Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

Entry requirements

Prospective candidates should have evidence of study in a relevant discipline and will normally be expected to possess an honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Physiology, Psychology) at 1st or 2:1 classification. An important part of our admission process is that candidates will also need to provide evidence of physiotherapy work experience (at least in the form of visits and observation). All shortlisted applicants are invited for interview. Please see website for full details of the application process.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Choose Physiotherapy at Birmingham and take the opportunity to develop into a qualified competent practitioner of physiotherapy, which will not only give you the ability to play a significant part in most healthcare teams but also be involved in the maintenance and/or restoration of movement and function in a range of client groups.

The MSc in Physiotherapy (pre-registration) is a qualifying programme for graduates with a suitable and relevant first degree. It spans two years full-time, starting in January and finishing in December. The aim of the programme is to develop students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to design, specify and implement wide-ranging, evidence-based physiotherapy programmes for a variety of patients. You will be able to evaluate progress, respond flexibly and promptly to advances in practice and implement research and audit programmes.

Successful completion of this programme awards you with a Masters degree and gives you eligibility to apply for registration with both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council.

This two year programme Physiotherapy masters programme is modular and is equally divided between university and clinically based settings. It has been designed around three core areas; the management of neurological, cardio-pulmonary and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions, with knowledge from the biomedical and psycho-social sciences recruited as required. Clinical education is spread across both years in equal proportions.

Year One

Year One modules aim to develop physiotherapy practice and clinical reasoning in the core areas of practice. An important aspect throughout the programme is the critical analysis and evaluation of physiotherapeutic concepts, skills and treatment approaches. The Contexts of Physiotherapy Practice module introduces the professional and practice aspects of physiotherapy. Towards the end of the year you will start a research project which is an important aspect of Masters study.

Year Two

Year Two of the programme sees the completion of the clinical-based modules and the project. The Advancing Physiotherapy module introduces aspects of lifelong learning and the second Neuromusculoskeletal Practice module covers different approaches to physiotherapy management.

Clinical Placements

The Clinical Education modules are an important aspect of the education of a physiotherapist and are continued throughout the two years of the programme.

Clinical education comprises 36 weeks of the programme and is organised into six clinical practice modules spanning both years equally to complete a total 1,080 hours of supervised clinical practice.

You will be seconded to a range of diverse and exciting placements, where you will gain a variety of experiences with a wide range of client groups, under the guidance of skilled clinicians. Each student will gain experience of physiotherapy within various clinical settings. With the support of clinical educators, students will treat patients, observe experienced clinicians and participate in all aspects of care including case conferences, ward rounds and home visits.

For full details of all modules please go to our webite.

Please visit the website to hear a podcast from the programme lead.

Information for international students

Candidates applying from outside the UK should contact us to confirm their eligibility for the programme.

Fees and funding

All successful applicants classified by the University against national criteria as home students are exempt from tuition fees for this programme and may be eligible to apply for an NHS bursary.