Pain Science and Management

The MSc programme comprises taught modules to the value of 120 M Level credits and a dissertation of 60 M Level credits, giving a total of 180 credits. Students may choose to finish their studies after completing 60 taught credits (Postgraduate Certificate) or 120 taught credits (Postgraduate Diploma), or they may study any module on a stand-alone basis and obtain the relevant credits.
The part-time MSc programme can be completed in two years, but students may take up to five years if they wish. The structure of the course therefore allows flexible learning in accordance with individual student interests.
Please visit the Faculty website to view details of all modules and sessional dates.
The core modules meet the needs of individuals to review and evaluate the scientific background of their own specialism and to integrate this into their clinical practice. The option modules allow students to devise a programme to suit their own specific requirements in terms of professional and personal development. The Research module and Evidence-Based Practice module together with the dissertation develop the student’s research capabilities and critical evaluation skills.
The following indicate the range of modules that may be offered.
Core Modules (each 15 credits, totalling 75 credits)
Research Methods in Health
Evidence-Based Practice– this is delivered electronically, entirely via distance-learning
Physiology & Pharmacology of Pain
Psychosocial Aspects of Pain
Assessment and Measurement
Option Modules (credit value in brackets - 45 credits required for MSc and PgDip)
Availability of options may be subject to change in any year and other modules may also be available. Examples are given below, further modules can be found in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Modules involving practical skills – UK Professional Council registration and third party insurance required
Introducing Acupuncture (15 credits)
Principles and Practice of Joint and Soft Tissue Injection (15)
Motor Control Retraining of Movement Dysfunction (30)
Essentials of Manual Therapy Assessment (15)
Musculoskeletal Management at the Interface (30)
Modules not requiring third party insurance
Applied Clinical Anatomy (1) (15)
Physiology of Neuromusculoskeletal Tissue (15)
Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation (15)
Independent Study (15)
Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging (15)
Assistive Technologies in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation (15)
Applied Clinical Anatomy (2) (30)
Candidates can also apply for assessment of prior learning (APL) exemptions against option modules or choose to take option modules from a range offered by other Schools in the University provided they are consistent with the aims of the programme and are approved by the Course Team.
Dissertation (60 credits)
A dissertation of 15,000 words on a topic related to the course. Dissertation workshops provide support for students.