Postgraduate Study in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Musculoskeletal medicine deals with patients who have musculoskeletal and neural dysfunction of both an acute and chronic nature.
Patients with these problems constitute up to 20 per cent of a general practitioner’s caseload, and those with back and neck pain, in particular, impose a heavy economic and social burden on the community.
Musculoskeletal medicine is based on biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, and utilises a range of skills. These include appropriate history taking and physical examination, the use of pharmacotherapy, diagnostic and therapeutic interventional techniques, and applied biomechanics, as well as manual medicine, myofascial and needling skills. Psychosocial management and the use of appropriate referral is emphasised.
This programme is the only one of its kind in Australia and New Zealand.
Who is it intended for?
The postgraduate musculoskeletal medicine qualifications are aimed at registered medical practitioners in both primary and allied musculoskeletal specialties, such as rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine.
Current medical registration is an admission requirement, and students must be registered as medical practitioners in the country in which the programme is taught.
Where will it take me?
Graduates of the Musculoskeletal Medicine qualifications have gone on to:
- Assume clinical leadership and clinical specialist positions
- Undertake specialist advisory and health management roles
- Successfully gain funding for service initiatives
- Become skilful consumers of clinical research
- Complete diplomas, master's and PhDs in rehabilitation
Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine ( PGCertMSM )
What does it involve?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine aims to provide a combination of musculoskeletal theory and principles integrated into clinical practice, for medical practitioners wanting to extend their knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level. Clinicians who complete the programme will have gained a clear understanding of musculoskeletal diagnosis and intervention, an ability to analyse information critically and will have demonstrated how to integrate that information and skill into their practice.
How long will it take?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine can be completed by studying part-time over a one-to-three year timeframe.
Requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine ( PGCertMSM )
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine ( PGDipMSM )
What does it involve?
The diploma combines clinical and academic material from a biopsychosocial perspective, making this course unique. Musculoskeletal medicine aims to integrate the biomedical and psychosocial knowledge and skills pertinent to the treatment of those patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain problems.
How long will it take?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine can be studied part-time over a two-to-four year time frame. Extensions of time to complete the course may be granted when there are exceptional circumstances.
Requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine ( PGDipMSM )
Musculoskeletal Management
See also qualifications in Musculoskeletal Management
What do our recent students say?
“As a GP in a regional emergency department I saw a variety of musculoskeletal cases comingthrough the doors, and I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge in the management of these patients. I've always wanted to re-specialise in sports and exercise medicine, and I felt that through this diploma I would gain a clearer picture of whether I really wanted to pursue another fellowship. The programme at the University of Otago offered a qualification from a respected institution with quality teaching provided by leaders in the field.”
— Dr Andriy BoykoSports Physician (Australia)
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine
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, Master’s, 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 Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM)
A two-year full-time programme with distance- and Internet-based theoretical teaching, and two practical 'hands-on', on-campus components
Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGCertMSM)
A one-year (part time) postgraduate programme, consisting of four papers, aimed at general primary care practitioners and trainees in specialist disciplines
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
MSME 709 cannot be taken before the completion of MSME 701. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
MSME papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSME701 | 2025 | Clinical Diagnosis | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| MSME702 | 2025 | Musculoskeletal Tissues | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| MSME703 | 2025 | Musculoskeletal Disorders | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| MSME705 | 2025 | Regional Disorders - Spine | 15 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| MSME706 | 2025 | Regional Disorders - Limbs | 15 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| MSME707 | 2025 | Musculoskeletal Management | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| MSME709 | 2025 | Clinical Therapeutics | 15 points | Semester 2 (14 July 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| MSME710 | 2025 | Recreational and Sports Injuries | 15 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
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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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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