Development Module

The MS Trust is committed to driving excellence, equity and consistency in care for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). We work collaboratively across the MS community to strengthen education and support for healthcare professionals, and to improve outcomes and experiences for people with MS.

We support registered nurses and allied health professionals to access high-quality, evidence-based education and training to develop their knowledge, confidence and skills in MS care. We do this through our Development Module – our flagship specialist development programme for clinicians new into MS roles.

Delivered in collaboration with Birmingham City University and alongside partnerships with other MS charities and organisations, the Development Module forms part of MS Trust’s wider commitment to building a confident, capable MS workforce and strengthening care across the UK.

The Multiple Sclerosis Development Module is a three-month academic programme designed to support healthcare professionals who are new into MS roles.

It is particularly suitable for:

• MS specialist nurses
• Allied health professionals (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and pharmacists)
• Other healthcare professionals working with people with MS as part of their role

The course is aimed at clinicians who are early in post (ideally around six months in role) and looking to build confidence, knowledge and clinical capability in MS care. A minimum of three months in post is required.

The module provides a strong foundation of MS knowledge upon which further specialist skills can develop. It covers a range of clinical, professional and service-related issues relevant to practitioners working in specialist and developing MS roles, with a strong focus on translating learning into improved care for people with MS.

The MS Trust delivers this programme in partnership with the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at Birmingham City University. Successful completion of the assignment enables participants to gain 20 academic credits at Level 6 (Undergraduate) or Level 7 (Postgraduate), depending on entry requirements.

The module dates for 2026 are:

• 14 -18 September 2026 - applications now open

To register your interest please complete the booking form below.

The course begins with a week of in-person teaching (Monday–Friday) at the Cromwell Hotel in Stevenage. This immersive taught week brings together clinicians from across the UK to learn from expert speakers and to share practice and experience.

Following the taught week, participants have three months to complete a written academic assignment. The programme is equivalent to 200 study hours in total.

Ongoing support is provided throughout the assignment period via online tutorials and academic guidance, alongside peer learning and support from the cohort.

The Development Module provides a comprehensive introduction to MS care, combining clinical knowledge with practical application. Content is delivered by expert speakers, including experienced MS clinicians, educators and people with lived experience.

Topics typically include:

• MS pathology and disease course
• Symptom management and holistic care
• Treatment approaches and shared decision-making
• Psychological wellbeing and adjustment
• Multidisciplinary working and care coordination
• Supporting self-management and personalised care
• Professional role development and service improvement

The programme is designed to be practical, clinically relevant and grounded in real-world MS practice, supporting participants to translate learning directly into improved care for people with MS.

The MS Trust receives no government or NHS funding. However, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and sponsors, we can offer a limited number of bursaries to subsidise places on the Development Module.

Receiving funding for your place means that £2,160 (including VAT) has been invested in you, your professional development, and our shared commitment to improving care for people living with MS.

Attendance and engagement are crucial. Failure to attend without sufficient notice means that this donated funding – and the potential positive impact on MS care – is lost.

For those who are not awarded a bursary, the full cost of the course is £2,160 (including VAT). This includes the cost of registration with Birmingham City University (£360 including VAT) to complete the assignment. Please note that completion of the assignment is compulsory.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must:

• Be working at Band 6 or above (or equivalent)
• Have been in post for at least three months
• Have a caseload where 50% or more of patients have MS

Bursaries are available for the Birmingham City University accredited Development Module (and MS Trust Annual Conference). Applicants will be asked to provide information to support their application, which will be reviewed by the MS Trust. Levels of funding are at the discretion of the Trust and are usually in the region of 80%.

Applicants are primarily expected to be in NHS-funded posts.

We also welcome applications from those in charity-funded posts.

Privately funded posts will be considered on an individual basis where there is clear benefit for people with MS and space available.

NHS Trusts may also have local education funding available, and we encourage applicants to explore this option.

For further information, please contact education@mstrust.org.uk.
 

The Development Module sits within MS Trust’s wider education offer and our commitment to working collaboratively with other MS charities and partners across the UK. Our approach is to strengthen, complement and support the MS education landscape.

This programme is designed to:

• Build confidence and capability in clinicians new into MS roles
• Strengthen multidisciplinary working
• Support consistent, high-quality MS care across the UK
• Improve experiences and outcomes for people living with MS

To register your interest please complete the booking form below.