This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Graduate Diploma in Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Medicine is delivered part-time over two years. It offers a University Diploma level qualification.
The course is open to doctors and allied health professionals interested in developing expertise in 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.
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:
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:
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of: Stage 1, Year 1, Core Modules |
MDCS42100 | Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of: Stage 1, Year 1, Core Modules |
MDCS42120 | Contemporary Issues in PC & GP | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of: Stage 1, Year 1, Core Modules |
MDCS42110 | Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of: Stage 1, Year 1, Core Modules |
MDCS42130 | Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students will select this module in August/September 2026. |
MDCS42140 | Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III | Autumn | 20 |
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.
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.
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine):
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X900 Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) Graduate Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |