Manipulative Physiotherapy MSc / PGDip

Study at a world-leading research university with a team of multidisciplinary experts. You’ll engage in assessing and managing conditions, while critically evaluating evidence and your own experiences to enhance your expertise in this specialised field. Apply clinical reasoning skills to effectively handle complex clinical cases as you learn from experts in the field.

Course Structure

• Flexible study which can be organised around your other commitments
• Support of a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor
• The opportunity to advance your competencies in your clinical speciality
• Opportunities to be involved at MoveWell through experiential education placements and unpaid volunteer positions.

Lectures: delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within physiotherapy-related organisations.

Seminars and tutorials: led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

Assessments: a combination of coursework assessments, research papers, reports, reflective commentaries and oral examinations.

Our new MoveWell clinic will provide unique opportunities to interact with patients and gain real-life experiences through placements. The physiotherapy clinic is at the heart of MoveWell, offering targeted therapies to support good health, through the treatment and rehabilitation from injury, acute illness and chronic disease.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

The following must be taken:

Students must select 20 credits of modules from options available from the School, as outlined below. Further optional modules delivered at other schools within the University be taken if discussed and approved by the programme lead.

Documented evidence (through personal statement and employment history) of approximately 750 hours of post-registration manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy skills and experience.

Registration as a practising physiotherapist in the country where they are currently/have been practising.

You will also need to submit the following documentation in support of your application:

• Two academic/employer references in support of your application and professional and practical capabilities
• Transcripts of your degrees so far (certified and translated into English if appropriate)
• Your personal statement to detail evidence of a minimum of 750 hours experience post qualification of using manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy within a musculoskeletal context
• Supporting evidence of appropriate continuing professional development during this experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy will also be required

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in each skill
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would strongly encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.