Course overview
This is a distance-based course offered part time.
The MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health degree is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in the safe and competent care of children of all ages. Our part-time, distance-based course blends live online classes with ready to use resources through our virtual learning environment. In addition, you will have the opportunity to observe in the AECC University College clinical services at our Bournemouth campus. The course covers topics in paediatric musculoskeletal practice with specific units on paediatric development, paediatric musculoskeletal examination, paediatric musculoskeletal interventions, and paediatric musculoskeletal management. You will address issues such as risk factors and public health, including breastfeeding, supine sleep in infancy, physical activity in children and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal health of children from birth. The paediatric specific topics are completed by other optional units such as professional development, evidence-based practice, and leadership and inter-professional collaboration. In the dissertation unit you will conduct a study relevant to musculoskeletal paediatric health.
Your learning will happen through a mix of live and recorded lectures, access to online reading materials, and access to the literature through our learning services. You will also engage with the contents taught through guided activities with your peers and staff. Clinical paediatric experience is recommended to fully engage with the course. For students with limited access to a suitable clinical environment to support their studies, or for student who wants to add to their clinical experience, we are able to offer a limited number of opportunities to observe and work alongside our clinical educators within the AECC University College clinical services. Assessments are tailor made to each unit and may include a variety of methods such as critical reviews, reflective accounts, portfolios and in the last year a research dissertation.
Key Information
- Course title:
- MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health
- Qualification:
- MSc
- Duration:
- 2 years (September Start)
- Study mode:
- Part-time Online, Distance Learning
- Typical offer:
- 2:1 or equivalent in relevant healthcare profession
Course leader

Dr Michelle Holmes
PhD, MRes, BSc (Hons), Lecturer in Research Methods
Dr. Michelle Holmes is a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods at AECC University College and Professional Development Framework Lead.
Course details
Course Location
Blended delivery model with distance learning delivered through synchronous and asynchronous methods with additional resources available on VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).
Why Study with AECC ?
AECC University College has been the primary provider of postgraduate musculoskeletal paediatric courses in Europe for over 15 years. The postgraduate courses within the School of Chiropractic are developed to be aligned with professional practice, and adopt an approach of integrated learning, teaching, and assessment that is not only developing independent learning, but encouraging students to integrate theory and practice. The approach to learning and teaching within the course emphasizes: the diversity of leaners, autonomy of learning, life-long learning, and a dynamic learning experience.
Structure of Study with Key Unit Highlights
The course will also be designed in a format that allows students to register for individual units (marketed as short courses at the postgraduate level). By providing students an opportunity to undertake individual units, they may then be encouraged to enroll for other units as short courses, or enroll to an award bearing qualification.
There are two units each term, each unit requiring 6 weeks of classes before you can begin the next unit. Alongside the unit you will be working on the assessment. In the first year you will complete 4 units, with the same number of units needed to complete the second year including a Dissertation. We also offer the opportunity to complete the units at your own pace.
You do not need to come to AECC for any assessment as the whole course is completed remotely.
Download the Course Specification for MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health
Unit breakdown
- Evidence-based practise
- Paediatric Development
- Paediatric MSK examination
- Paediatric MSK interventions
- Paediatric MSK management
- Research methods
- Professional Development
- Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration
Entry Requirements
This course is aimed at registered practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and skills further regarding musculoskeletal paediatric health. Applicants will be required to have a recognised degree or professional qualification in a relevant healthcare subject and a minimum of two years relevant post-registration clinical experience. Examples of relevant professions include: chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathy, midwifery, occupational therapy, nursing or medicine.
Students must be registered with their respective professional regulatory body, e.g. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), General Medicine Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Chiropractic Council (GCC), or equivalent outside of the UK and have practice insurance. The minimum entry requirement is a 2:2 degree in an appropriate subject area.
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each component or equivalent.
Applicants with prior experience will be able to make use of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to gain recognition of their credits. This would allow for completion of credits in a staged process by acknowledging previously completed units. Units being considered for RPL will be reviewed to ensure they meet the learning needs of the course and specific unit. The learning would generally be expected to be completed within 5 years, to ensure the content is still relevant, however this may be extended on review if the content was deemed appropriate and contemporary.
For general questions on MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health entry requirements or to register your interest in the course please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
How do I apply?
Applications for MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health are now open, please follow the link below to our online application system.
Applications close end of summer 2023
Course Fees
This course is offered via distance learning
Fees for all students are charged on a per-unit basis at £830 per 20 credit unit.
Please note that these fees are for the 2023-24 academic year only and may be subject to increase in subsequent years of study. Any increase will be in line with our Tuition Fees Policy but will not be more than 5%.
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