Physiotherapy – Pre-registration PgCert | PgDip | MSc
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
At Robert Gordon University, the MSc Physiotherapy Pre-registration course is an accelerated programme which builds on prior learning and experience to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice physiotherapy and make a difference to patients’ lives. Over two years you will experience an exciting and varied mix of academic and clinical learning.
Providing a rewarding learning experience, the course will prepare you for work in demanding clinical settings where you will be working as part of a diverse team of people to promote health and well-being. You will be able to effectively assess and treat patients, continually analyse and evaluate your practice and meet the demands of the rapidly changing health sector.
Program Outline
Academic modules allow you to develop strong core assessment and treatments skills and a deeper knowledge of key areas such as exercise prescription and health promotion practice. Integrating the core practice areas of cardiovascular respiratory, neurology and musculoskeletal encourages you to think holistically about your patients.
Clinical practice elements are interspersed between academic modules enabling you to put your learning into practice and consolidating and further developing your knowledge and skills.
Canadian student Jessie Dalton talks about her experience of the course
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information. Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Staff members use a variety of active learning methods. This means that you are rarely simply sitting listening in lectures. In class you will be engaging with theory to discuss how it relates in practice, developing clinical reasoning skills through working on case studies or in practical classes. Simulated learning opportunities, where you work with volunteer patients, provide a stepped approach to you moving into the real clinical environment. Tutorial and workshop classes are small, typically around 27 students, for practical classes this reduces to 14.
Activity Summary
Year 1
Seminars
- 49 students per group, 100 hours, 4 per weekTutorial
- 49 students per group, 95 hours, 4 per weekProject supervision
- 4-8 students per group, 8 hours per weekPractical class or workshop
- 25 students per group, 155 hours, 6 per weekIndependent Study
- 570 hours, 22 hours per weekPlacement / Work Based Learning
- 1 student per group, 384 hours, 32 hours per week over 12 weeksHow long is a Physiotherapy - Pre-registration course?
The Physiotherapy - Pre-registration MSc can be completed in 2 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.
Staff Delivering on This Course
This course is delivered by experienced Physiotherapists who are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Staff members are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for you and ensure that teaching methods have a sound research underpinning. Many staff members are engaged in research which relates either to professional practice or the methods used to teaching on the programme. They have presented innovations used in the course or School of Health Sciences since it began in 2014.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
Year 2
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Independent Study
A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately. You will be given some directed study to undertake independently but will be expected to investigate more widely on your own.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
The Inclusion Centre
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
CampusMoodle
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
Study Skills Support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
University Library
Placements
You will undertake six placements which are spread over the duration of the course. The first three placements are 6 weeks in length, the remaining 3 are 5 weeks duration. The final placement is an elective which is arranged by you; this can be undertaken in any country if the required conditions are met.
Please note if you are a student from the USA
who is planning to apply for a Federal Loan, none of your placements can take place in the USA. This is in order to comply with the requirement of the FERPA. PLACEMENT OFFICEStudy Abroad
There is the opportunity to undertake the final placement abroad.
STUDY ABROADJob Prospects
Students who complete their MSc (Pre-registration) Physiotherapy degree at RGU and wish to pursue working within the United States can apply to upgrade their MSc to a Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT).
CAREERSRobert Gordon University (RGU)
Overview:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates and strong focus on employability. RGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Library resources, IT helpdesk, and academic advising.Student Life:
Social and cultural activities, sports facilities, and student clubs.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.International Student Support:
Visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and dedicated support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student community. Students can enjoy:
Beautiful Campus:
The university boasts a modern campus with green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.Active Student Life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams cater to various interests.Aberdeen City:
The city of Aberdeen provides a rich cultural and social environment with numerous attractions and opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
RGU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Industry Connections:
RGU maintains close ties with industry, providing students with valuable real-world experience.Quality Teaching:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.Academic Programs:
RGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A diverse selection of undergraduate degrees across various disciplines.Postgraduate Courses:
A range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional development courses.Online Learning:
Flexible online learning options for students who prefer remote study.Other:
Research:
RGU conducts world-class research across eleven academic schools, contributing to economic, societal, and environmental impact.Business & Innovation:
The university actively supports industry, government, and non-profit organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.International Students:
RGU welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services to ensure a smooth transition.Alumni Network:
RGU graduates are part of a global alumni network of over 80,000 individuals.What is needed to study MSc Physiotherapy - Pre-registration?
Interviews
At present interviews are conducted online. Interviews are conducted on a monthly basis between February and August 2023. The dates are:
Dependant on when you apply and if successful at first review, you would be invited to one of these dates. Post-interview a final decision will be issued by the Student Admissions Service on the outcome of your application and interview.
English Language Requirements
Application and/or Interview Stage:
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 6.5. We can also consider applicants who are currently enrolled on study full-time on campus in a UKVI recognisedmajority English speaking country
for progression to interview stage.
Entry to the course:
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 7.0, or an equivalent.Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
International Students
Applicants from countries other than the USA should hold an equivalent award in a relevant subject.
Applicants with a non-science or health related background are welcome to apply, and may be required to complete pre-requisite study in anatomy and physiology prior to commencing their studies on the MSc programme. These applications will be dealt with on an individual basis. All places upon the course are subject to interview.
This course is not appropriate for Qualified Physiotherapists who wish to undertake a postgraduate degree.
Applicants from the USA
A Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) qualification is now the minimum requirement for licensure and practice in the USA. The DPT course at RGU has different entry requirements, please see the course page for details. PLEASE NOTE: There is no transfer option onto the DPT course at RGU once enrolled for the MSc (Pre-registration) Physiotherapy Course.
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 the USA must normally hold a Bachelor's degree in a science subject with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3 out of a scale of 4, plus the following prerequisites:
Total: 10-12 courses (37-44 term hours).
This is in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Education Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.
