MSc Prosthetics & Orthotics
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
Work placement: visits to local clinical centres
Guest lectures: internationally recognised lecturers from WHO and large NGOs
Study with us
- combines knowledge of the engineering and medical sciences with advances in technology and practice to generate applications and solutions to clinically relevant problems
- undertake a clinically-relevant project in the rehabilitation area of prosthetics and/or orthotics
- develop your career as a health professional
- experience laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises and clinical visits
- gain a Masters-level degree in this clinical area, while considering globally the effects of disability within a population and society’s approaches globally
- one of only two UK universities offering training in prosthetics and orthotics
Why this course?
The MSc Prosthetics & Orthotics is one of the few programmes globally that offers a specific degree in prosthetics and orthotics. The National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics (NCPO), within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has an international reputation for quality education within this field. Staff of the NCPO is involved in research and clinical practice both nationally and internationally.
The course aims to produce postgraduates with a first degree to be in Prosthetics & Orthotics, who are capable of developing careers in allied health professions and biomedical engineering (research, industrial and NHS).
Our learning environment brings together ideas and concepts from science, medicine and engineering to enable the development of relevant clinical and industrial research. You'll also benefit from the opportunity to meet our many industrial and clinical collaborators to help advise and further your career.
Voraluck's story
Hear from Voraluck Prakotmongkol about her experience of the MSc Prosthetics & Orthotics at Strathclyde, and life in Glasgow.
What you'll study
Taught classes, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises and clinical visits take place during Semesters 1 and 2. MSc students complete a research or development project reported by a thesis.
Work placement
Visits to local clinical centres and lectures from industrialists and visiting experts from the UK and overseas are an integral part of our courses.
You'll also have the opportunity to meet our many industrial and clinical collaborators to help advise and further your career.
Major projects
You'll undertake a clinically-relevant project in the rehabilitation area of prosthetics and/or orthotics. The project provides an opportunity for you to experience the challenges and rewards of sustained, independent study in a topic of your own choice in the general field of prosthetics and orthotics.
It will involve you in a number of processes which include justification of the selected topic; selecting, devising and applying appropriate methods and techniques; anticipating and solving problems which arise; displaying knowledge of background literature; and evaluating and reporting the conclusions of the study. The project may take the form of an extended literature review or involve experimental work. This project work will have been supported by a compulsory research methods module and specialist knowledge classes throughout the year designed to assist with technical aspects of methodology and analysis.
Facilities
The Department of Biomedical Engineering comprises Biomedical Engineering and the National Centre for Prosthetics & Orthotics (NCPO) – two complementary and key areas of health technology teaching and research within the University.
NCPO has modern dedicated design and manufacture facilities for prosthetics and orthotics. Our custom-built facilities provide clinical examination, treatment and bespoke workshop areas. We can provide access to these high quality facilities for the assessment of devices and patient performance.
Specialist equipment includes:
- Tracer CAD scanners and robotic milling system
- Specialist laminate manufacture facility
- Silicon coach video clinical analysis system
Athena Swan Award
The Department of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Disability & Societal Effects
This module aims to expand understanding of disability and its impact on societies. The World Health Organisations Report on Disability ,and the United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disability (UN CRPD) will be used as a basis to raise awareness and appreciation of disability and the effect on society, and future impact.
Throughout this module, students will be expected to:
- investigate the current literature on global issues and rights surrounding disability
- critically evaluate and discuss different societies consider the implementation of these rights
- appraise the effects international societies and different organisational impact such as NGOs persons with disability, and their effectiveness and longevity
- evaluate the effectiveness of long term change in each society considered
- appraise future research requirements to evidence disability and its impact on societies across the globe as a priority for fully embedded evidence-based change
Dissertation
This dissertation aims to provide an opportunity for students to experience the challenges and rewards of sustained, independent study in a topic of their own choice in the general field of Prosthetics & Orthotics.
It will involve students in a number of processes which may include justification of the selected topic; selecting, devising and applying appropriate methods and techniques; anticipating and solving problems which arise; displaying knowledge of background literature; and evaluating and reporting the conclusions of the study.
The dissertation is likely to take the form of a literature review. This project work will have been supported by a compulsory research methods module and specialist knowledge classes throughout the year designed to assist with technical aspects of methodology and analysis.
Project
The object of the project is to expand and enlarge on work within the clinically applied fields of prosthetics and/or orthotics or a revised topic in order to prepare a full paper for submission to a referee engineering journal.
This may involve further research and background study, further experimental and/or simulation work, more detailed analysis and discussion of results, or other activities, to be agreed by the individual supervisor.
The full paper will be prepared by the student, under supervision, in the correct format from submission to the chosen journal.
The primary aim of the class is to give students practice and experience of integrating different strands of rehabilitation engineering, design and business input to a prosthetic and orthotic investigation or design. The content will relate to a realistic context and the class will prepare students for situations which they may encounter in subsequent employment and future research.
Medical Science for Engineering
You'll be provided with instruction in key areas of human anatomy, physiology and cell biology relevant to the advanced study of bio and clinical engineering. You'll gain an understanding of normal biological function and control as derived from scientific and clinical evidence.
