Key information
Duration
- Full-time — 36 months (Duration: 3 - 4 years)
- Part-time — 72 months (Duration: 6 - 8 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2026 — Application deadline not specified.
- Starting January 2027
- Apply before Nov 2026, International (estimated deadline; applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country).
- Apply before Feb 2027, International (estimated deadline; applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country).
- Apply before Mar 2027, National (estimated deadline; applies if you have the same nationality as the university).
We recommend that you apply as soon as you are able to as courses may occasionally close early.
Language
English
- PTE Academic: 62
- IELTS: 6.5
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Colchester, United Kingdom
Disciplines
- Physiotherapy
- Kinesiology
Overview
As a research student at Essex, you'll work at the heart of the internationally acknowledged and well-connected research community. The School offers an environment with an excellent reputation for research and teaching. Learn more at the Musculoskeletal Practice course offered by University of Essex.
A unique feature is that many of our staff work with local National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and other local health agencies, which enhances the grasp of the contemporary links between academic research, the major issues of the day and practice.
The facilities include a wide range of ergometers and treadmills, force plates, isokinetic dynamometers, a Vicon motion capture system, electronic timing gates, and a variety of EMG systems. Equipment includes ultrasound systems that enable high quality musculoskeletal imaging.
Your future
Following completion of the course, the students' career development opportunities are enhanced considerably. Some choose to retain a clinical focus and integrate their research skills into the professional roles, others decide to follow careers that are research based contributing to health care policy, efficiency and delivery.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
- In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge.
- A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- PTE Academic: 62
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- You will need a good honours degree or Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
- You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International — 38,780 AUD / year (≈ 20,625 GBP / year)
- Domestic — 9,849 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Additional Details
Part-time fees:
- Home/UK fee: £2,619 per year
- International fee: £10,313 per year
Living costs
Colchester
United Kingdom
1,241-2,143 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Musculoskeletal Practice. Available scholarships include:
- The Always Essex Staff Discount — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- Turing Scheme Funding — Provided by university, Grant, 1360 GBP, Deadline: Anytime, Need-based
- Summer Abroad Turing Scheme Funding — Provided by university, Grant, 1360 GBP, Deadline: Anytime, Need-based
- Alumni Loyalty Discount — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Independent provider, Grant, 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Independent provider, Grant, 19000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 28 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 6000 USD, Deadline: 31 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Independent provider, Grant, 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — Independent provider, Grant, 22500 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant, 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Independent provider, Grant, 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027