University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This master’s combines taught modules, laboratory practicals, simulated clinical learning and extensive supervised clinical placements. Core areas of study include anatomy and physiology relevant to limb loss and neuromuscular conditions; biomechanics and gait analysis; principles of prosthetic and orthotic prescription; materials and manufacturing processes; socket and orthosis design; alignment, fitting and outcome measurement; pain management and rehabilitation; and professional practice, clinical governance and ethics.

Teaching emphasises practical skills such as casting, scanning, component selection, fitting and tuning, together with clinical reasoning and patient-centred assessment. Students complete applied projects or a research dissertation that can involve clinical audit, product development, biomechanics research or health services evaluation. Assessment mixes practical examinations, case portfolios, written assignments and a final research or capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as biomedical science, anatomy, engineering, sports science, physiotherapy or another allied health discipline. Candidates with a lower-class degree may be considered if they can demonstrate significant and relevant clinical or laboratory experience.

Typical application supporting documents include academic transcripts, references, a personal statement explaining clinical motivation, and evidence of relevant practical experience where available. Successful applicants must satisfy occupational health and background checks required for clinical placements; international applicants will need to meet the programme's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as prosthetists and orthotists in a range of settings. Common destinations include specialist NHS prosthetic and orthotic departments, private clinics, independent practice, rehabilitation centres and charities working in low-resource settings. Other career paths include working for component manufacturers and suppliers, roles in research and development, clinical education and academic research, or multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.

The programme’s mix of clinical placements, practical skills training and research prepares graduates both for practice registration pathways and for continued professional development within health services or industry.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde brings a strong applied emphasis, with close links to clinical services and industry that support rich placement opportunities and hands-on learning. The university’s facilities for biomechanics, materials testing and gait analysis give students access to the equipment and technical expertise they need to develop both clinical and technical competencies.

Students benefit from a multidisciplinary environment that connects biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science and clinical practice, and from teaching delivered by staff with clinical, research and industry experience. The programme is designed to integrate academic rigour with real-world clinical training, preparing graduates to meet the demands of contemporary prosthetic and orthotic practice.