Master Manual Therapy

Advancing to a specialist within the musculoskeletal domain

The Master Manual Therapy at SOMT University of Physiotherapy is a postgraduate master’s programme for physiotherapists who aim to develop into specialists in the treatment of complex disorders of the spine and extremities.

In this programme, you combine clinical expertise, scientific evidence, and intensive skills training, always with a direct connection to clinical practice.

The programme is designed for professionals who want to go beyond protocols and guidelines, deepen their clinical reasoning at master’s level, and learn to apply manual therapy techniques in a well-considered manner based on current scientific insights.

Why choose this master’s programme?

Postgraduate Master’s programme in Manual Therapy (MSc)
Accredited by the NVAO
Programme at EQF level 7
Available as a part-time programme (3 years, compatible with work) or full-time (1.5 years)
Strong focus on complex spine and extremity-related conditions
Intensive skills training with ample practice time and targeted feedback
Small-scale education with personal guidance

The Master Manual Therapy prepares you for independent and responsible clinical practice in complex and less predictable situations. You develop into a specialist who is able to make well-founded clinical decisions and take on a substantive role within the professional field.

Combineer deze master met een tweede specialisatie

Wist je dat je deze master ook kunt combineren met een tweede masteropleiding bij SOMT? In vier jaar tijd behaal je twee mastertitels en ontwikkel je je tot een klinisch expert met brede én diepgaande expertise in het behandelen van complexe klachten aan het bewegingsapparaat.

Benieuwd naar de mogelijkheden? Bekijk hier de informatiepagina over de dubbele master fysiotherapie bij SOMT.

The Master in Practice

Curious what the Master Manual Therapy looks like in practice? Watch the video in which lecturers and participants share their experiences with the programme.

What will you learn?

Analysis and treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions
Clinical reasoning from a biopsychosocial perspective
Mobilisation and manipulation techniques for the spine and extremities
Evidence-based practice and scientific underpinning
Reflection on and justification of clinical decisions, applying manual therapy based on current scientific insights

Part-time Master’s at a glance

Duration: 3 years (90 ECTS)
Study load: approximately 13–16 hours per week (excluding clinical practice)
Location: Amersfoort and on selected occasions in Heerlen
Start date: September
Language: Dutch (literature largely in English)
Contact days: Friday (Amersfoort) and Saturday (Heerlen)
Practice and internships: integrated into the programme and linked to your own work setting
Tuition fees: see the full fee overview for current part-time master’s costs
Funding: Lifelong Learning Credit (via DUO)

Full-time Master’s at a glance

Duration: 1.5 years (90 ECTS)
Study load: approximately 40 hours per week, including three contact days
Location: Amersfoort
Start dates: September and January
Language: Dutch (literature largely in English)
Contact days: three days per week (schedule to be announced)
Practice and internships: integrated into the programme
Tuition fees: see the full fee overview for current part-time master’s costs
Funding: Lifelong Learning Credit (via DUO)

Onderwijs, toetsing en praktijk

De Master Manuele Therapie is praktijkgericht en verdiepend van opzet. Je leert vanuit herkenbare casuïstiek uit de dagelijkse praktijk en ontwikkelt specialistische manueel therapeutische vaardigheden, onderbouwd met kennis van functionele anatomie, pathologie en klinische biomechanica.

Vaardigheidsonderwijs, intensieve feedback en praktijkleren vormen de kern van de opleiding. Daarnaast werk je aan academische vaardigheden, waaronder het uitvoeren en verantwoorden van praktijkgericht onderzoek. Toetsing en stages zijn gericht op professioneel handelen in complexe klinische situaties, waarbij je laat zien wat je doet, hoe je handelt en waarom je tot bepaalde klinische keuzes komt.

Faculty & Practice

You will be taught by experienced manual therapists, researchers, and academically trained lecturers who are actively involved in clinical practice. They guide you in deepening your clinical reasoning and bring current challenges from the professional field directly into the classroom.

Admission & Enrolment

A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, or
A degree in Medicine with BIG registration
Working in clinical practice is recommended

Funding of the Master’s Programme

Lifelong Learning Credit

Would you like to enrol in a programme but are no longer eligible for regular student finance? You may be able to apply for the Lifelong Learning Credit through DUO.

This loan allows you to finance your tuition or course fees, making it possible to continue your professional development, even later in your career.

The amount you can borrow depends on the tuition fees of the programme.

For more information and to apply, visit: duo.nl/levenlanglerenkrediet

Student Finance via DUO

Full-time students may be eligible for student finance through DUO. This may include a basic grant, supplementary grant, student loan, and a public transport (travel) card.

Eligibility depends on your personal situation, such as your age and any previous education.

For more information about the conditions and how to apply, please visit the DUO website.

After the Master’s Programme

After completing the Master Manual Therapy, you are prepared for a specialist role within physiotherapy care, with a focus on complex conditions, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and professional responsibility.

Explore or get acquainted

Would you like to learn more about the programme or receive personal advice? Visit an open day or get in touch.