University of Otago

What you'll study

This graduate diploma combines taught coursework, practical clinical skills training and supervised workplace-based learning to build competence in musculoskeletal medicine. Core subjects typically include clinical anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, structured history-taking and examination, differential diagnosis, musculoskeletal ultrasound and basic imaging interpretation, injection and soft-tissue procedures, pain management principles, rehabilitation and exercise prescription, and long-term condition management.

The programme uses a mix of formats: face-to-face and blended lectures, hands-on workshops (for procedural skills and ultrasound), case-based learning, and clinical attachments in primary and secondary care settings. Students also study research methods, evidence-based practice and professional and ethical issues relevant to procedural and outpatient musculoskeletal practice.

• Clinical assessment and examination of joints, spine and soft tissues
• Musculoskeletal imaging and point-of-care ultrasound fundamentals
• Injection techniques and procedural safety
• Conservative management, rehabilitation and exercise prescription
• Pain mechanisms and multimodal pain management
• Evidence-based practice and basic research methods
• Clinical case conferences and reflective practice

Structure and delivery

The diploma is delivered over a programme of credit-bearing papers that can be taken part-time or in a flexible sequence to fit clinical duties. Clinical placements and supervised practice form an essential component, with assessment through written exams, practical assessments, workplace-based assessments and case reports.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a primary medical qualification (for example MBChB or equivalent) and to be registered, or eligible for registration, with the relevant medical regulatory authority in their practising jurisdiction. Demonstrable clinical experience post-graduation is normally required, and selection favours applicants with recent practice in primary or secondary care. Applicants must provide a current curriculum vitae, evidence of medical registration, and referees who can comment on clinical competence.

International medical graduates are considered where they meet the University’s admission criteria and can satisfy local registration or supervised-practice requirements for clinical placements. Specific details on documentation and any workplace requirements are provided during the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates use the diploma to consolidate and extend clinical practice in musculoskeletal care. Typical career pathways include enhanced roles in general practice with a focus on musculoskeletal problems, positions in sports medicine, extended scope practitioner roles in primary and secondary care, orthopaedic and rheumatology training pathways, and positions in allied multidisciplinary musculoskeletal services. The programme also supports clinicians pursuing procedural practice (for example joint and soft-tissue injections), leadership of musculoskeletal clinics, or further postgraduate study and research in musculoskeletal health.

Employers value the combination of clinical assessment skills, procedural competence and evidence-based decision-making developed through the diploma, which can improve patient management and service delivery in community and hospital settings.

Why study at University of Otago

University of Otago has New Zealand’s oldest and largest medical school with a strong reputation for clinical teaching and health research. The musculoskeletal diploma is taught by clinicians and academics active in musculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine, orthopaedics and rehabilitation, offering access to experienced supervisors and a network of clinical training sites across Otago and affiliated hospitals.

Students benefit from hands-on workshops, supervised clinical attachments and access to the University’s research and teaching resources. The programme emphasises practical skills and workplace integration, making it well suited to practising clinicians seeking to up-skill while continuing professional work.