MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

Program Overview

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MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

Overview

Our two-year, pre-registration Masters course in physiotherapy will prepare you for a career as a fully qualified and autonomous physiotherapist.

Key Facts

• Award: Masters / MSc
• Start date: September 2025
• Application notes: We are no longer accepting applications for September 2025 entry as the course is full.
• Duration: 24 months full time
• Mode of study: full time
• Delivery: on campus

Accreditations

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) (subject to approval)

Course Objectives

This two-year Masters degree in physiotherapy aims to:

• prepare you to be an autonomous clinician with the knowledge, skills, attributes and values required to deliver evidence-based practice to meet the needs of people and communities;
• create opportunities for you to learn and practice physiotherapy related assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning with diverse populations;
• support culturally sensitive, values-based and positive relationships that support health and wellbeing across the lifespan;
• prepare you to work within the global context, embracing innovative, sustainable and research-led physiotherapy practice.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of a second class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
• Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements

• Desirable knowledge and experience:
  • Evidence of human anatomy and physiology knowledge.
  • Evidence of relevant shadowing, work experience or volunteering within caring professions e.g. physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, occupational therapy, care homes etc.
  • Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the diverse nature of physiotherapy settings and express their commitment and ambition to a career within physiotherapy, and for working with others.

International Entry Requirements

• View the entry requirements for your country.

Application Procedure

• What documents are required as part of your application for MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)?
  • Academic documents: this includes your degree certificate and transcript which shows you meet the minimum entrance requirements in a relevant subject. If you are still studying, then an interim transcript will suffice and your university will be able to advise you on how to get one.
  • Personal statement: In addition to academic qualification, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to and knowledge of Physiotherapy as a career via their personal statement. Applicants should discuss their motivation for pursuing a career in Physiotherapy and relate this to the way in which their experiences (e.g. volunteering or shadowing a range of Physiotherapists) have informed their motivation to study Physiotherapy and their awareness of the scope of Physiotherapy practice.
  • References: We require two references, one academic and one professional. Please ensure that these are on company-headed paper, signed and dated. If you have been out of education for more than 5 years then please provide two professional references.

Course Details

Teaching

• We use a range of blended teaching methods on the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration), including:
  • lectures and workshops
  • simulations and scenario-based teaching
  • group work and peer-learning
  • online videos and recorded lectures
  • practical placements
  • guest speaker series and networking.

Assessment

• There will be different forms of assessment including practical, written, presentation and clinical tasks, which will be delivered in-person or online.
• To incorporate student perspective and a student-centred approach, you'll conduct and receive a peer review.
• You must also submit self-evaluation to help you develop self-awareness, confidence and supportive relationships with peers, teaching staff, and practice partners.

Compulsory Modules

• Fundamentals of Safe and Effective Integrated Physiotherapy Practice (PHYP001) | 20 credits
• Applied Physiotherapy Practice 1 (Essentials of Assessment, Examination and Management) (PHYP002) | 20 credits
• Applied Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Managing Long Term Conditions and Multimorbidity) (PHYP003) | 20 credits
• Applied Physiotherapy Practice 3 (Prevention, Self Management and Rehabilitation) (PHYP004) | 20 credits
• Clinical Practice Placement 1 (PHYP005) | 20 credits
• Clinical Practice Placement 2 (PHYP006) | 20 credits
• Research Methods in Health (MPHP003) | 20 credits
• Managing Complexity, Communication and Behaviour in Healthcare (PHYP007) | 20 credits
• Applied Digital Healthcare Leadership and Innovation (PHYP008) | 20 credits
• Clinical Practice Placement 3 (PHYP009) | 20 credits
• Clinical Practice Placement 4 (PHYP010) | 20 credits
• Masters Dissertation (Health) (MPHP007) | 60 credits

Fees and Funding

Fees and Costs

• University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
• Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.

Scholarships and Funding

• Funding:
  • If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
  • Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
• Postgraduate tuition fee loans:
  • Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
  • English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
  • Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
  • Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.

After You Graduate

• There is a shortage of physiotherapists across the UK, with more available vacancies than ever before (The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy CSP). Our Masters course will help you to become a confident and proficient physiotherapist, prepared to work in a variety of settings, addressing the complex needs of service users.
• After graduating, you'll be able to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is a requirement for employment as a fully qualified physiotherapist.
• As well as being able to work in healthcare including the NHS, you'll be able to apply your skills in:
  • private practice
  • community settings
  • elite sport
  • public health
  • the armed forces
  • the care sector
  • third sector organisations
  • research.
• As physiotherapy graduates there are opportunities to progress to more senior roles including specialist practice, research, leadership and educational roles.