Title: MSc Manual Therapy
Course Tutor: Jacob Saranga
Contact Address: Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Department of Physiotherapy, Charles Ward Building Room 216, Coventry University,
Priory Street, Coventry. CV1 5FB
Contact details: Tel: 024-76888980 Fax: 024-76888020
Email: j.saranga@coventry.ac.uk

Overview of the course philosophy
The course is underpinned throughout by evidence based practice and clinical reasoning to ensure the development of an effective and reasoned approach to practice. There is a strong emphasis on manual skills and mentored clinical practice allowing the student to develop confidence and expertise in the management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. The course embraces and integrates the many diverse approaches currently employed in the assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal patients and in this way encourages innovation of thought and practice within the student.

On completion of the course the student will have:-
- A deep and extensive knowledge of the current theories, approaches and research evidence which underpin contemporary manual therapy practice within an evidence based framework.
- A developing expertise in a comprehensive range of manual therapy skills
- A high level of clinical reasoning skills essential to advanced practice including reflection, analysis and self evaluation
- A sound working knowledge of research methodologies and their application
- A high level of communication skills essential for specialist roles and for working within a multidisciplinary team
- Expertise in the assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.
After completing the university based modules, the students proceed to the mentored practice module that facilitates the integration of theory and practical elements through the clinical practice placement. This course structure will facilitate the depth of study required at Masters level in exploring this specialist area, through its biological pathophysiological and psychosocial foundations.

Mode of attendance
The course has been designed to meet the needs of physiotherapy graduates through a flexible structure where you are able to choose a pattern of enrolment and timescale of study to suit your professional needs. The course is organised as a series of modules each carrying a certain amount of credits. The course requires you to complete a postgraduate diploma in Manual Therapy and to go on to complete a research dissertation which will then make you eligible for Master of Science.
There are currently two routes through the programme. The full time route takes a minimum of one year and one term to complete; the part-time route takes a minimum of 2 years and two terms ( Maximum 4) to complete. Attendance at the University for the full time route is usually on two days a week, the part time route usually being one day a week.

Methods of assessment
Essay, mini project and clinical placements.

Clinical practice component
The clinical module is flexible and requires the equivalent attendance of 300 hours of mentored practice at a specialist unit within a 12 month period, but this can be done at the students' convenience.

Exemptions to MACP membership
Eligible for Associate membership at the commencement of the course.
Membership of the MACP upon successful completion of the PgD.