Musculoskeletal Sciences

The DPhil in Musculoskeletal Sciences is intended to provide clinical and non-clinical graduates with a wide variety of research skills, in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in specific musculoskeletal-related fields of research. Furthermore, as part of your training you will be exposed to a range of topics such as critical appraisal, epidemiology and medical statistics.

Graduate destinations

According to the department's records, 100% of DPhil in Musculoskeletal Sciences alumni are employed, across a wide range of clinical (eg rheumatology, orthopaedics or physiotherapy) and non-clinical related professions (eg postdoctoral research, teaching, pharmaceutics and marketing). A number of alumni have set up their own businesses (eg in editing) or changed paths completely into banking and medical writing, a group which constitutes 1% of the total number.

The Director of Graduate Studies follows the department's alumni to establish the long-term career paths of past students. The department is currently working on preparing an alumni-specific website and newsletter.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

You will develop your research skills through a range of research training in your first year, including compulsory attendance at basic musculoskeletal modules and selection of three topic-related modules. You are also encouraged to work with your supervisor on your research-specific literature review and to develop a study design for your thesis within the three terms of training.

You will be required to attend and present at termly post-graduate seminars, not only to develop your presentation skills but also to benefit from the feedback, support and interaction from your University peers and senior academics. In addition the department runs weekly seminars by internal and external speakers on various clinical and non-clinical musculoskeletal topics, which will provide further opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge in the field.

You are also strongly encouraged to attend skills training courses run by the Medical Sciences Division as well as experiencing teaching/supervising final year undergraduate students, to enhance your skills.
Your attainment will be monitored regularly via:

1. completion of a termly report by you and your supervisors
2. submission of a 3,000-word report within the first four terms of training
3. confirmation of your ability to submit your thesis within the required maximum 12 terms. 

Stages 1 and 2 will be assessed by independent senior academics to ensure you are provided with the necessary guidance (if required).

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in biological sciences and/or related topics. The department also considers applicants from medically qualified individuals. In special circumstances, applications from other medically related subjects (eg nurses, and/or allied health professionals) will be considered for DPhil/MSc by research. Although it is not essential, preference will be given to applicants who have had recent publications and/or awards from various funding bodies.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

You do not need to have a previous master's degree to be considered for this DPhil.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant could be considered if they have substantial professional experience in a musculoskeletal-related field.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to three pages
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships