In Stage 1, you study the core sciences underpinning physiotherapy practice. You are introduced to a range of physiotherapy interventions which are responsive to client need and underpinned by evidence-based approaches to practice. You also explore professional issues in health and social care. During this stage you complete three clinical placements where you assess and treat your own patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists. You may be allocated placements within paediatrics, elderly care, learning disabilities and mental health services in addition to acute, medical, musculoskeletal and neurological areas. Clinical placements are arranged by academic tutors and you should be prepared to travel for some placements.
In Stage 2 you complete three more clinical placements. You must complete 1,000 hours of satisfactory clinical practice to meet the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. You also develop your knowledge of the sciences underpinning physiotherapy and further explore the professional development of the physiotherapist and research methods.
In Stage 3 you complete your dissertation.
Course structure
Stage 1 core modules
Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics for Physiotherapy Practice
This module develops your functional anatomical and physiological knowledge, establishing the dynamic relationships of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Biomechanical principles underpinning normal human movement and function are presented and applied in the context of physiotherapeutic practice.
Integrated Physiotherapy Practice
Within this module you develop the underpinning knowledge and skills to be able to assess, safely apply effective physiotherapy interventions and evaluate their effectiveness for managing individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction across the lifespan. The module also focuses on the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological dysfunction.
Physiotherapy Practice Placements 1, 2a and 2b
You undertake 13 weeks of practice placement within this stage. You will undertake a three week placement in June/July. This foundation placement primarily focuses on your development of interpersonal and communications skills and basic skills of assessment, treatment and evaluation.
In the autumn term, following your summer break, you will undertake a further two five-week practice placements. You further develop your skills of communication, assessment, clinical reasoning and management of service users within the core areas of physiotherapy practice.
The Physiotherapy Professional
Within this module you explore the role and scope of the physiotherapist within the multi-agency management of clients in promoting individuals’ health and wellbeing. It also develops your understanding and awareness of the principles underpinning professional behaviour in practice, and to facilitate critical reflection of your own personal and professional attitudes, values and beliefs, and how they might impact on the therapist/client relationship.
Stage 2 core modules
Personal and Professional Development in Physiotherapy
The module explores a range of concepts and issues to assist in preparing you for post-qualify practice and to enhance your employability. Within this module you explore contemporary health, statutory and professional policy, principles of business and enterprise and theories underpinning continuing personal development to help you prepare for post-qualifying employment within a variety of settings.
Physiotherapy in the Management of Long-term and Life-limiting Conditions
This module enables you to develop a systematic and detailed knowledge and understanding of the integrated physiotherapy management to promote the health and wellbeing of people with long-term or life limiting conditions. This includes children, older people, women’s health, people with a learning disability or mental health problem and people requiring end-of-life care.
Physiotherapy Practice Placements 3a, 3b, 4
Within this stage you undertake a further two five-week placements at Level 6 to further develop your management of clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. You are expected to demonstrate greater autonomy in relation to your practice and learning with due consideration of the physiotherapy scope of practice and your own limitations.
Practical Research Methods for Physiotherapists
Within the practical research methods module you develop a critical understanding of the evidence used within physiotherapy with particular focus on evidence-based practice, and an understanding of primary and secondary research methodologies to assist in developing a research proposal which you will take forward to the Major Project in Stage 3.
Stage 3 core modules
Major Project
You undertake a substantive piece of either primary or secondary research developed from the research module in Stage 2. This is primarily an independent piece of research in a related area with guidance from a member of staff or research institute teams.
