Triangle

Course overview

Do you have an interest in neurological injury and recovery? Do you aspire to expand your expertise and widen your knowledge in movement rehabilitation? Are you keen in utilizing evidence-based practice to sharpen your critical thinking and problem- solving abilities? If so, our Neurological Rehabilitation MSc could be the perfect fit for you.

This new degree is open to a wide variety of students from different subject areas and is an exciting step to advance your knowledge and take a journey into unlocking the future of neurorehabilitation.

Subjects you will study include:

  • neurosciences of movement in health and disease
  • motor learning and control theories and their applications
  • critically evaluating research
  • theories and trends in neurorehabilitation
  • rehabilitation management theories and models
  • emerging and innovative technologies in rehabilitation

You’ll be taught in the new National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), a 70 bed NHS rehabilitation facility near Loughborough and Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK.

This course aims to provide you with:

  • advanced knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles, theories, and evidence-based practices related to neurorehabilitation
  • skills and competencies necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate rehabilitation programs for individuals with neurological movement dysfunctions
  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enable students to make informed clinical decisions and apply evidence-based practices in their work
  • the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to adapt to changing trends and developments in the field of neurorehabilitation
  • collaboration opportunities between healthcare professionals with special interest in neurorehabilitation
  • professional growth and development through increased use of reflective practice and leadership
  • critical awareness of ethical issues related to rehabilitation and the role of neurorehabilitation in promoting social inclusion and autonomy
  • an ability to impact practice and policy, and contribute towards sustainable rehabilitation service delivery for the betterment of society

If you have any questions about the course or NRC, please email us.

*The date on which applications open and the course start date are dependent on the completion of the building of the National Rehabilitation Centre, which is scheduled for the end of 2024.

Why choose this course?

A top 20 university

The University of Nottingham is ranked a top 20 university in the UK 2023. *

*Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Access to the NRC

Develop your skills with the opportunity to study at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), a new 70-bed NHS rehabilitation facility, currently being built near Loughborough, designed for research, innovation and education.

Top employer in the UK

Ranked 2nd in the UK for top employers in 2023. *

* High Fliers Graduate Market Report 2023

Course content

Following the successful completion of the taught modules, you will undertake a research project in topic of your choice.

The programme consists of six 20 credit taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.

Modules

Rehabilitation Neuroscience 20 credits

This module focuses on Rehabilitation Neuroscience.

This module considers:

  • Methodologies of studying the nervous system
  • Basic anatomy of and physiology of the nervous system
  • Neuronal Signalling
  • Sensory-motor integration
  • Perception and action
  • Complex brain functions
  • Cognitive motor interference
  • The changing brain
Rehabilitation Theory and Models 20 credits

Rehabilitation Theory and Models

Students will be provided with an overview of concepts central to all forms of rehabilitation.

  • disability from different perspectives, models of disability, biopsychosocial model
  • WHO conceptual framework
  • links between theory, research and practice in rehabilitation
  • research issues in rehabilitation research
  • how research evidence informs rehabilitation
  • rehabilitation in practice from psychological and multidisciplinary perspectives
  • the spectrum of rehabilitation
  • health and social contexts in which rehabilitation occurs
Rehabilitation Research Methods 20 credits

Rehabilitation Research Methods

This module will build upon students’ previous experience of research methods to develop their critical review of a variety of evidence within the rehabilitative field of healthcare. Students will be exposed to a range of different research paradigms, methodological approaches, and forms of analysis to enable them to critically evaluate evidence to inform further research and professional practises.

The philosophy of scientific inquiry, principles of research design, and application of statistical techniques will be discussed with special consideration given to research studies in healthcare and rehabilitation. Integrated into this course will be an orientation to consider issues of equity, reflexivity and ethics that may inform rehabilitation research and rehabilitation care provision.

Rehabilitation Research Project 60 credits

In this module, you’ll design, develop and implement your own research with supervision from a researcher within our team.

