Course Content
Students will study the following modules in year one:
• Critical Appraisal (10 credits)
Introduces the process of evidence based practice and sets the scene for the objective scrutiny of published research and theories. This skill is crucial for every subsequent module, where objective appraisal of competing theories is required.
• Gait analysis (10 credits)
Involves appraisal of the theoretical and practical issues surrounding various gait analysis modalities, considering the criteria for the optimal clinical / research system, and the clinical utility of the information yield from various technologies.
• The Pathological Basis of Musculoskeletal Disorders (10 credits)
Considers the pathological processes underpinning the development of a range of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, emphasising the value of this knowledge in understanding the expression of specific disorders, and linking to opportunities for treatment.
• Work Based Learning: Musculoskeletal Examination and Diagnosis (20 credits)
Provides a framework through which students can set their own learning outcomes in relation to examination and diagnosis. These can be explicitly anchored to practice or career aspirations, and students must develop, complete and report on a series of activities designed to fulfil the learning outcomes.
And a selection of the following modules in year two:
• Sports, Biomechanics and Injury (10 credit) / Sports, Biomechanics and Injury Management (20 credits)
Refers to two modules focusing the principles of biomechanics and their application to the field of sports injuries. The first 10 credits, which can be studied in isolation, focus on the development of injury whilst the second 10 credits focus on the implications of biomechanical issues to injury management.
• Introduction to Injection Therapy (10 credits)*
Injection Therapy focuses on steroid injections to the foot and ankle, but includes the role of diagnostic local anaesthetic and viscosupplementation.
• Musculoskeletal therapeutics: A work-based learning module (20 credits)
Provides a framework through which students can set their own learning outcomes in relation to musculoskeletal therapeutics. These can be explicitly anchored to practice or career aspirations, and students must develop, complete, and report on a series of activities designed to fulfil the learning outcomes.
• Pharmacology for Podiatrists (10 credits)
Pharmacology is accredited by the Health Professions Council, and successful participants are eligible for annotation on the register permitting access to the limited formulary of medicines available to Podiatrists via the exemption order. This provides access to depomedrone, an injectable steroid, and so complements the Injection Therapy module.
• Research methods (20 credits)
Applied Research Design and Method is a 20 credit multi-disciplinary module delivered by a team of staff from the school of health and social sciences. It considers the role of qualitative and quantitative research designs and various statistical techniques.
In the third year students will undertake a 60 credit research project which will involve the development of an assessed research proposal and the submission of a research report.
*Approval is being sought from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists for module approval that would bring, pending completion of an additional mentored injection log, insurance cover to perform steroid injections to the foot.
Click here to download a full programme breakdown and overview.
Key Facts
Campus: Llandaff
School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences
Course Length: Three years part-time.
Attendance Weeks: It is a part-time delivery pattern, involving 4-day blocks of attendance. In year one this involves 3 contact blocks, and in year 2 four are required. These contact blocks are normally in September, January and March/April
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on a continual basis using learning diaries, case studies, essays, and presentations. To fulfil the requirements for the award of MSc, students must complete the dissertation module which involves writing a publication-style article reporting a substantial research project..
Selection Procedure:
Application form, CV and interview.