Physiotherapy - BSc(Hons)

The course is divided into three levels which combine and integrate theory with clinical practice. The first year is essentially university-based with a five week introductory clinical placement at the end of the first year. The second and third years consist of alternate periods within the University and the clinical environment. The importance attached to inter-professional education is underlined by the inclusion of two modules, one each at Levels two and three, which stress the value of an integrated, holistic approach to patient/client management.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Exercise and Biomechanics for Physiotherapy and Sport Rehabilitation
• Applied Anatomy for Physiotherapy and Sport Rehabilitation
• Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice
• Foundations of Neuroscience for Physiotherapists
• Foundations of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Foundations of Respiratory Physiotherapy

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Evidence based Physiotherapy
• Critical Care and Cardio Respiratory
• Service Improvement - a collaborative approach
• Musculoskeletal 2
• Neurological 2
• Health and Wellbeing across the Lifespan

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Physiotherapy Practice
• Complex issues in Musculoskeletal and Neurological Physiotherapy Practice
• Research Studies for Physical Therapies
• Contemporary Issues in Physiotherapy Practice
• Long Term Conditions - effective collaborative working

Research is integrated into the teaching of the course. During the final year, there will also be the opportunity for you to undertake either your own research project or a literature review.

Although the stages build upon one another, progress through each module of the course is perceived to be dynamic, the course components being interrelated and interdependent. The structure reflects the importance of therapy as a discipline but also seeks to acknowledge the other professions which inform and enhance such practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating theory, clinical reasoning and problem solving in order to provide the best possible foundation for clinical practice. The course syllabus has also been influenced by the changes in health care that have resulted in physiotherapists working with greater autonomy in an increasingly wide range of settings.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

The course aims to:

• Provide a high standard of education in professional and health-related studies.
• Enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of physiotherapeutic practice.
• Develop critical thinking and research skills.
• Facilitate an inter-professional approach to physiotherapeutic and health-related studies and practice.
• Provide an insight into current themes and issues in contemporary physiotherapy and health care.
• Provide physiotherapists who are autonomous practitioners able to implement safe and effective assessment, examination and treatment.

Modules are assessed by a wide range of methods including coursework, professional practice assessment, presentations, practical and written examinations.

Careful consideration has been given to the overall assessment load placed upon you as you progress through the course.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.