Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) at the University of Birmingham equips students to become competent and patient-centered physiotherapy practitioners through a blend of university and clinical modules. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and patient-centered care, while providing extensive practice placements in diverse healthcare settings to foster well-rounded professionals. Graduates are eligible for registration with both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in both the NHS and private sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) is a qualifying program for graduates with a suitable and relevant first degree. The program aims to provide a rewarding educational experience that enables students to develop as competent, evidence-based and patient-centred physiotherapy practitioners, capable of making a valuable contribution to the workplace. The program is based on a philosophy of patient-centred care and responds appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in a non-discriminatory and inclusive manner.

Outline:

The MSc in Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme spans two years full-time, starting in September and finishing in August. The program is modular and is equally divided between university and clinically based care settings.

Year One

• Transition to Physiotherapy: This module aims to develop physiotherapy practice and clinical reasoning in key areas of practice.
An important aspect throughout the programme is the critical analysis and evaluation of physiotherapeutic concepts, skills and treatment approaches. Professional and practice aspects of physiotherapy will also be considered.
• Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation: This module introduces students to research methods and their application in the field of sport, exercise, and rehabilitation.
• Clinical Skills: This module provides students with the practical skills necessary to perform physiotherapy assessments and interventions.
• Contemporary Musculoskeletal Practice: This module explores current best practices in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Acute Care and Rehabilitation: This module focuses on the physiotherapy management of patients in acute care settings.
• Practice Placements 1 and 2: These modules provide students with supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings.

Year Two

• Practice Placements 3-6: These modules continue to provide students with supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings.
• Advancing Physiotherapy Practice: This module builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Year One and explores more advanced physiotherapy concepts and techniques.
• Synoptic Core Module: This module integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program and prepares students for the final dissertation.
• Dissertation: This module requires students to undertake a research project and write a dissertation on a topic of their choice.

Practice Education Placements

The Practice Education Placement modules are an important aspect of the education of a physiotherapist and are continued throughout the two years of the programme. Practice education placements comprise 34 weeks of the programme and are organised into six modules, two of which take place in year 1 and four in year 2, to complete a minimum of 1,065 hours of supervised practice. This practice reflects the four pillars of advanced and consultant practice including clinical, leadership, education and research. You will be seconded to a range of diverse and exciting placements, where you will gain a variety of experiences with a wide range of client groups, under the guidance of skilled clinicians. Each student will gain experience of physiotherapy within various placement settings across the West Midlands. With the support of clinical educators, students will treat patients, observe experienced clinicians and participate in all aspects of care including case conferences, ward rounds and home visits. Community placements may be undertaken in contemporary locations working with a wide variety of healthcare professionals. Advanced practitioners will support you to develop effective leadership skills, engage and participate in clinical research and contribute to a lifelong education culture.

Assessment:

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module that you take.

Teaching:

Academic blocks normally require attendance of three-four days per week. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc. You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Careers:

Physiotherapy graduates have entered careers both in the NHS and private sector. They work in hospitals, in the community as well as sports clubs and the military. An increasing number of Physiotherapy graduates are working on a freelance basis alongside their work in the NHS. Some choose to pursue further studies in education, research or undertake further training.

Other:

• Simulation and Interprofessional Learning: The programme offers a unique blend of simulation and interprofessional activities.
Students benefit from learning alongside peers from the College of Medical and Dental Sciences and Life and Environmental Sciences. This collaborative approach prepares students to work in multidisciplinary teams, enhancing their understanding of holistic patient care.
• Diverse Practice Placements: The Practice Education Placements, grounded in the four pillars of advanced and consultant practice: clinical, leadership, education, and research, span 34 weeks.
These placements offer a variety of experiences across the West Midlands, from treating patients and working in diverse clinical environments to participating in awarded research projects and case conferences and leadership projects with external organisations.
• Extracurricular Activities: University of Birmingham offers a plethora of activities both on campus and in the wider community.
Examples include pitch management for sports events and initiatives promoting exercise in local communities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and make a tangible difference.
• Research Opportunities: The University of Birmingham is renowned for its research-driven ethos.
Students have the privilege of engaging in high-quality research placements and projects, both on campus and in affiliated hospitals. They learn from experts in the field, gaining invaluable insights before embarking on their research projects.
• Emphasis on Core Values: The MSc Physiotherapy programme at Birmingham is deeply rooted in a philosophy of patient-centred care, inclusivity, non-discrimination, and a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Aligned with the values stated in the NHS Constitution, the programme ensures students are not only skilled but also compassionate, ethical, and advocates for equity in healthcare.

UK self-funding students: £9,250 FT International students: £26,280 FT All places on this programme are offered on a full-time basis. Are you an international applicant? All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place. Find out more about the deposit >>.