online

Preparation for Research Projects in Health & Social Care* ** •  7HSK2210 • 15 credits  • Online

Research Projects in Health & Social Care* **  •  7HSK2209  • 15 credits  • Online

* only available at PgDip & MSc level, **only available at MSc level

3. Optional Modules - Tailor Your Award

An extensive suite of optional modules allows you to shape your programme around your specific interests and career aspirations. You may also be able to transfer credits in from other universities.

Advanced Skills •  MSK Pathologies: Image Recognition for Healthcare Professionals  • 7HSK2213 • 15 credits
Advanced Skills •  Imaging Modalities for Healthcare Professionals  • 7HSK2214 • 15 credits
Advanced Skills •  First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Stage 2 Multidisciplinary *  • 7SCZ2027 • 15 credits
Advanced Skills •  Non-Medical Prescribing (AHP)  • 7HSK0109 • 30 credits
Advanced Skills •  Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Indicators  • 7HSK2204 • 15 credits
Advanced Skills •  Advanced Patient Assessment & Clinical Reasoning  • 7HSK2224 • 15 credits

Exercise •  Strength & Conditioning Science  • 7LMS2104 • 15 credits
Exercise •  Applied Strength & Conditioning  • 7LMS2115 • 15 credits
Education •  Enabling Learning in Contemporary Healthcare • 7HSK0267 • 15 credits

Leadership & Education • Leadership, Education & Developing Others (LEDO)  • 7HSK0293 • 30 credits
Leadership & Education • Coaching Skills for Leading Leadership in Health & Social Care  • 7HSK2085 • 15 credits

Leadership •  Leadership in Health & Social Care  • 7HSK2207 • 15 credits
Leadership •  Leading Innovation and Change in Health & Social Care**  • 7HSK2208 • 15 credits
Leadership •  Advanced Communication  • 7HSK2235 • 15 credits
Leadership •  Advanced Decision Making in Health & Social Care  • 7HSK0168 • 15 credits
Leadership •  Quality Governance in Health & Social Care  • 7HSK2131 • 15 credits

Specialist •  Quality Governance in Health & Social Care  • 7HSK2131 • 15 credits
Student tailored •  Negotiated Learning 1  • 7HSK2215 • 15 credits
Student tailored • Negotiated Learning 2  • 7HSK2216 • 30 credits

*Only available for eligible students after successfully passing 7SCZ2019 FCP1. ** Recommended to normally be taken after successful completion of 7HSK2207 Leadership in Health & Social Care.

Most ‘campus’ teaching takes place on the College Lane Campus, or on the De Havilland Campus.

The mode of delivery varies, reflecting innovative ways to enhance your learning experience. You will need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable internet connection. Assessment takes place by a variety of methods for example: VIVAs, essays, presentations, reports, written, work based learning and practical examinations.

Sample Study Routes

Not sure where to start? Here are three example pathways — but your route is always guided by your own goals. We strongly recommend discussing your plan with the Programme Leader.

Route A: MSc Advanced Physiotherapy + Full MACP Membership (MSK Specialist) (180 credits)

Lower Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (30)
Upper Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (30)
Advanced MSK Clinical Practice (15)
+ 60 credits of research modules
+ 45 credits of discipline specific or optional modules, e.g. MSK Injection Therapy, FCP Stage 1 & 2, Imaging modules, Non-Medical Prescribing etc…

Route B: MSc Advanced Physiotherapy working towards Advanced Practitioner (AP) role (MSK Specialist), modules help evidence 4 pillars of practice.

