Sharpen your clinical reasoning and strengthen your ability to respond to complex musculoskeletal presentations.
Why study postgraduate Musculoskeletal Management
This programme is designed for practitioners who want to lift their practice through evidence, insight, and reflection. You will investigate the science behind pain, biomechanics, movement, and rehabilitation, and learn how to translate that knowledge into clear clinical decisions.
At postgraduate level the focus shifts from applying techniques to understanding the reasoning that guides them. You will strengthen your conceptual foundation, grow your confidence in navigating complex cases, and refine your ability to collaborate across health professions.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study expands your career options in musculoskeletal management and beyond.
Career opportunities include:
- Clinical roles in musculoskeletal rehabilitation
- Advanced physiotherapy practice
- Roles in sport and performance health
- Health education and patient coaching
- Research or further postgraduate study
What it’s like to study at this level
You learn through guided study, clinical reflection, and independent inquiry, all of which can be completed entirely by distance learning.
Your coursework sharpens your assessment skills, boosts your confidence in interpreting research, and encourages thoughtful approaches to musculoskeletal care. You engage with case studies, practical scenarios, and current literature, working closely with academic staff who support your growth as a reflective practitioner.
Collaborative learning connects theory to practice and helps you build confidence in your clinical reasoning.
This is for you if ...
Candidates must be graduates or hold a health professional qualification with at least three years of full-time tertiary study, and they must have relevant healthcare experience or current work in the field.
Sharp minds meet strong movement
Postgraduate study in Musculoskeletal Management is supported by Otago’s strong reputation in health sciences and its dedicated teaching community. You learn from staff who bring research insight and clinical experience to your study, and you become part of a health sciences environment that values collaboration, curiosity, and professional growth.
Our resources and networks help you build a confident, evidence-driven approach to musculoskeletal care.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree for health professionals, encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
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Contacts
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 364 0469
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/msm-pain-management
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