Health & Social Care

As a physiotherapist, you make a real difference to the way people function physically, socially and psychologically, using therapeutic intervention to optimise their abilities. This is achieved through health promotion, preventative healthcare and rehabilitation.

You learn to apply your knowledge and understanding of contemporary physiotherapy practice, and you gain the skills to be a safe, autonomous and professional practitioner. Core skills underpinning physiotherapy include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement analysis and electrotherapy. This course is approved by the Health Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

What you study

In Year 1 you are based at the University and are introduced to the key knowledge and practical skills underpinning physiotherapy practice. This includes anatomy, physiology, practical skills and handling techniques which prepare you to work with a broad spectrum of client groups. Professional regulations, governance and ethics of practice are also explored. You have two three-day observational placements during this Year.

In Year 2 you enhance your core knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning in cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. Learning also takes place in the clinical environment with the allocation of placements, which allow you to develop the links between theory and practice. You undertake a research methods module to help you formulate a question for your dissertation.

In your final year you carry out a research project based on physiotherapy-related issues. You further develop and consolidate your knowledge and skills to prepare you for employment as a contemporary physiotherapy practitioner. There are further clinical placements in a variety of settings and with a range of client groups, which may include paediatrics, elderly care, learning disabilities and mental health services in addition to acute, medical, musculoskeletal and neurological areas.

How you learn

There is a range of diverse learning and teaching methods used throughout the course which includes keynote lectures, seminars, small group work as well as practical skills sessions. You are given constructive feedback to enhance your learning opportunities. You are encouraged and supported to engage in self-directed learning throughout the duration of the course. You must complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice successfully to comply with the regulations of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Clinical placements enable you to assess and treat clients with varied clinical conditions, in a range of hospital and community settings. During placements you are supervised by experienced clinicians and receive visits from University tutors. Clinical placements are arranged by academic tutors and you will be required to travel for some placements.

How you are assessed

Assessment is varied and reflects module learning outcomes. You are assessed by written assignments, oral presentations and practical examinations. In the interests of professional safety, you must complete all modules successfully to demonstrate:

• conducting assessment and treatment procedures safely and effectively
• satisfactory clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• satisfactory skills in communication and team working
• evidence of appropriate selection and appraisal of methods of critical enquiry.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course you'll be eligible to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registration with the Health Professions Council.

Career opportunities

Opportunities are available for employment within the NHS, private sector or charitable trusts – in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, industry and in the community. You could also consider a career working in clinical research or teaching, in the UK or overseas.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 300 tariff points from three A levels to include 100 points from a science-based subject (or equivalent). You will also be interviewed. For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You're encouraged to seek some work experience before you apply.

You must also

• have at least five GCSEs (grade C or above) to include English language, maths and a science (or equivalent)


• show you've done relevant study within the last three years


• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure


• be eligible for a Department of Health bursary (more info on the
  NHS Student Bursaries website).

If you have at least a 2.1 degree in a physiotherapy-related subject and are considering applying for an undergraduate course you may wish to apply for a master's degree in physiotherapy.

Supporting information for applicants

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More information

• Harriet Tully: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy After completing her degree, Harriet took her skills to the other side of the world and worked in Australia as a Physiotherapist. (2mins)
• Postgraduate option
  If you already have a degree (second class or above) in a relevant subject you may be eligible for our accelerated MSc Physiotherapy.
  MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

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