Physiotherapy (BSc)

Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings, treating patients with conditions ranging from breathing difficulties and neurological problems to muscle and skeletal injury. Working as independent caring and compassionate clinicians, physiotherapists need to motivate, teach, reassure, and empathise.

Our Physiotherapy BSc aims to help you become a physiotherapist who can practise using an evaluative and problem-solving approach. Throughout the course, you are given opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of clinical sciences, in particular musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy.

You will spend at least 1,000 hours on clinical placement throughout Wales and possibly further afield. These placements provide the range of working environments you may experience during your career, from hospital-based physiotherapy departments to community-based practice based within urban centres and more rural locales.

The programme is validated by Cardiff University, the Health & Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. We have an excellent graduate employment record, with our alumni specialising in clinical work, NHS management, research and education.

The wide variety of practical and theoretical work means each day is different! It could range from massage, dissection and electrotherapy to hydrotherapy, body paint...and so much more! The lecturers are committed to helping you not only gain a degree but deliver the best possible care to patients

Lizzie Russell, physiotherapy student Year one

Foundation studies, which include the Biomedical and Human Sciences, commence in year one (level four) alongside Physiotherapy Studies in which knowledge of the theory and practice of the profession allows you to begin to acquire basic therapeutic skills. It is important to be aware that the practice of these skills, under supervision, will take place on fellow students and your acceptance of a place on this programme implies your consent to this practice. Level four is assessed through a range of examinations including written assignments, practical and coursework components throughout the year.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsPractical Skills 2HC112020 creditsPersonal and Professional Development and Communication 1HC112120 creditsPractical Skills 1HC111720 creditsPhysiotherapy Theory, Physical Activity & ExerciseHC111920 creditsPhysiologyHC111820 creditsAnatomyHC111620 creditsYear two

Assessment and treatment skills are extended in the second year (level five) of study. Students apply these skills, using a problem solving approach, in the clinical situation and begin to develop an understanding of evidence based practice. Continuous assessment, including assignment writing, practical examination and placement learning assessment occurs during level five.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsProblem Solving Approach: Specialty Areas - Human Growth and Development, Health Promotion and Illness PreventionHC212720 creditsProblem Solving Approach: Specialty Areas - Sports and ExerciseHC212820 creditsProblem Solving Approach: Clinical PlacementsHC212920 creditsResearch 1HC213120 creditsProblem Solving Approach: Neurology, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular RespiratoryHC212620 creditsPersonal and Professional Development and Communication 2HC213020 creditsYear three

During level six, students will develop their understanding of managing patients with complex conditions and multi pathologies. They also extend their understanding of research and evidence based practice. Continuous assessment at level six includes placement learning, coursework, a portfolio and a research dissertation.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsPlacement Learning 8HC313310 creditsResearch 2HC312240 creditsPlacement Learning 6HC313110 creditsPersonal and Professional Development and Communication 3HC312120 creditsPhysiotherapy Practice 2HC311920 creditsPlacement Learning 7HC313210 creditsPlacement Learning 5HC313010 credits The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.