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Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

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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.

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.

Semester 3 

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

 

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:
Please register to all modules EXCEPT for MDCS42140 as this module will take place in Year 2
MDCS42100 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please register to all modules EXCEPT for MDCS42140 as this module will take place in Year 2
MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please register to all modules EXCEPT for MDCS42140 as this module will take place in Year 2
MDCS42140 Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III Autumn  20
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please register to all modules EXCEPT for MDCS42140 as this module will take place in Year 2
MDCS42110 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Please register to all modules EXCEPT for MDCS42140 as this module will take place in Year 2
MDCS42130 Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac Spring  10

GradDip Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) (X900) Part Time
nonEU    fee per year - € 16210

***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.

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   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X900
Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)
Graduate Diploma
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X900
Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)
Graduate Diploma
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page