Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

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

Contact Us

This two-year, part-time MSc programme offers a unique opportunity for doctors, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals to acquire a deeper knowledge and gain more competencies in diagnosing and managing of musculoskeletal (MSK) and orthopaedic conditions in their day to day work.

 

It offers options to exit at university certificate and diploma level. There is an emphasis on practical skills in particular clinical examination procedures commonly conducted in primary care.

This expert-led programme uses a blend of virtual and face to face teaching.

The MSc programme is delivered over two years part-time and is designed to include theoretical elements, research
methods and professional practice.

There is an emphasis on clinical practice.

About This Course

The MSc programme is delivered over two years part-time and is designed to include both theoretical and professional practice elements, with significant emphasis on expertise in clinical practice. The course is designed for medical practitioners, but some modules may be open to other disciplines within primary care

The 90-credit programme will lead to a MSc in Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) with exit options at Graduate Certificate (30-credit) and Diploma (60-credit) level. Prospective students may be awarded specific credits in recognition of prior learning (subject to faculty review).

An award of Graduate Certificate (30 credits) will be given to students who have completed three core ten-credit modules which will provide them with knowledge / skills / competences that equip them to competently manage common musculoskeletal problems in a primary care setting.

A Graduate Diploma (60 credits) will be awarded to students who have completed six ten-credit modules that will allow them to be a clinical expert in the management of patients with common musculoskeletal problems in a primary care setting.

The award of Masters (90-credit) will be made to students who have demonstrated their clinical expertise in this area and an ability to interrogate and innovate in clinical practice, by completing scholarly activities such as literature reviews, clinical audit, quality improvement in practice and research.

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)4 of:
Students must register to 4 core modules in Stage 1, Year 1. MDCS42120 must be taken in the autumn trimester.
MDCS42100 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must register to 4 core modules in Stage 1, Year 1. MDCS42120 must be taken in the autumn trimester.
MDCS42110 Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must register to 4 core modules in Stage 1, Year 1. MDCS42120 must be taken in the autumn trimester.
MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP  10
Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:
Students must register to 4 core modules in Stage 1, Year 1. MDCS42120 must be taken in the autumn trimester.
MDCS42130 Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac  10
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Students must register to 2 core modules in Stage 1, Year 2.
MDCS42140 Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III  20
Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:
Students must register to 2 core modules in Stage 1, Year 2.
MDCS42150 Primary Care Res Dissertation  30

Please contact the school for fee information

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


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  

Currently, there are no forthcoming intakes for this course that are open for application

* you can change options at the top of the page