Rida Wahba
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy
level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:false;start_month:January;location:Waterside
Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc
Key Facts
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Duration
2 Years full-time
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Level
Master'sPG MSc
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Year 1: £9,790
Year 2: £9,790 -
Year 1: £20,000
Year 2: £20,000
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 20/03/2026
Overview
Applications are now closed for the Jan 2026 intake, our next intake will be Jan 2027.
The MSC Physiotherapy programme is designed to develop physiotherapists with critical thinking capabilities, practical problem-solving skills, and an evidence-based approach to practice. During your studies, you will benefit from a unique teaching approach of active blended learning, which fosters a community of enquiry, collaboration and development of practical problem-solving skills with an emphasis on person-centred care.
The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) degree at the University of Northampton is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and offers a unique and contemporary approach to physiotherapy education.
On successful completion of the MSc pre reg Physiotherapy programme, you will be eligible to apply for registration with both the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK’s 65,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and associates
Highlights
- The MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and provides a 2 year route to qualifying as a physiotherapist.
- Our programme provides a unique approach, through Active Blended Learning, to develop Physiotherapists with skills to become effective critical thinkers and practical problem-solvers, utilising an evidence-based approach.
- We also provide the opportunity for practice placement experiences across all sectors (NHS, private, sport, voluntary & charity organisations) and specialities to encompass the broad scope of physiotherapy, even including leadership and research-based placements. Increasing your employability prospects.
- There are opportunities to drive social impact, which are embedded throughout the programme. These include practice placements in care homes, pop-up clinics, virtual advice, sport clubs and others.
- Our innovative approach to teaching and learning includes simulation. Allowing you to develop and prepare in a safe learning environment using the latest simulators, equipment and technology. The programme is developed around a holistic approach to person-centred care, providing you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be a successful Physiotherapist.
Waterside campus has everything students needs from: Learning Hub featuring 24/7 library, Creative Hub, on-site shop, restaurant, cafes and food outlets, multi-faith chaplaincy, student village hall, Students' Union and more. With only a short walk over the bridge into the town centre.
The Learning Hub and Student Information Desk would be a student's first point of call when needing support.
Our library covers three floors of the Learning Hub, with IT rich learning environments, including silent and group study spaces, physical books. Don't forget there are plenty more resources available online!
The Student Information Desk is the first place a student should go if they need any help. Here the team can direct you to academic support, mental health support, financial support, IT support, and more.
The Learning Hub is where every student will go for library support and classes, as well as food outlets and social events.
The Learning Hub also has lots of outdoor space for meeting with friends or finding some silent time between classes.
The Learning Hub is the biggest building on campus, home to our Student Information Desk, 24/7 library, teaching spaces, cafes, and more.
The big and spacious modern Senate building has various types of learning spaces, teaching rooms, our Bloomberg suite, Morley Room lecture hall, and cafes.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration programme at the University of Northampton, you must meet the following entry requirements:
- BSc degree in a sport, health or science-related programmes at first- or second-class degree classification which has included a research project / dissertation.
- Knowledge and awareness of the scope of physiotherapy practice and motivation to complete all requirements of the course.
- Other degrees will be considered for physiotherapy courses provided applicants can demonstrate relevant work and academic experience relevant to the requirements of the programme and the physiotherapy profession.
Within their Personal Statement, MSc Physiotherapy applicants are advised to demonstrate and reflect on the following topics:
- Knowledge and awareness of the scope of Physiotherapy practice.
- Relevance of their degree and previous experiences relating to the Physiotherapy practice.
- Reasons and motivation for studying this programme at the University of Northampton.
- Reasons and motivation for specifically studying at Masters/ Level 7 study.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the admissions process.
All offers of a place on the Physiotherapy Masters program are subject to:
- successful Occupational Health Screening,
- satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report,
- an Overseas Police check for those who have resided outside of the UK at any time in the last five years prior to the course start date. (This is in addition to completing the UK DBS unless you have not lived in the UK during the last five years). It is recommended that you try to obtain the police check prior to coming to the UK, if you are currently living outside of the UK.
