Master of Science in Physiotherapy
About This Programme
Our postgraduate program is designed for qualified physiotherapists. It gives you the chance to take your learning to the next level, enhancing your skills and knowledge to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice and inform physiotherapy healthcare in your country. The program will help inform the way you practice, supporting the knowledge and skills required for change management, and service improvement to improve patient care. We strive to make sure you are ready for the next step in your career. You will learn in a supportive environment with an opportunity to tailor your optional module choices in a way that best fits your needs. We also cover research methods to support your learning at the master’s level. The program aims to develop your critical thinking to support you to become an expert in your practice and enhance your employability in your future career. Your learning will be supported by experienced researchers and academics who are experts in their field. You may also be involved in group personal tutoring which will help you develop mentoring skills with your peers. In addition, you will be learning alongside a globally diverse group who are studying at various points in their career, sharing knowledge, and gaining an understanding of physiotherapy practice across the world. The Master of Science in Physiotherapy program is expected to contribute to the diversity and specialization of the graduate programs at the University of Sharjah and complement academic and research programs that target community needs. Moreover, it will strengthen the UOS interdisciplinary effort which implies inter-program collaboration in teaching, clinical, and research.
Course Highlights
- 42 credit hours
- Taught in English
- College of Health Sciences
- Study system: Courses and Theses
- Full-time and part-time study
- AED 2,670 per credit hour
What You'll Study
Degree Requirements This component consists of 42 credit hours listed in the table below. Compulsory Requirements: 7 courses, 30 credit hours, including Thesis (Dissertation), 9 credit hours (3 in Year 2 Fall, 6 in Year 2 Spring) Elective Requirements: 4 Elective/Specialty Courses, 12 credit hours
Year 1, Fall semester
12 credit hours
0505511Biostatistics3 credits
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: 0505513 Research Methodology and Protocol Development
This course is designed to address the statistical concepts and techniques that are applied frequently in rehabilitation research. This course aims to introduce advanced methods of statistics, which are needed by allied health care professionals. Identification of objective reporting and decision making statistics; application of descriptive and inferential methods, as well as illustration of elementary parametric and non-parametric techniques in hypothesis testing; and, demonstration of the fundamentals of data processing will be discussed.
0505512Advanced Clinical Reasoning3 credits
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: 0505512 Advanced Clinical Reasoning / 0505513 Research Methodology and Protocol Development
This course aims to introduce students to the thinking processes that physical therapy practitioners use when planning and undertaking their work and making professional decisions. It emphasizes the importance of both concrete experience and critical reflection upon that experience in developing competence as a physical therapist. Students will be required to use description, information gathering, analysis and reflection in order to facilitate learning and understanding based on their fieldwork experiences.
0505513Research Methodology and Protocol Development3 credits
This course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of clinical research and skills in research methods relevant to different types of research in a range of contemporary clinical practice settings. Students will learn how to write a research proposal for their thesis topic. It will introduce students to a number of research methods in addition to "Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis," during which students start learning how to critically and systematically assess literature. Attention will be given to research ethics and research integrity throughout the course.
- Elective/Specialty Course (1)3 credits
Year 1, Spring semester
12 credit hours
0505521Motor Control and Learning3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the motor system, current understanding how movement is controlled by the nervous system, and how motor skills are learned and relearned. The course will introduce different models of motor control theories and how they relate to understanding human performance in health and disease. In addition, motor learning theories related to neuronal and muscular plasticity will be introduced and discussed as they inform and are applied in clinical practice.
0505522Advanced Clinical Practice 13 credits
Students' placement in selected clinical facilities to integrate advanced knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors into real-life clinical situations. They will be able to apply evidence-based guidelines to identify clients' problems and make informed decisions regarding the interventions in the area of their minor specialty by utilizing updated outcome measures autonomously.
- Elective/Specialty Course (2)3 credits
- Elective/Specialty Course (3)3 credits
Year 2, Fall semester
9 credit hours
0505611Advanced Clinical Practice 26 credits
Prerequisite: 0505522 Advanced Clinical Practice 1
This course is aimed at qualified physiotherapists to improve their practice by further developing their assessment skills and clinical reasoning. Ways to measure the effectiveness of clinical practice and issues such as collaborative practice and engaging patients will be explored. A holistic and integrated approach towards patient care will be encouraged. This course will help to improve employment prospects for students, enabling them to lead in clinical settings or work in research.