It’s a key part of your course that allows you to explore an exciting area of research, such as:

  • rehabilitation
  • sports injury rehabilitation
  • neurorehabilitation
  • exercise remedial instruction

Carrying out a research project to this scale gives a valuable insight into the world of rehabilitation research while allowing you to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 August 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Motor control and learning 20 credits

Motor Control

Exploring motor control and learning including:

  • motor control; theories and implications
  • motor learning and recovery of function
  • systems theory
  • neural correlates of motor control and learning
  • pathological constraints on motor control
  • optimising motor learning
  • functional human movements
  • clinical and applied research methods of movement
Trends in Neurorehabilitation 20 credits

Trends in Neurorehabilitation

This module considers:

  • Predicting and measuring neurorehabilitation outcomes
  • Aging and neurorehabilitation
  • Fatigue impact on neurorehabilitation
  • Sleep and neurorehabilitation
  • Person-centred care in neurorehabilitation
  • Neuropalliative rehabilitation
  • Neuroimaging in Rehabilitation
  • Existing advances in neurorehabilitation research
  • Sustainable neurorehabilitation
Technology in Rehabilitation 20 credits

Technology in Rehabilitation

Building knowledge and understanding the application of technology currently being used in contemporary rehabilitation in healthcare. You will also critique the current evidence around the use of technology in healthcare.

  • conceptual framework: from movement neuroscience to technology application
  • mobile devices and wearable biosensors
  • interactive rehabilitation technologies
  • robotic technologies for neurorehabilitation
  • brain-computer interface
  • intelligent systems in rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for Pain Management 20 credits

This module is run over 6 days in Spring Semester. You will develop the knowledge, skills and critical aptitude to apply evidence based rehabilitation for people with a range of musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Assessment is an oral via in which the student discusses and demonstrates rehabilitation strategies for a clinical case study.

Course Convenor: Paul Hendrick

 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 August 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials
  • Research project
  • Case-based learning

Teaching methods include case-based learning, lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and a research project.

How you will be assessed

  • Dissertation
  • Exams
  • Presentations
  • Assignments

Assessment of your learning includes practical assessments, presentations, exams and a dissertation. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Undergraduate degreeA 2:1 in a Healthcare Subject, Engineering, Science, or Psychology and related fields.
Additional information

Relevant work experience: while not mandatory, relevant work experience in healthcare, engineering, psychology, or scientific research can strengthen the application.

Personal statement outlining the applicant's interest in neurological rehabilitation, career goals, and how the programme aligns with their professional aspirations.

References: two academic or professional references supporting the applicant's suitability for the programme.

Healthcare

This includes, but is not limited to, degrees in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, or medicine (MBBS or equivalent). Other relevant healthcare disciplines such as speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, and healthcare management are also considered.

Engineering

Applicants with a background in engineering are encouraged to apply, particularly those with degrees in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other relevant engineering fields. This allows for the integration of engineering principles with rehabilitation techniques to develop innovative solutions.

Psychology and related fields

Psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science applicants are suitable for this programme. These fields provide a solid foundation for understanding the brain-behaviour relationship and the psychological aspects of rehabilitation.

Science

This includes degrees in biological sciences (such as biology, biochemistry, or physiology), physical sciences (such as physics or chemistry), and other related scientific disciplines. These backgrounds contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underpinning neurological rehabilitation.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Where you will learn

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £13,450
International £23,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

Related courses

Rehabilitation MSc

This programme will give students an interdisciplinary view of rehabilitation, drawing ideas from the latest research and clinical practices.
View course

Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation MSc

Our new master's programme will develop your skills and expertise to rehabilitate people after traumatic injury and provide exercise interventions for a range of health conditions including injuries sustained in the high-pressure environment of the army forces.
View course

Sport Injury Rehabilitation MSc

Develop specialist sports injury rehabilitation knowledge and apply your skills, optimising athletes return to play – refining your clinical judgement skills, your understanding of professional issues in sports, and conduct innovative research in sports injury rehabilitation.
View course

This content was last updated on Thursday 22 August 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.