Mres Healthy Musculoskeletal Ageing

Overview

Musculoskeletal ageing is one of the key medical and socio-economic issues facing every country in the world this century. The MRes Healthy Musculoskeletal Ageing provides students from a range of disciplines (biological/biomedical scientists; medicine; allied health professionals; sports scientists; veterinary science) with a multi-disciplinary perspective on the science, research, physical and nutritional therapeutic and preventative interventions related to health and well-being. The programme will support the personalised skills development, especially in critical analysis, written and oral communication, team-working and independent research, needed to pursue careers in e.g. biomedical research, medicine and allied health professions, veterinary science, teaching, scientific writing.

Our one-year programme takes a blended learning approach (online and face to face): online taught modules in Semester 1, and a single research project (including placement opportunities) covering semesters 2 and 3. The taught modules include material on

• Biology of ageing
• Research methods and approaches for studying musculoskeletal ageing
• Physical and nutritional interventions

Modules are delivered using a mixture of online learning materials, live tutorials and discussions, 1 to 1 mentoring, reflective blogs and directed reading. The research projects are discussed with the students on arrival in order to match students with projects suitable to individual career ambitions. There is an opportunity during the project to undertake a 3-week placement, usually (but not exclusively) at one of the other CIMA organisations.

The programme aims to equip students with:

• advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the biology of ageing and how it relates to health, disease and therapeutic interventions in the musculoskeletal system
• the skills to enable oral and written communication with professional and lay audiences
• the expertise and confidence to pursue a range of science, clinical and related career pathways
• a network of peers, researchers and professionals to build capacity within musculoskeletal ageing research.

Career prospects

MRes graduates will be well equipped to embark on a wide range of career options, including clinical or veterinary practice, allied health professions, sports science, biomedical research in academia and commercial/private sector. Previous graduates’ careers include medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, biomedical research, teaching, pharmaceutical industry, scientific writing.

The programme provides an ideal foundation for continuation of studies at doctoral level.