0505699Thesis (Dissertation) (1)3 credits
Prerequisite: 0505511 Biostatistics / 0505513 Research Methodology and Protocol Development
The purpose of this Master's thesis course is to enable students to explore in depth a particular substantive area in relation to their area of physiotherapy practice. The course provides an opportunity for students to gain research experience and promotes the ability of critical thinking when interpreting results. The student will conduct a scholarly piece of work that yields information related to physiotherapy practice. The course is based on utilizing at least one particular research design, which may involve primary data, use of secondary data, or systematic literature review.
Year 2, Spring semester
9 credit hours (programme total: 42)
0505699Thesis (Dissertation) (2)6 credits
Prerequisite: 0505511 Biostatistics / 0505513 Research Methodology and Protocol Development
- Elective/Specialty Course (4)3 credits
The study plan marks each course DR/C (compulsory) or DR/E (elective). It marks 0505521 Motor Control and Learning DR/E, although the programme page lists it as a compulsory course, and marks Elective/Specialty Course (2) DR/C, while the other three elective slots are DR/E. The course list gives 0505512 Advanced Clinical Reasoning itself as one of its co-requisites. All shown as published.
Elective Requirements (12 credit hours)
Four Elective/Specialty Courses, 3 credit hours each.
0505550Advanced PT for Neurological Conditions3 credits
This course aims to equip physiotherapists with current knowledge and skills required in neurological rehabilitation to operate at senior and strategic levels in today's health care services. The course pursues the integration of the principles of neurological rehabilitation as applied to complex neurological conditions. Emphasis is on evidence-informed and research-based practice, interdisciplinary and client-centered care as well as health promotion and prevention of secondary conditions pertaining to neurological conditions. This problem-based course fosters clinical reasoning skills for physiotherapy assessment and treatment of complex problems and multiple handicaps encountered by adult patients with neurological conditions. The course provides a foundation for professional development upon which the individual can build their future success.
0505551Advanced PT for Musculoskeletal Conditions3 credits
This course aims to develop advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in persons who have completed the undergraduate physiotherapy program. It will improve students' capabilities necessary for selecting appropriate physiotherapy management options utilizing an analytical approach and critical thinking to practice in musculoskeletal conditions.
0505552Advanced PT for Geriatric Conditions3 credits
This course aims to advance the educational and clinical foundations of physiotherapists working with older adults and to promote concepts of successful aging based on physiotherapy evaluation and intervention. This course will also focus on the evidence-based management of the geriatric client and practitioner-patient relationship. The prospective student will be guided through formal higher education in geriatrics to address self-identified weaknesses in specialized knowledge and/or skills, and assist self-reflection to move from intermediate practice in geriatric physical therapy toward expert and/or specialist practice. In addition to the principles of gerontology, emphasis will be laid on psychological processes and social aspects of aging as pertinent to physiotherapists.
0505553Advanced PT for Pediatric Conditions3 credits
This course aims to provide an advanced study of both acute and chronic pediatric conditions that disturb the development of motor skills and limit the potential for functional independence in adulthood. Knowledge in psychomotor development, movement education and control, and adaptations to growth are some of the aspects that will be taught in order to design effective therapeutic strategies and help the child's motor skills reach their full potential.
0505554Advanced PT for Women's Health3 credits
This course is designed to advance and validate the educational and clinical foundation of physiotherapists working with women. Women's health issues from adolescence to post-menopause will be explored including pregnancy, postpartum and gynecological disorders. This course will also provide a means through formal higher education to address self-identified weaknesses in specialized knowledge and/or skills, and assist prospective students to move from novice or intermediate practice in women's health physical therapy.
0505555Advanced PT for Sport Injuries3 credits
This course will provide an in-depth approach to the physical examination and utilization of a comprehensive baseline examination augmented by tests and measures with the highest diagnostic utility for different sport injuries. Special emphasis on applying treatment principles and techniques consistent with the evidence-based practice for benefit and best clinical practice will also be covered.
0505556Advanced PT for Cardiopulmonary Conditions3 credits
This course aims to develop an advanced approach in the area of physiotherapy management of cardiac and pulmonary conditions across the lifespan and in different work settings. It builds on the foundation in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy acquired through undergraduate education, and facilitates lifelong learning to develop advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy practice.
Entry Requirements
Careers
Graduates of the University of Sharjah’s MSc in Physiotherapy are trained for advanced roles in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. They work in hospitals, clinics, sports and fitness settings, and emerging fields like telehealth. Many pursue academic, managerial, or entrepreneurial paths, or continue with doctoral studies and specialty certifications.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the Accreditation Agency in Health and Social Sciences (AHPGS).
Programme Details
Award
MSc
Start Date
Fall and Spring
Duration
2-4 Years
Qualification
MSc
Subject Area
Health Sciences
Study Pattern
Full time / Part time