Connect anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical practice in meaningful ways to build your specialist capability that supports better health outcomes.
Why study postgraduate Musculoskeletal Medicine?
Musculoskeletal Medicine focuses on the assessment and management of disorders that affect muscles, joints, and related soft tissues. Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Musculoskeletal Medicine draws on anatomy, physiology, pain science, and clinical reasoning, and it supports patient care across primary and specialist settings. By studying this subject, you explore the causes and patterns of musculoskeletal pain, and you learn how targeted interventions can restore mobility and independence. You develop the ability to evaluate complex presentations, communicate clearly with patients, and collaborate with other health professionals. At Otago you can build advanced knowledge that supports evidence-based practice and helps you contribute to better outcomes for people of all ages. Our programme is the only one of its kind in Australia and New Zealand.
Career opportunities
Postgraduates may apply their skills in roles that focus on assessment, pain management, mobility, and rehabilitation in areas such as:
- Clinical practice in primary care
- Musculoskeletal assessment roles
- Pain management services
- Rehabilitation and return-to-work programmes
- Health education and advisory work
What it’s like to study at this level
Most learning is conducted online with on-campus block courses for practical skills.
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.
This is for you if ...
Our postgraduate Musculoskeletal Medicine qualifications are aimed at registered medical practitioners seeking to integrate theory and principles into their clinical practice, and to extend their knowledge of biomedical and psychosocial skills pertinent to managing musculoskeletal pain.
Grow your expertise in managing pain and restoring mobility
Studying Musculoskeletal Medicine at Otago invites you to step back, reflect, and refine how you approach clinical care. This subject supports you to grow as a thoughtful practitioner, strengthening how you bring together knowledge, experience, and judgement in your day-to-day work.
You will study within a postgraduate learning environment that values curiosity, shared insight, and purposeful practice. Supported by Otago’s long-standing commitment to health education in Aotearoa New Zealand, you can deepen your professional impact and continue shaping the way you care for people across diverse settings.
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 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
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
As a GP in a regional emergency department I saw a variety of musculoskeletal cases coming through 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 Boyko
Sports Physician (Australia)
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 | 2026 | Clinical Diagnosis | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| MSME702 | 2026 | Musculoskeletal Tissues | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| MSME703 | 2026 | Musculoskeletal Disorders | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| MSME705 | 2026 | Regional Disorders - Spine | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| MSME706 | 2026 | Regional Disorders - Limbs | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| MSME707 | 2026 | Musculoskeletal Management | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| MSME709 | 2026 | Clinical Therapeutics | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| MSME710 | 2026 | Recreational and Sports Injuries | 15 points | Semester 1 |
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 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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