MSc in Musculoskeletal Sciences at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A part-time, two-year taught MSc giving clinicians and biological scientists academic training in musculoskeletal disease and the research methods used to improve knowledge and treatments. It is a biennial course designed to complement graduate clinical teaching in specialist training and provides a foundation for full-time doctoral research.

Faculty: Medical Sciences | Department: Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences | Duration: 2 years part-time | Intake: 5 October 2026 (biennial course; closed for 2027-28, expected to reopen September 2027 for 2028-29 entry) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Five core modules: Musculoskeletal Diseases: Scientific Principles, Musculoskeletal Diseases: Applied Clinical Sciences, Research, Statistics and Epidemiology, Advanced Orthopaedics and Advanced Rheumatology. Teaching uses lectures, small group sessions, problem-based learning and evaluation of academic papers, in eight residential sessions of four to five days in Oxford over two years, and final-year students submit a mock grant application research proposal.

Career pathways

Since the course began in 2008, alumni have undertaken PhD or DPhil research training, and many have pursued further specialist clinical training in musculoskeletal sciences.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Medically qualified individuals, or a first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in biological sciences and/or related topics, or equivalent; applicants from other medically related subjects (for example nurses and allied health professionals) may be considered in special circumstances. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0. No GRE/GMAT. Research or working experience may be an advantage and employer support evidence is required where applicable; preference is given to applicants with recent publications and/or funding awards. Application includes three referees (at least two academic), transcripts and a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words). Interviews are normally held online (usually over 70% of applicants are shortlisted). English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Applications are closed for 2027-28 and expected to open in September 2027 for 2028-29 entry.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,240 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual (part-time course) Source

International applicants: GBP 20,365 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual (part-time course) Source

Intake: 5 October 2026

Duration: 2 years part-time

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