Lower Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (30)
Upper Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (30)
Leadership, Education & Developing Others (LEDO) (30)
+ 60 credits of research modules
+ 30 credits of discipline specific or optional modules aligned to the 4 pillars of Advanced Practice, e.g. Advanced Decision Making in Health & Social Care, Negotiated Learning, Strength & Conditioning Science, Non-Medical Prescribing, MSK Injection Therapy, Imaging modules etc…

Route C: Pg Dip Advanced Physiotherapy (MSK Specialist with Leadership interest)

Lower Quadrant — MSK Physiotherapy (30)
Physical Activity, Rehabilitation & Exercise Prescription (15)
Leadership in Health & Social Care (15)
Leading Innovation and Change in Health & Social Care (15)
Coaching Skills for Leading (15)
+ 15 credits of Research Methods in Health & Social Care
+ 15 credits of discipline specific or optional modules, e.g. MSK Injection Therapy, Imaging modules, Advanced Communication, Strength & Conditioning Science, Applied Strength & Conditioning, etc…

Fees

Because this programme is modular, you only pay per module - making it far more manageable than a conventional postgraduate course. Fees for 2026/27 (UK/EU self funding students):

• 15 credit module - £945.00 *
• 30 credit module - £1890.00 *

 * Fees may vary for enhanced modules and international students

Ways to manage your fees

• NHS employees — part or all of your fees may be funded through your Trust's CPD commissioning. Check with your CPD lead.
• NHSE-funded short courses — FCP Stage 1 MSK and FCP Stage 2 may be fully funded for eligible students (subject to availability).
• UH alumni discount — if you completed your undergraduate degree at UH, you are normally entitled to a 20% fee reduction on all modules.
• Postgraduate loan — a government loan is available for this course. Note: if you use a loan, the programme must be completed within three years and agreed in advance with the Programme Leads.
  Bursaries – the MACP offers the opportunity to apply for MSc/PgDip Bursaries for eligible students.
  

What our students say

"All modules have been excellent. The course has been flexible in allowing me to choose my particular areas of interest" - Current student

"Staff are enthusiastic, approachable and tailor sessions to the needs of the group" - Current student

"Thank you so much for your support throughout my MSc. I have had such a great experience over the last 4 years and have loved studying at UH. I am sure I will be back" - MSc graduate

How to Apply

Option 1: Try a Module First

Apply as an Independent Student

Apply for a single module with no commitment to a full award. You can study up to 45 credits independently before joining a programme. A low-risk way to experience level 7 study.

Option 2: Join a Programme Directly

PgCert, PgDip or MSc

Check eligibility criteria and apply directly for your target award. You will need a professional reference and a brief CV. Indicate your intended first-year modules on application. Credits can be transferred if you later decide to progress to a higher award.

This programme has the following core/optional modules

7HSK0168: Advanced Decision Making

7HSK0267: Enabling Learning in Contemporary Healthcare

7HSK0293: Leadership Education and Developing Others

7HSK2085: Coaching Skills for Leading

7HSK2204: Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Indicators

7LMS0168: Decision Making in Cardiology and Stroke - THIS MODULE CAN ONLY BE TAKEN AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME

7LMS2104: Strength and Conditioning Science

7LMS2115: Applied Strength and Conditioning Level 2

7SCZ2019: First Contact Practitioner Stage 1 - Musculoskeletal Practitioners

7SCZ2027: First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Stage 2

7HSK2212: Musculoskeletal Trauma: Image Recognition for Healthcare Professionals

7HSK2228: Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice (AMCP) 

7HSK2213: Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Image Recognition for Healthcare Professionals

7HSK2209: Research Project in Health and Social Care

7HSK2214: Imaging Modalities for Healthcare Professionals

7HSK2210: Preparation for Research Project in Health and Social Care

7HSK2208: Leading Innovation and Change in Health and Social Care

7HSK2226: Lower Quadrant - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

7HSK2227: Upper Quadrant - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

7HSK2211: Research Methods in Health and Social Care

7HSK2224: Advanced Patient Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

7HSK2076: Breast Radiotherapy Localisation

7HSK2252: Physical Activity, Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription

7HSK2230: Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy

7HSK2207: Leadership in Health and Social Care

7HSK2215: Negotiated Learning 1