We know you might not have time to for a full-time degree, so we've created a system of flexible CPD learning pathways in musculoskeletal practice and sonography.
The structure, mode of delivery and level of support you receive on our CPD pathways ensures that you acquire attributes and skills which enhance your professional practice.
We offer several postgraduate pathways:
Available at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level:
We also offer Postgraduate Certificates in the following:
In addition our range of CPD modules can be taken as single courses. Different modules may have different fees (.docx), if you have any questions please email Sophie Young at msk@essex.ac.uk.
You can view our online module calendar to find all dates relating to courses starting from October 2025. Alternatively you can download our 2025-2026 CPD module calendar (.PDF).
Once you have chosen the programme you wish to undertake please completed the application form (Word version) and email it to Sophie Young at msk@essex.ac.uk.
For accreditation information about our musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging courses please see the course pages listed below.
Part of this pathway will include a mentorship with a clinical supervisor.
We have also developed non-UK courses for international applicants who wish to undertake a qualification in MSK ultrasound imaging.
This pathway supports clinicians from a range of professional backgrounds to access musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.
Students engage with the technical considerations that underpin this imaging modality prior to musculoskeletal scanning protocols. This face to face teaching occurs at weekends at the Colchester campus. Students need a mentor to complete the clinical learning components of this pathway.
The pathway includes optional modules covering ultrasound guided injections or service evaluation.
We offer three qualifications in this pathway, depending on the total number of "credits" you undertake:
For health professionals outside the UK we also offer qualifications on MSK Ultrasound Imaging. You will develop the necessary skills while continuing professional practice in your country.
We offer three qualifications in this pathway, depending on the total number of "credits" you undertake:
‘The British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) has developed an accreditation process of hand therapists’ learning and experience, leading to the award of ‘Accredited Hand Therapist.’
Hand therapists may develop their knowledge and skills via BAHT validated courses at HEIs and independent education.
Points awarded can be accrued to meet the requirements of the Accredited Hand Therapist award, for further information see BAHT website.
For accreditation information for the PG Certificate, please see the course page below. Additionally, some of the component modules of the MSc and PG Diploma awards are accredited by BAHT.
This pathway enables experienced clinicians in the field of Hand Therapy to advance their practice, extend their clinical skills and explore service delivery issues within the field of hand therapy. Clinicians will also learn the skill of soft tissue and joint injection therapy.
The pathway is aligned with Health Education England's framework for advanced clinical practice, (the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc include all four pillars of advanced clinical practice, education, research and leadership).
You can finish this pathway with one of three qualifications, depending on how many credits you complete:
This course will enable an experienced musculoskeletal clinicians to gain academic recognition for their continuing professional development.
This course is run through "credit accumulation". This means that, apart from a few core modules for the Diploma and MSc, students will be able to direct their learning to topics of personal interest through a broader choice of module options.
All students will engage in material related to clinical decision making and there are options available to advance clinical skills including injection therapy and independent prescribing.
We offer three qualifications in this pathway, depending on the total number of "credits" you undertake:
This Post-graduate Certificate enables experienced musculoskeletal clinicians to gain academic recognition for their First Contact Practitioner training. The content has been aligned with guidance from all national and professional groups involved in the development and delivery of this role.
The first module (SE761: First Contact Musculoskeletal Practice) has been designed to map to Stage 1 requirements of Health Education England's 'Roadmap to Practice', and the second module (SE786: Evaluation of Clinical Practice for First Contact Musculoskeletal Practitioners ) evidences the Stage 2 clinical competencies.
Students will explore topics relating to FCP practice including communication strategies, screening for sinister pathology, integration of the wider determinants of health, operational issues and professional accountability.
A clinical mentor is required to support the clinical learning but this mentor does not need to be 'Roadmap trained’.
We currently offer one qualification in First Contact Musculoskeletal Practice:
Along with our pathways, we also offer our modules on a single basis.
Once you have chosen a specific module please complete an application form and email it to msk@essex.ac.uk addressed to Sophie Young.
I started my first module with the view of just finishing there, but the enthusiasm and quality of teaching left me wanting to do more. I've now just finished my MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy Practice and I know I wouldn't have been able to without such a supportive inspirational university to help me get there.
The musculoskeletal ultrasound training I received at Essex has been first class, which is due to the professional staff teaching on the course. They are approachable, knowledgeable and are willing to share their own clinical experiences.