MSc Queries

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Dear all,

I am in the process of trying to decide upon on an MSc. I am a specialist musculoskeletal podiatrist working in the NHS and obviously wish to choose a course relevant to my work.

I've been looking at the Staffs Uni MSc which looks good. I wondered if anyone could advise on MSc courses, fees, juggling the workload with full-time employment, etc.

Any advice and/or pointers would be most welcome.

Regards,

Mark

 

Hi Mark,

Up to now i have completed 6 MSc modules at staffs. I would advise anyone with an interest in biomechanics to undertake the course.

although i was running a biomechanics clinic at work i would not say i had a vast wealth of experience, the course has given me a great baseline and confidence to develop my clinical skills.

the course in based on weekend attendance at staffs.
i paid- 15 point modules around 330, 30 point modules aound 660.

pgcert 60 points, pgdip 120 points.

workload is alot with working fulltime, "but not pain no gain!!!!!!"

cheers scott

 

Re: MSc

If I were you Mark I'd look at a bio-engineering masters. It will be more challenging, but more rewarding. I heard, some years ago that allegedly questions were being raised in terms of the academic rigour of the Staffordshire course. It may never have been an issue, they may have got it sorted out now (if it ever was an issue), but I'd still pick a bio-eng course at a University with pedigree in the field any day of the week. Just my view. Probably worth checking out the QAA reports to sort the rumour from fact.

 

I agree with Simon,

Go the bioengineering route.

If you already have a good degree (ie a 2.1 or 1st) you can gain access to virtually any Uni in England (not sure about Scotland, Ireland and Wales but I'm sure the same applies). For example, one colleague who recently did well on her Top-up degree is about to send to Cambridge for a Prospectus.

As Simon, I can't comment on the worth or otherwise of the Staffs MSc, but I can comment on the broadening of horizons which is inevitible when you enter a strange dept in a strange Uni (not that I'm suggesting Durham is strange!), most of whose inmates probably haven't even heard of podiatric biomech.

 

I have done 3 of the modules at Staffs, and found them very useful. I found some of the available modules more relevant to my clinical work than others, but generally enjoyed the ones I did. I did find weekend study quite difficult as well as working full time. I think a course during the week may have suited me better. Mark, if you do undertake this, or any other MSc for that matter, be prepared to do A LOT of work! As I'm sure you are aware, it requires a lot of committment. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.