Musculoskeletal Sciences

You will develop your research skills through a range of research training in your first year, including compulsory attendance to core subjects with lectures on a variety of topics such as an introduction to “pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders, epidemiology, basic immunology, clinical trials and rehabilitation” and selection of three topic-related modules. Attendance on a two-day statistical course is compulsory to assist you with appropriate research design. You are also encouraged to work with your supervisor(s) on your research-specific literature review and to develop a study design for your thesis within the first term of your research training.

You will be required to attend and present at postgraduate seminars, not only to develop your presentation skills but also to benefit from the feedback, support and interaction from your University peers and senior academics. In addition the department runs regular seminars by internal and external speakers on various clinical and non-clinical topics, which will provide further opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge in the field.

You are also strongly encouraged to attend skills training courses run by the Medical Sciences Division as well as experiencing teaching/supervising final year undergraduate students, to enhance your skills.
Your attainment will be monitored regularly via:

1. completion of termly reports by you and your supervisor(s) through Graduate Supervision Reporting (GSR)
2. completion of a 5,000-word transfer report and viva, before the end of the fourth term
3. confirmation of your status before the end of the eighth term, ie confirming ability to submit your thesis by the twelfth term.

Stages 2 and 3 will be assessed by independent senior academics to ensure you are on track with your research and that you are receiving adequate guidance.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of Medical Sciences and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside Medical Sciences and NDORMS.

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the supervisor will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

According to the department's records, DPhil in Musculoskeletal Sciences alumni are employed, across a wide range of clinical professions (eg rheumatology, orthopaedics or physiotherapy) and non-clinical related professions (eg in postdoctoral academic and industrial research, teaching, pharmaceuticals, marketing and scientific writing). A number of alumni have set up their own businesses or changed paths completely into banking and medical writing, a group which constitutes around 1% of the total number.

The Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies Officer follow the department's alumni to establish the long-term career paths of past students.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences

Molecular and Cellular Medicine DPhil

Molecular and Cellular Medicine MSc by Research

Musculoskeletal Sciences DPhil

Musculoskeletal Sciences MSc by Research

Musculoskeletal Sciences MSc

Next
Entry requirements