- successful interview by the University.
All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- Minimum standard – academic IELTS 7.0 with no component less than 6.5.
If you are an international applicant and would like more information on applying for Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc, please visit our How to Apply page.
Mahdi's Story
“I learned many employability skills – how to act under pressure, the type of leadership style that’s needed for NHS environments, and how to be accountable for decisions that impact your surroundings.”
What You'll Learn
The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme has strong links with clinical practice and there will be opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations. The clinical placement modules will vary in length from 5-7 weeks. There will also be opportunity to experience role-emerging placements and placements aimed at social innovation and collaboration with local organisations. The placements are aligned to the develop the CSP’s recommended pillars of practice (Clinical, Leadership, Education & Research).
The MSc physiotherapy Northampton academic team are specialists within their field and have strong links with practice. Teaching and learning is enhanced through sessions with specialist practicing clinicians and with the involvement of the service user and career group.
The structure of the pre reg physiotherapy course ensures that all theory and practice is underpinned by a high-quality evidence-based approach. All material is contemporary for current service needs, as well as allowing the growth of innovation and leadership skills.
There is a variety of assessment strategies utilised throughout the programme to ensure relevance to professional requirements upon entry to the profession, to develop critical thinking skills and the application of theory into current Physiotherapy practice and to aid equality and inclusion. Assessment methods for the physiotherapy MSc pre-registration may include practical exams, presentations, essays, reflections, producing digital medium and critical reports. Methods of peer feedback and assessment, group and individual work will all be utilised.
Read our student blog “My care home placement experience as a Physiotherapy master’s student” by Bronwyn Bushby.
The first semester will concentrate on developing physiotherapy practice and clinical reasoning in the core areas of Physiotherapy. The second semester will enable students to develop their ability to manage more complex patient presentations. The core values of person-centred care, life-long learning and evidence-based practice are embedded throughout.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the Physiotherapy Profession, the core values, beliefs and professionalism which are underpinned by the concepts of inter-professional and evidence-based practice. An emphasis will be applied to the concept of life-long learning and reflective practice, a patient-centered approach and the importance of collaborative practice. Students will understand the legal and ethical requirements of physiotherapy practice.The theoretical principles are then applied to practice and students will reflect upon the application of professionalism and the core values and behaviours to create an action plan for their next placement.
The purpose of this module is to serve as an introduction to the Physiotherapy profession. The module enables the student to recognise and develop their sense of professionalism and the behaviours and attitudes that characterise a physiotherapist within the clinical practice setting. The students will apply the theoretical and background knowledge to clinical practice in a patient-centred and holistic manner. Students will develop their communication skills and, with support, effectively assess, apply clinical reasoning to develop an intervention plan and implement treatment plans to achieve patient goals.
The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop their application of evidence-based practice, through clinical reasoning processes to demonstrate a justification for their chosen approaches. The module will enable students to assimilate and demonstrate application of new knowledge in the assessment and treatment of routine patients in a patient-centered and holistic manner. Students will continue to develop their professional identity, communication skills, time-management and inter-professional collaboration.
The module¿s purpose is an introduction to the core values of the Physiotherapy profession. The module enables the student to recognise and develop their sense of professional behaviours and attitudes. The students will then apply the theoretical and background knowledge to their first practice placement.
This module provides students with their second practice placement experience. It fosters the application of knowledge within routine cases. Students further develop professional identity, communication, time management, and interprofessional collaboration, demonstrating competence in integrating knowledge into effective practice. Students will engage in self-reflection and identification of learning opportunities.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the complexity involved within neurological assessment and management. Through critical exploration of the evidence base and the biopsychosocial factors influencing patient-centered care, students will develop a clinically reasoned approach to the assessment and management of individuals presenting with neurological conditions.The module aims to provide the student with the knowledge and skill level in preparation for their first clinical placement, with an emphasis on their consideration of a patient-centered and critically evaluated synthesis of research into practice approach.
The purpose of this module is for students to apply anatomical and physiological knowledge in a problem-based approach to the assessment and intervention/management of cardio-respiratory conditions. Students will critically review and justify the approaches to contemporary physiotherapy management for a patient requiring acute and longer-term management. A strong emphasis on the synthesis of research into practice will be applied to cardio-respiratory physiotherapy.
The purpose of this module is to apply anatomical, biomechanical and physiological knowledge to the assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. To critically evaluate recent research and directives in the physiotherapy intervention provided for acute and chronic conditions. A bio-psychosocial approach within an evidence-based context will be emphasised.
The purpose of this module is to expand upon the students knowledge of physiotherapy assessment and management within the `core¿ areas of physiotherapy and consider situations, patient groups and conditions that are potentially more complex in nature. This module further develops clinical reasoning skills by critical consideration of the multi-factorial elements from a biopsychosocial, poitical and ethical perspective associated with patient-centered care.
The purpose of this module is to enable students to critically reflect upon factors influencing their personal and professional development. This module will provide further theoretical underpinning for aspects of communication, ethical and legal situations, collaborative practice, long-term condition management and factors influencing person-centered care. Students will utilise reflection, community engagement and a critical approach to the evidence-base, combined with analysis of the wider health and social care systems to critically analyse factors influencing long-term condition management and the promotion of health and well-being.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme has strong links with clinical practice and there will be opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations. The clinical placement modules will vary in length from 5-7 weeks . There will also be opportunity to experience role-emerging placements and placements aimed at social innovation and collaboration with local organisations.
What is the difference between a BSc degree in Physiotherapy and an MSc in Physiotherapy (pre-registration)?
An MSc in Physiotherapy pre-registration is a postgraduate Master’s programme which addresses the same fundamental knowledge, practical components and evidence-based physiotherapy practice as a BSc programme but has a greater emphasis on evidence-based research and in-depth critical thinking.
Can I apply for the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme if I do not have a degree in a health or science-related programme?
Other degrees will be considered for physiotherapy courses provided applicants demonstrate an understanding of how their previous experience relates to the physiotherapy profession.
Why do the academic staff enjoy teaching in this programme?
The diversity within the student groups due to varied previous background experiences and undergraduate education, allows for a more in-depth exploration of the contemporary physiotherapy profession, interesting debates and conversations within the classroom.
What facilities are there to support my learning?
The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme has purpose-built facilities with specialist equipment for teaching and learning to enable practical and simulated sessions. All students are fully provided with the technological support required to study in an active-blended learning format.
How is evidence-based research integrated into an active blended teaching approach in the curriculum?
The MSc Physiotherapy programme emphasises evidence-based research as a critical focus area. Students will learn to analyse research studies, assess their findings for clinical applications, and conduct their research projects. The programme employs an active blended learning approach, integrating classroom and online learning, and practical skills sessions, where students work collaboratively to enhance their problem-solving skills. Students engage in interactive online activities and practical skills sessions to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, preparing them for the challenges of the profession.
How does the programme ensure that all material is contemporary and relevant to current service needs?
The academic team are specialists within their field and have strong links with practice, which ensures that all teaching and learning is informed by the latest research and best practice. The academic team are all registered physiotherapists who maintain their own continuing professional development and are actively engaged in conferences, research and clinical practice. There is also an emphasis on external and guest lecturers from practice/specialist fields as well as active involvement from our Service User and Carer Group, to ensure diversity and enhance the teaching and learning process. The programme is regularly reviewed through internal and external quality assurance processes, which also take into consideration the student voice, to ensure it remains contemporary, facilitates the learning process and is relevant to the changing needs of the profession.
How will I be assessed?
The programme utilises a variety of assessment strategies, including practical exams, presentations, essays, reflections, producing digital medium, and critical reports. Methods of peer feedback and assessment, group and individual work will all be utilised. All methods of assessment are aligned to the requirements of physiotherapy practice and what you will be expected to complete as a registered physiotherapist to drive the profession forward.
What kind of clinical practice experience can I expect during the MSc Physiotherapy programme?
The MSc Physiotherapy programme has strong links with clinical practice and provides students with an opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors, and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations, and will vary in length from 5-7 weeks for each placement block. The expected working week is 37.5 hrs. This is to ensure that every student completes the required 1000 hrs of practice, which is stipulated by our professional body. Practice placement experience is an important aspect of the qualifying programme, to allow the transference and application of theory into practice.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in role-emerging placements, those aimed at social innovation in collaboration with local organisations, and others with a specific leadership or research focus. There are two assessed practice placement modules in year 1 of the course and three in year 2. They are completed under the supervision of registered physiotherapists and supported by the academic team.
What career prospects are available upon completion of the programme?
Graduates of the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme will be eligible to apply for registration with both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This will allow them to work as qualified physiotherapists in a range of settings, including the NHS, private, sports, voluntary and charity organisations. We host an Employability Fair annually, with large representation from local and national networks of employers which also includes workshops for preparation for applications and interviews for our newly qualified physiotherapists. There is also information on the UON website on Employability and the support schemes available.
What financial or otherwise support is available to students?
Please see the Fees & Funding section above. In addition, our Student Life webpage has a host of information on Fees & Funding as well as Academic Support, Wellbeing Support, Accommodation, Bursaries and Scholarships, Student Perks and a lot more. For International students, please see the dedicated International Student page.
How to contact?
If you need further information, please contact our MSc Physiotherapy academic team at: PhysioAdmissions@northampton.ac.uk.
Lucy's story
“This course has given me professional, clinical and theoretical knowledge to work as a Physiotherapist. It’s challenged my academic writing skills and has given me many different aspects to consider when working professionally.”
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
- Full Time:
- Year 1 – £9,790
- Year 2 – £9,790
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
When assessing an applicant’s eligibility to pay home fees, we use the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) which sets out the regulations that have been decided by the UK Government Department of Education.
- Full Time:
- Year 1 – £20,000
- Year 2 – £20,000
Tuition fees quoted for International Students apply only to the 2026/27 academic year. These fees may increase in future years in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to reflect rising delivery costs. Any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 5% of the previous year’s tuition fee. Updated tuition fees will be published on the UON website at least three months before the start of the next academic year.
International students that have opted to enrol on January intake with accelerated pathway will be required to pay deposit of £7,000 required for their re-enrolment onto their second year in September. We therefore urge that you consider preparing necessary funds to cover the enrolment fee in advance.
Additional Information
If you’re eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, you can get:
- A training grant of £5,000 per academic year.
- Parental support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
- Money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you’re on your practice placement.
- Exceptional Support Fund for students experiencing financial hardship.
Fees quoted for the MSc physiotherapy degree relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,535 (Year 1), £9,535* (Year 2)
- International – Full Time: £18,200 (Year 1), £18,200* (Year 2)
*may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Staff
Rachel Morris-Love
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Alex Mouzakitis
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Pierre Bonnaud
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Fiona Barrett
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Hayley Walker
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Laura Riddell
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Sally Knight
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Natasha Slater
Lecturer in Physiotherapy
Careers and Employability
Upon successful completion of the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme, you will be eligible to apply for with both the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Completion of the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration degree will prepare students to pursue their chosen pathway into the Physiotherapy profession due to the variety of practical placement opportunities and the core values of lifelong learning, digital fluency, communication, social innovation, research, and leadership development being embedded throughout the programme. Graduates will have the skills to work as qualified physiotherapists in a range of settings, including the NHS, private, sports, voluntary and charity organisations.
We host an Employability Fair annually, with large representation from local and national networks of employers which also includes workshops for preparation for applications and interviews for our newly qualified physiotherapists.
There is additional information on our website on Employability and the support schemes available.
Facilities
Physiotherapy Lab
A versatile area with plinths, walking aids, exercise equipment, adjuncts to neurological rehabilitation and respiratory equipment.
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Clinical Skills Simulation Lab
A realistic, acute clinical environment with mannequins, hospital beds, medical gases systems, clinical equipment, and more.
View Facility
Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.
View Facility