Program Overview

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) course at Manchester Metropolitan University is an accelerated, two-year pre-registration program designed for postgraduate students who wish to gain registration as a physiotherapist. The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Course Overview

The program aims to prepare students for work as a physiotherapist in modern practice, integrating physiotherapy theory with practice and developing critical thinking skills. The course covers various topics, including the structure and function of the nervous system, cardiorespiratory system, and musculoskeletal system, as well as issues such as health inequalities, legal and policy frameworks governing physiotherapy practice in the UK, and integrated care.

Course Structure

The course is divided into two years, with 45 weeks of study per year. The program includes a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and independent study. Students will undertake tutorials and practical sessions in small teaching groups, following a case-based, problem-solving learning approach.

Year 1

In the first year, students will study the following modules:

• Research Methods: This module enables students to utilize and undertake sound and clinically relevant research, covering topics such as ethical doctrines, critical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative research, and statistical data analysis.
• Foundations in Physiotherapy Management: This module covers biomechanics, histology, and tissue repair, as well as the physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems.
• Patient Management 1: Musculoskeletal: Students will learn to apply anatomical and physiological knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, practicing and critically analyzing safe and effective physiotherapy assessment and management techniques.
• Patient Management 2: Cardiorespiratory: This module considers the structure and function of the cardiorespiratory system, exploring a range of pathologies and teaching students to select and deliver effective management.
• Healthcare Delivery: Students will develop critical skills essential for lifelong learning and engagement in professional practice, analyzing approaches to practice and modifying them to meet the needs of individuals from diverse communities.
• Patient Management 3: Neurology: This module covers essential patient assessment and management of selected conditions of the nervous system, considering the structure and function of the nervous system and the application of safe, accurate, and effective palpation and therapeutic handling.
• Practice Placement Preparation and Observation: A virtual observational placement in a simulated environment, preparing students for the practice environment.
• Practice Placement 1: A six-week placement in practice with the support and guidance of a practice educator.

Year 2

In the second year, students will complete the following modules:

• The Autonomous Practitioner: This module communicates the expectations of a registered professional within health and social care services, developing a systematic understanding of the role of a Registered Practitioner.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Students will undertake an advanced physiotherapy review of current literature, covering topics such as neurodynamics, management of the acutely/critically ill patient, and physical activity in health.
• Dissertation: Students will apply and integrate relevant aspects of knowledge, understanding, skills, and experiences developed in previous modules, producing a scholarly piece of work.
• Practice Placement 2, 3, and 4: Students will complete three further six-week placements, with the opportunity to choose their own location and setting in their final placement.
• Practice Placement 5: A supervised practice placement of five weeks' duration, normally organized by the Practice Placement team.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must hold a UK undergraduate honors degree at 2.1 or above, or an equivalent international qualification, in a relevant subject such as biological sciences, sports science, or nursing. Additional requirements include evidence of interest and work experience in the relevant field, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced criminal records check, and an occupational health screening prior to joining the course.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are £9,535 for UK and Channel Island students and £22,000 for EU and non-EU international students. Students may also need to budget for additional costs such as professional membership, DBS checks, and travel expenses.

Careers and Prospects

As a physiotherapist, graduates can work in a range of settings, including sports clubs, community care settings, or hospitals. Many graduates begin their physiotherapy career within the NHS as a Band 5 Physiotherapist. The course also provides opportunities for further study and specialization in a particular discipline of physiotherapy. The university's Careers Service offers support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.