M.Sc. in Muscoloskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences

Curriculum

This Master’s programme is unique in its multidisciplinary focus on clinical experimental research in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
The programme has close connections with the Master’s programme in Human Movement Sciences, but differs mainly in its focus and approach of addressing musculoskeletal problems from a clinical and applied perspective.

It offers you the necessary scientific expertise, grounded in an academic attitude and skills, to advance physiotherapy practice.

The Master's programme in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences is a one-year, full-time programme. It is also possible to do the programme part-time. The programme is taught in English.

Dynamic teaching methods

In this programme, we use various teaching methods such as lectures, practicals, workgroups, seminars and directed self-guided learning. We also apply blended learning by combining on-site and online teaching. This makes the programme and your learning dynamic. The different formats enhance your theoretical knowledge and research skills, and integrate those within the context of practical problems related to physiotherapy.

Programme credits

This Master’s programme consists of 60 EC. In the first semester, you will take 6 required courses (each 6 EC), in which you will acquire in-depth knowledge of physiotherapy, develop scientific skills, and apply methodology regarding data acquisition and analyses. During the second semester, you will take elective courses related to research skills and methods (generally 3 EC) and conduct your individual research project (24 EC).

Individual research project

During the programme, you will conduct a five-month substantial individual research project. This project can be conducted within the labs of our own faculty or in a clinical practice, such as one that is part of the VU Science Network. You can also choose to conduct your research project abroad. Regardless of where you decide to conduct your internship, you will be supervised by an experienced member of our academic staff.

Optional: Become a qualified lecturer in higher education

As part of this master’s programme, you can also choose to obtain the qualifications to become a lecturer in higher education (taught only in Dutch). This additional programme component consists of an additional 30 EC.

Studying part-time

The Master’s programme can also be followed part-time over a two-year period. Please contact the academic advisors to discuss the possibilities for adapting this part-time option to your individual situation.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

Master's programme

The programme is spread over 6 blocks. In blocks 1 – 3 (September – January), you will take courses on clinical experimental research related to current physiotherapeutic topics such as:

• pain
• current challenges in musculoskeletal health (for example: osteoarthiritis, aging, low back pain)
• clinical exercise physiology

You will be trained in the basic principles of data acquisition and data processing in measuring human movement. This is supported by advanced knowledge of research methodology (design, statistics and appraisal). The focus is on translating this knowledge and these skills into clinical practice.

In blocks 4 – 6 (February – June), you can select two elective courses based on your interest. In parallel, you will prepare and conduct your individual research project.