Musculoskeletal Medicine

Entry requirements

A postgraduate diploma can usually be taken at any time after the completion of your bachelor's degree.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM) is specifically aimed at medical practitioners in general primary care, trainees in associated specialist disciplines, and those wishing to commence training towards specialisation in Musculoskeletal Medicine. The diploma is available to students living and studying within New Zealand or Australia. It comprises ten papers taught over a minimum of two years, and includes both distance- and Internet-based theoretical teaching, and two practical 'hands-on', on-campus components.

The programme has been developed to reflect the expanding knowledge of pain control mechanisms, including advances in biomedical interventions and cognitive behavioural management. The academic components of the diploma are designed to provide an understanding and working knowledge of the structure, function, disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system; modern pain management methods; and scientific method and biostatistics.

The papers are clinically orientated, and practical clinical skills are taught in physical examination and musculoskeletal therapeutic modalities, including manual therapy and injection techniques, diagnostic interventions, and the psychosocial assessment of musculoskeletal pain problems.

Programme Requirements

Papers

• MSME 701 Clinical Diagnosis
• MSME 702 Musculoskeletal Tissues
• MSME 703 Musculoskeletal Disorders
• MSME 704 Introduction to Pain
• MSME 708 Introduction to Pain Management
• MSME 709 Clinical Therapeutics

Two of:

• MSME 705 Regional Disorders - Spine
• MSME 706 Regional Disorders - Limbs
• MSME 707 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• MSME 710 Recreational and Sports Injuries
• MSME 711 Pain Assessment

Note: Some papers may have an on-campus component.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding