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Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

GradCert (NFQ Level 9)

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

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This Cert in Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Medicine is delivered on a part time basis over 9 months. It offers a University Certificate level qualification.

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 the full range of musculoskeletal conditions. The course is delivered by consultants in Orthopaedic Surgery and Rheumatology and emphasises a practical approach. Students will be expected to develop applicable clinical skills, including expertise in musculoskeletal examination, first-responder management of pitchside and roadside trauma, and administering musculoskeletal injections using anatomic and ultrasound guided techniques.

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 to 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.

 

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 Core Modules
 MDCS42100 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS42110 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Please choose of one of these modules
 MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Please choose of one of these modules
 MDCS42130 Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac Spring  10

GradCert Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) (X899) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5110
nonEU    fee per year - € 8180

***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) following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the faculty of the school of medicine.

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


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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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X899
Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)
Graduate Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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