Programme Overview

From treating fractures and performing joint replacements to managing complex musculoskeletal conditions, Orthopaedics is one of the most impactful medical specialties, where a single intervention can restore function and significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Our flexible, online two-year Master of Science (MSc) in Orthopaedics is designed to expand your expertise, advance your career, and enhance patient outcomes. You will gain an in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal conditions, develop evidence-based treatment strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation in orthopaedic care.

With musculoskeletal cases accounting for at least 20% of general practice visits and up to 30% of A&E attendances, there is a growing need for specialists who can navigate the complexities of orthopaedic medicine.

This comprehensive MSc programme combines academic rigour with practical clinical insights, ensuring you acquire the advanced skills and knowledge required to excel in modern orthopaedic practice. The curriculum follows a case-based learning approach and explores the latest advancements in musculoskeletal medicine, covering key areas such as trauma management, degenerative joint diseases, paediatric orthopaedics, and sports injuries. As part of the programme, you will undertake an independent research project, contributing original insights to the field.

Take the next step in your orthopaedic career with this advanced qualification and make a meaningful impact in musculoskeletal healthcare.

Entry Requirements

Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.

Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.

Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

Documents Required

A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of Buckingham run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.

Who is this course for?

This online Orthopaedics course is aimed at:

Nurses- Enhance skills for when working in wards, dealing with orthopaedic issues in a range of settings. Gain a better understanding of the subject to better treat patients within the field. Address shortage of specialists in the subject area, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doctors- Widen portfolio of medical expertise to further career opportunities within the discipline of orthopaedics. Gain in-depth knowledge of the latest surgical and biomechanical techniques to meet local, regional and national needs for managing orthopaedic trauma. Address shortage of specialists in the subject area, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our target market is not limited to the categories mentioned above, and all those who wish to learn how to apply the fundamentals of orthopaedics to benefit suffering patients.

Medical graduates (in related fields such as Biomedical Science and/or Dietetics): Following the completion of this programme students will be able to extend their knowledge and understanding of the speciality of orthopaedics, while furthering their career progression opportunities.

Anaesthetists: The successful completion of this programme would further the individuals understanding of orthopaedics, and would aid in their career advancement. While there is no subspeciality for orthopaedic anaesthesia, the individual would be able to list it as a special interest.

Operating department staff and allied health professionals: The successful completion of this programme would allow operating department staff and allied health professionals to further their knowledge surrounding orthopaedics, which would increase their ability to effectively treat and assist any patients.

Surgical Care Practitioners (SCPs)

Assisting in Surgery: SCPs assist orthopaedic surgeons during operations, helping to increase the number of surgeries that can be performed and ensuring high standards of care during procedures.

Patient Management: They also manage pre- and post-operative care, reducing the burden on surgeons and ensuring continuity of care.

International practitioners: Following the completion of this programme international practitioners would have an increased knowledge of common orthopaedic conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders. This will aid in their diagnosis, treatment and care of patients who otherwise would not be able to access treatment due to a shortage of Orthopaedic surgeons in their area.