PhD Musculoskeletal Practice - Musculoskeletal Practice Degree

Program Overview

The PhD Musculoskeletal Practice at the University of Essex is a research-based degree providing students with in-depth expertise in musculoskeletal health topics. Designed for professionals including physiotherapists and medics, this program emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and a comprehensive understanding of the field. Through supervisory support, formal board meetings, and state-of-the-art facilities, students gain advanced research skills and a foundation for careers in both clinical practice and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Musculoskeletal Practice is a research-based degree offered by the University of Essex's School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences. It provides students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in a broad range of areas related to the musculoskeletal speciality. The program is designed to train students as independent researchers who can critically assess other research work and have a comprehensive knowledge of at least one area within the musculoskeletal field. The program is responsive to the needs of a range of professionals and clinicians, including physiotherapists, medics (rheumatologists and general practitioners), hand therapists (occupational therapists), therapy service managers, and other clinicians specializing in musculoskeletal health. The program benefits from the School's strong connections with local National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and other local health agencies, which provides students with a practical understanding of the contemporary links between academic research, major issues of the day, and practice.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• The PhD Musculoskeletal Practice is a research-based degree with no set taught structure.
• Students have the freedom to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
• The program typically lasts three to four years.
• Students are initially registered as MPhil/PhD students and are transferred to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.

Modules:

• Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science - Research (0 Credits): This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their theses.

Assessment:

• Dissertation: Students are required to complete a PhD thesis, which is generally completed within three to four years and has a maximum length of 80,000 words.
• Supervisory Board Meetings: Students must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where they submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting.
These documents are discussed with the student, and their progress is assessed.

Teaching:

• Supervisory Support: Students are allocated a supervisor whose role is to guide them through the different stages of their research degree.
In some cases, students may have joint supervision by two members of staff.
• Supervisory Meetings: Regular one-to-one meetings are held with the supervisor to discuss progress on the research.
• Supervisory Board Meetings: Twice a year, students have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss progress and agree on plans for the next six months.

Careers:

• Clinical Focus: Some graduates choose to retain a clinical focus and integrate their research skills into their professional roles.
• Research-Based Careers: Others decide to follow careers that are research-based, contributing to healthcare policy, efficiency, and delivery.

Other:

• Facilities: The School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences is housed within the Essex Sport Arena, a state-of-the-art development that brings together education, rehabilitation, exercise, and research.
Facilities include a sports hall, dedicated labs for physiotherapy and sports therapy training, and a sports therapy clinic.
• Resources: The School is well-equipped and centrally resourced by technical staff who provide a service to all staff and students.
• Human Performance Unit (HPU): The HPU provides educational and coaching services, health-related exercise programs, and athlete testing, as well as unique opportunities for students to further their studies and research in these areas.

Home/UK fee:

£4,786 per year

International fee:

£18,750 per year