The class aims to educate you to use your knowledge of normal function to better understand pathology, disease diagnosis and treatment.
Engineering Science
Professional studies in Biomedical Engineering
This class aims to:
- provide an introduction to the philosophy, ethics and methodology of research
- outline the role that the bioengineer plays in the solution of clinical problems
- provide training in the principles, assessment and application of safety procedures in areas relevant to medical physics and biomedical engineering
- engender an awareness of the importance of regulatory issues in medical device design and manufacturing
Research Methodology
Regenerative Medicine
You'll learn to describe the developments and advances in regenerative/repair medicine in terms of
- Source of cells
- Cell expansion/seeding and bioreactor technology
- Tissue scaffolds: design criteria, fabrication and characterisation
- Clinical status of replacement tissues and organs
Tissues mechanics
Clinical & Sports Biomechanics
This class aims to provide you with the ability to appraise the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement techniques in the development and evaluation of clinical practice in rehabilitation and in the production and management of sports injuries. The class will also allow you to assess the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement in the improvement of human function and the optimising of sports performance. The class will focus on orthopaedic and neurological issues.
Biosignal Processing & Analysis
This class aims to familiarise students with the fundamentals and concepts of signals and systems (both continuous-time and discrete-time), and to develop a framework for processing and analysing a variety of biomedical signals and images (biosignals), including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and magnetic resonance images.
You'll also develop valuable Mathcad and MATLAB signal/image processing skills, through non-compulsory self-study laboratory exercises.
Biomaterials & Biocompatibility
This class aims to:
- provide fundamental information on the properties of synthetic biomaterials, and how these are evaluated experimentally and from the literature
- outline how material properties are influenced by methods of processing
- explore with the aid of appropriate examples what is meant by biocompatibility; provide an overview of the host responses to and interactions with biomaterials, and how these interactions are assessed and influenced by surface properties
- introduce the principles of toxicology, identify the major toxic interactions with foreign chemicals and the protective mechanisms which enable us to survive most toxic insults. Assessment of the safety of materials according to the International Standards will be discussed
Cardiovascular Devices
This class aims to:
- give students a broad overview of cardiovascular devices used in the clinical setting for the treatment of a range of clinical conditions
- demonstrate and develop an understanding of the clinical, design and regulatory challenges involved in developing devices for this clinical sector
- offer some insight into the pathologies underlying the need for cardiovascular device technologies
Haemodynamics for Engineers
This module aims to give students an insight into the complexities of blood flow, and how the laws of fluid relate to the flow of blood in health and disease, and the design of cardiovascular prostheses and devices, in particular.
The basic principles underlying the measurement of blood pressure and flow will be explored in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Numerical Modelling in Biomedical Engineering
This module aims to provide experience of using numerical modelling tools, in particular Matlab, in a Biomedical Engineering context. For those with no knowledge of matlab, some pre-class preparatory work will be required and expected.
Case studies will be presented from the departmental research portfolio that require the use of numerical modelling. These case studies will be explained in detail, together with a methodology of the required numerical modelling to answer the research question. Students will be expected to write their own code to answer the research question, to appropriately graphically present results and to interpret the results in context.
Medical Robotics
This module aims to introduce the concepts and the design of medical robotics and its applications in various medical disciplines including, interventions, surgery and rehabilitation.
The course focuses on fundamental principles such as kinematics, dynamics, control and artificial intelligent combined with medical applications and examples.
Learning & teaching
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, practical laboratories, teaching seminars, networking events and career support sessions.
Guest lectures
This programme will include internationally recognised lecturers from the World Health Organisation and large NGOs globally which may include Handicap International and the international Committee for the Red Cross.
Assessment
Methods of assessment include written assignments, exams, presentations and individual projects.
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be an Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Our students have progressed to managerial or specialist clinical roles. Many are educators who will facilitate learning for new practitioners within their home country.
Senior Teaching Fellow
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in prosthetics and orthotics. |
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English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Fees & funding
Any UK practising Orthotist wishing to undertake this Masters programme will be eligible to apply for funding from the Orthotic Education and Training Trust, and would be considered for funding up to a maximum of 67%.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
Scotland | £11,900 |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £11,900 |
Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
International | £31,100 |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Visa & immigration | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Our volunteers: Geoffrey Ward
Geoffrey was working for the British Army in the Falkland Islands, after the war in 1983, when he stepped on a mine and, as a result, lost his foot. He went back to work following surgery and rehabilitation and then around eight years ago he began volunteering at the University to work with students.
Careers
This Masters degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics is planned to afford the graduates the ability to consider and evaluate prosthetic and orthotic clinical practice with an evidence-based approach. The programme is designed to develop the ability to assess the country-specific health care needs as recommended in the World Health Organisation guidelines and standards, and in alignment with the UN convention of Human Rights of the persons with a Disability. Future careers would include:
- education
- prosthetic & orthotic healthcare management
- clinical research
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Apply
During the application process, you must upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we will not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide your individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualification. If youre still studying, please provide this after completing your qualification
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees
Start date: Sep 2025
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Start date: Sep 2025
Prosthetics and Orthotics
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