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Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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.

About This Course

Semesters 1 and 2

Distance and Online Learning

Distance and online learning allow students to develop their expertise in the full range of musculoskeletal medical conditions in these semesters. In addition, full-day workshops held every six weeks allow students to put into practice their examination techniques, develop expertise in MSK injections using anatomic and ultrasound-guided techniques, and develop proficiency in early 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 and Rheumatology 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
  • Paediatrics
  •  

Research Dissertation

Students undertake to plan, enact, and disseminate an original piece of research in the area of primary care orthopedics 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.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type 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 (Spr-Sum)  30
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
 MDCS42100 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I Autumn  10
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
 MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP Autumn  10
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
 MDCS42140 Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III Autumn  20
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
 MDCS42110 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II Spring  10
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
 MDCS42130 Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac Spring  10

"Since completing this masters programme, I have found it was hugely beneficial regarding improving my clinical knowledge and had great variation, including clinical placements. The staff were also very helpful and supportive throughout the entirety of the programme. I am very glad I undertook this program and feel certain I will continue to regularly refer to my learnings from the course, in the future."

Ronan Henry, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, HSE

MSc Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine), Class 2022

MSc Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) (X875) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 9560
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14550
EU          Year 2 - € 4940 aa
nonEU    Year 2 - € 9650 aa

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
***Fees are subject to change

  • 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.

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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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.



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


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine):

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X875
Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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