Program Overview

PHYSIOTHERAPY

BSc (Hons)

HCPC and CSP approved

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Overview

Our physiotherapy degree will give you the empowering skills to kick-start your career in this science-led field. You will gain a strong foundation of anatomical knowledge, learn how to diagnose and rehabilitate across a range of conditions, and develop the skills to prevent illness and disease.

Course Breakdown

Year 1

• Human Anatomy and Physiology: Excellent knowledge and understanding of the human body and its function is essential for a career in physiotherapy. This year-long module will cover the whole musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
• Academic and Professional Development: This module facilitates your transition to higher education through a structured delivery of academic study skills relating specifically to your physiotherapy programme.
• Musculoskeletal Studies 1: This module introduces basic skills in musculoskeletal assessment, including the assessment of joints, muscles, and ligaments, developing clinical reasoning skills based on functional anatomical knowledge.
• Health across the Lifespan: This engaging module looks at the human lifespan and the challenges that occur from a physiotherapy perspective, from embryonic development, birth, and early childhood development, through to adolescent biological and emotional maturity.
• Practice-based Learning 1 and 2: These modules will allow you to begin to gain the knowledge and skills required for practice.

Year 2

• Neurological Studies: This module includes an introduction to physiotherapy approaches to enhance movement and minimize impairment in a range of neurological conditions.
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies 1: Prevention and healthy living will be promoted in this empowering module. Many medical conditions are a result of unhealthy lifestyles.
• Musculoskeletal Studies II: Your skills will be further developed from the previous musculoskeletal module. You will be using clinical reasoning skills to further enhance your assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation knowledge.
• Research for Physiotherapists: As the 21st century progresses and we move ever further into a digital age, having the knowledge and skills to navigate this area is vital to be an effective practitioner.
• Practice-based Learning 3 and 4: These modules will be delivered in a clinical environment off campus, in a range of settings provided by our clinical partners.

Year 3

• Complexity in Physiotherapy Practice: This module continues to build upon your neurological physiotherapy skills. You will refine your therapeutic handling, and learn about the patient journeys faced by people affected by permanent impairment from neurological damage.
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies II: This module continues to look at the management of patients with conditions affecting the heart and lungs.
• Research for Allied Health Professionals: This is a key project which will develop independent learning, problem-solving, analysis, and data presentation skills.
• Practice-based Learning 5 and 6: These modules will be delivered in a clinical environment off campus, in a range of settings provided by our clinical partners.

Entry Requirements

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 120 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in one of the following subjects: health science, health professional, biomedical science, biosciences, social science and health, science, science for health practitioners.
• A-levels: Grade profile of BBB, including grade B in biology or physical education.
• T-levels: A T-level in Science with an overall Merit grade.
• BTEC: Grade profile of DDM from one of the following subjects: applied science, applied biomedical science, applied human biology, sports and exercise science, health and social care.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Grade profile of three subjects at H2 including biology and one subject at H3.
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted at University College Birmingham for entry and a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points will be required from a vocationally relevant subject matter.
• GCSEs: GCSE/IGCSE maths and English language grades 9-4 (grade A*-C) or equivalent.

Key Information

• Teaching and Assessment: Learning strategies include practical lessons, small seminars, self-directed study, and placement learning opportunities. Assessment formats include practical exams, OSCEs, written multiple-choice questions, and written assignments.
• Timetable: Whilst your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week, it is worth noting that your course includes regular placements in addition to these hours.
• Tuition Fees for Home Students: If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
• Tuition Fees for International Students: If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000.

Work Placements

Practice-based learning both on campus and in clinic environments is vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and may even lead to a job when you graduate.

Career Opportunities

• Physiotherapist: Average Salary: £33,834
• Senior Physiotherapist: From £30,401 to £37,267
• Clinical Specialist/Team Leader: From £37,570 to £43,772
• Sports Physiotherapist: Average salary: £23,000 – £45,000

Meet Your Lecturers

• Sarah Smith: Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for Physiotherapy
• Alex Bloor: Physiotherapy Lecturer
• Jaylan Rahmatullah: Physiotherapy Lecturer
• Jonathan Piper: Lecturer
• Katarina Trumm: Lecturer
• Zoe Altham: Lecturer