Conduct high-quality clinical research on musculoskeletal health

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences

This Master’s programme is unique in its multidisciplinary focus on clinical experimental research in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

While closely connected to the Master’s in Human Movement Sciences, this programme sets itself apart through its strong clinical orientation. Real-life health challenges—such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, or neurological conditions—serve as the starting point. You will deepen your scientific understanding with the clear aim of advancing prevention and treatment. In contrast, Human Movement Sciences primarily focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of human movement, which may have societal impact, but not necessarily in a direct clinical context. The Master Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences offers you the necessary scientific expertise, grounded in an academic attitude and skills, to advance physiotherapy.

The Master's programme in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences is a one-year, full-time programme. The programme is taught in English.

Dynamic teaching methods
In this programme, we use various teaching methods such as lectures, practicals, workgroups, seminars and directed self-guided learning. We also apply blended learning by combining on-site and online teaching. This makes the programme and your learning dynamic. The different formats enhance your theoretical knowledge and research skills, and integrate those within the context of clinical problems related to physiotherapy.

Programme credits
This Master's programme consists of 60 EC. You will follow compulsory courses (total 36 EC), in which you acquire in-depth knowledge of physiotherapy, develop scientific skills, and apply methodology with regard to data acquisition and analyses. In addition, you carry out an individual research project (24 EC), usually in the second semester.

Individual research project
During the programme, you will conduct a substantial individual research project. This project can be conducted within the labs of our own faculty or in a clinical practice, such as one that is part of the MSG Science Network. You can also choose to conduct your research project abroad. Regardless of where you decide to conduct your internship, you will be supervised by an experienced member of our academic staff.

Optional: Become a qualified lecturer in higher education
As part of this master’s programme, you can also choose to obtain the qualifications to become a lecturer in higher education (taught only in Dutch). This additional programme component consists of an additional 30 EC. See the additional information about this option.

The start date of this programme is September 1^st.

VU Online Master's Event

Thursday 26 November 2026

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1st year

Master's programme

The programme (2026-2027) is spread over 6 blocks. In blocks 1 and 2 and 3 (September – January), you will take courses on clinical experimental research related to current physiotherapeutic topics such as:

• P1 (Sept–Oct):

Pain, Body & Mind (6 EC)
Gain insights into the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal pain and the mechanisms behind physiotherapy interventions. Learn to apply measurement tools (e.g., pressure pain thresholds, questionnaires, blood tests) and present research findings on pain reduction. This course emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing pain.

Movement Analysis (6 EC)
Learn to analyze human movement using advanced techniques such as motion capture, force plates, and EMG. Develop skills in interpreting movement data for clinical and research applications in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. This course provides practical tools for assessing and improving movement patterns.

• P2 (Oct–Dec):

Challenges in Musculoskeletal Health (6 EC)
Explore current insights into pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions, such as lower back pain and osteoarthritis. Design and execute small experimental studies, and synthesize findings in structured reports. This course prepares you to address pressing challenges in musculoskeletal health.

Research Methodology Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (6 EC)
Familiarize yourself with research methods and epidemiology in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Compare research designs, perform statistical analyses, and critically evaluate published studies. This course equips you with the skills to apply research findings in academic, clinical, and applied contexts.

• P3 (Jan–Feb):

Musculoskeletal Imaging & Exercise Physiology (6 EC)
Focus: Gain insights into both tissue behaviour and the ability to visualise this using modern imaging techniques. It provides students with essential knowledge and hands-on skills in ultrasound and MRI, which are increasingly used in both research and clinical practice. This course prepares you to critically conduct, interpret imaging data, and to use imaging as a tool to study musculoskeletal structure, function, and adaptation.

• P4 (Feb–Mar):

Research in Societal Context (6 EC)
Bridge the gap between theory and practice by learning how to translate scientific knowledge into societal value. Apply theories of translation and implementation to design strategies for evidence-based interventions. This course prepares you to make a meaningful impact in sport, exercise, and health domains.

• P4–6 (Apr–Aug):

Master Research Project (24 EC)
Conduct an independent research project under expert supervision. Apply your academic, methodological, and data science skills to address a research question in human movement sciences. This project allows you to demonstrate your expertise, present your findings at a symposium, and contribute to the field through a thesis.

Specific information about the courses can be found in the study guide.

If you’re considering a future in education and academia, you may want to enhance your teaching skills as well. Each year, the Master’s programme offers 15-20 students the opportunity to acquire an accreditation for teaching in higher education. Because this accreditation is only valid in the Netherlands, this additional programme is taught exclusively in Dutch.

With a Master's degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences, a wide range of career opportunities awaits. Having a Master's degree from VU Amsterdam, as a leading institution in the field, can be helpful when applying for management or policy-making positions in physiotherapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy or physician/specialist care. This is also the case if you aspire to an academic or commercial research career. The programme provides you with the ideal preparation for pursuing a PhD in Physiotherapy or related fields in Human Movement and/or Health Sciences.

Explore your future prospects

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences

Teaching in higher education

Change your future with the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences programme

Change your future with the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences programme

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