Primary Care - Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine

This MSc in Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Medicine is delivered on a part-time basis over two years. It offers a University Masters level qualification, with options at both Certificate and Diploma level.



The course is open to doctors, and allied health professionals interested in developing expertise in the area of 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 emphasizes 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.



What Will I Learn?

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 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 & 4

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



Research Dissertation

Students undertake to plan, enact, and disseminate an original piece of research in the area of primary care orthopedics under the supervision of faculty. The dissertation should demonstrate the following:

• - Enhanced critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving.

• - Ability to review their own practice and improve patient care through clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives.



NFQ Level: 9 (90 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 4 of:

(Core modules for Years 1 - 2) MDCS42140 and MDCS42150 are second year modules.



Please choose all modules for first year apart from MDCS42140 and MDCS42150

MDCS42150: Primary Care Res Dissertation

MDCS42100: Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I

MDCS42120: Contemporary Issues in PC & GP

MDCS42140: Primary Care(Orthopaedics) III

MDCS42110: Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II

MDCS42130: Scholarship Enhancing ClinPrac2150

Entry Requirements

• 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) after the school of medicine's faculty review their individual qualifications and experiences.



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 (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

90

2 years part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

MSc Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine) (X875) Part Time

EU Year 1 - € 8400

EU Year 2 - € 4200 aa

nonEU Year 1 - € 12800

nonEU Year 2 - € 8535 aa


aa Second Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2020 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2019/20


***Fees are subject to change

X875: Primary Care (Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Medicine)

Master of Science



Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught