Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  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 physiotherapy MSc 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 University is an AshokaU Changemaker campus, with a strong vision for social innovation. Therefore, the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration programme will be aligned to the Changemaker values, providing multiple opportunities to engage with local communities and will enable you to develop your employability skills through the employability framework.

  The structure of the 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.

  Level 7 – Year One  (80 credits)

  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.

  Level 7 – Year Two (100 credits)

  The enquiry-based project is the main focus of the second year. Students will further develop their critical thinking regarding physiotherapy practice and their leadership skills as health care professionals of the future.

  Practice placement experience

  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.

  Read our student blog “My care home placement experience as a Physiotherapy master’s student” by Bronwyn Bushby.

  Modules

  Module information can be found on the Award Map.

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• 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, 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.

  English Language Requirements

  If English is not your first language, or you have not been educated mainly in English, you must provide evidence of your English language capability:

  • a certificate showing achievement of level 7 in IELTS (or equivalent) with no components no less than 6.5.

  All offers of a place on the programme 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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted for the MSc physiotherapy degree relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250 (Year 1), £9,250* (Year 2)
  • International – Full Time: £17,700 (Year 1), £17,700* (Year 2)

  *may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted for the MSc physiotherapy degree relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250 (Year 1), £9,250* (Year 2)
  • International – Full Time: £17,250 (Year 1), £17,250* (Year 2)

  *may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  The NHS Learning Support Fund

  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.

  International students can visit our dedicated International Student page for relevant information. More information on Student Finance, including postgraduate loans and bursaries can be found on the gov.uk website.

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• FAQs

  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 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.

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