Program Overview

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Doctorate of Physiotherapy

The Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) at Robert Gordon University is an accelerated programme that provides a unique opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Physiotherapist, develop clinically applied research skills, and achieve a Doctorate.

Course Overview

The DPT Physiotherapy course is the first of its kind in the UK and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The programme is designed to increase research capacity and capability within the physiotherapy profession, enabling students to improve the quality of care and productivity of health services.

Mode of Study

• On Campus

Mode of Attendance

• Full Time

Start Date

• January

Course Length

• 3 years 5 months

What You Will Study

The course has a firm emphasis on the development of doctorate-level research skills in conjunction with the clinical reasoning and practical skills required of a Physiotherapist. Academic modules have been developed to allow students to develop strong core assessment, treatment, and research skills, and a deeper knowledge of core areas such as exercise prescription and health improvement theory.

Teaching & Assessment

Students will be taught via a mixture of problem-orientated, enquiry-based learning, with practical workshops, projects, and simulation, working with volunteer patients, and in the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre. The Doctoral thesis will allow in-depth study of a clinically or service-relevant area to PhD level.

Placements & Jobs

Students will undertake six placements spread over the first 2 years of the course. The final placement is an elective arranged by the student and can be undertaken in any country if the required conditions are met. The Thesis will be undertaken at a clinical or academic site with a clinical supervisor in addition to the research supervision team.

Entry Requirements

Applicants typically possess a Bachelor's undergraduate degree in a science subject, such as biological or sports science, and should contain human anatomy and physiology with a 1st Class honours classification, or a minimum GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 Scale, or equivalent.

Applicants from the USA

Applicants from the USA will also be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken all the prerequisite subjects in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Educational Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Applicants from other countries

Applicants from other countries should hold an equivalent award in a relevant subject.

English Language Requirements

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7.0 in all aspects of the test or an appropriate equivalent.

Fees & Funding

• Scottish Students: Ł11,750 per year
• Rest of UK Students: Ł11,750 per year
• International Students: Ł21,730 per year

Accreditation

The Doctorate of Physiotherapy at Robert Gordon University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Facilities

The Clinical Skills Centre is situated in the Ishbel Gordon Building and has a number of different rooms and laboratories purposefully designed to practise clinical skills. The Physiotherapy Suite and Gym include two rooms that resemble physiotherapy clinics and a gym for all practical work.

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Student Funding

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

Students may qualify for a scholarship or financial award.