The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM) is specifically aimed at medical practitioners in general primary care, trainees in associated specialist disciplines, and those wishing to commence training towards specialisation in Musculoskeletal Medicine. The diploma is available to students living and studying within New Zealand or Australia. It comprises ten papers taught over a minimum of two years, and includes both distance- and Internet-based theoretical teaching, and two practical 'hands-on', on-campus components.
The programme has been developed to reflect the expanding knowledge of pain control mechanisms, including advances in biomedical interventions and cognitive behavioural management. The academic components of the diploma are designed to provide an understanding and working knowledge of the structure, function, disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system; modern pain management methods; and scientific method and biostatistics.
The papers are clinically orientated, and 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 problems.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM) is also available through Distance Learning.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
Every applicant shall have been admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or hold an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
Every applicant shall be registered for medical practice in the country in which the programme is taught.
A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine shall be credited with those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.
Duration of the Programme
The minimum time in which a candidate may complete the diploma is two years, and the maximum time is four years from commencing study.
Examinations
A candidate shall be examined in each paper.
A candidate who fails an examination may, on the recommendation of the examiners, be admitted to a special examination.
Level of Award of the Diploma
The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Notes: 1. Two papers are taught on campus (MSME 701, MSME 709), and eight by distance learning. 2. MSME 701 is a prerequisite for MSME 709. 3. Candidates who have completed the five-paper certificate (pre-2006 regulations) may complete the diploma programme by taking three of the remaining papers.
More information
Amanda Clifford Co-ordinator, Student Experience University of Otago, Christchurch Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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