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Postgraduate study
Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

As a physiotherapist, you can make a real difference to the way people function physically, socially and psychologically. Physiotherapy aims to make the most of an individual's abilities through health promotion, preventive healthcare and rehabilitation.

 
  • Note: Apply links for January 2025 are available from April 2024
 

Course overview

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You build on your prior learning to develop a critical understanding of contemporary physiotherapy practice. You gain the skills to be a safe, reflective, autonomous, professional practitioner able to manage clients across their lifespan in a variety of settings. Core skills underpinning physiotherapy include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and functional movement analysis. Appropriate intervention is underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and problem solving within the context of an evidence-based approach to clinical practice. We take a problem-based approach to learning, which includes opportunities to share aspects of learning with students from other allied health professions to promote teamwork and an appreciation of how other disciplines contribute to healthcare.

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Study this course and you may be eligible for a £5,000 maintenance grant each year from the NHS Business Service Authority. Find out more.

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Supporting information for applicants

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Course details

In Stage 1, you study the core sciences underpinning physiotherapy practice. You are introduced to a range of physiotherapy interventions which are responsive to client need and underpinned by evidence-based approaches to practice. You also explore professional issues in health and social care. During this stage you complete three clinical placements where you assess and treat your own patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists. You may be allocated placements within paediatrics, elderly care, learning disabilities and mental health services in addition to acute, medical, musculoskeletal and neurological areas. Clinical placements are arranged by academic tutors. You should be prepared to travel for some placements but they are all commutable from and to the university on the same day so no additional accommodation is required.

In Stage 2 you complete three more clinical placements. You must complete 1,000 hours of satisfactory clinical practice to meet the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. You also develop your knowledge of the sciences underpinning physiotherapy and further explore the professional development of the physiotherapist and research methods.

In Stage 3 you complete your dissertation.

Course structure

Stage 1 core modules

Enhancing Professionalism, Leadership and Service Improvement Skills for the Future Ready Practitioner

Develop your knowledge and understanding of healthcare, statutory and professional policies, considering their impact on patient care and service delivery. You explore personal and professional development, evidencing this in an e-portfolio. Demonstrate critical reflection and action planning, ensuring that you are prepared for the demands and expectations of your future role in healthcare.

Human Movement and Function for Physiotherapists

You develop integrated knowledge and understanding of normal structure and function of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and respiratory systems.

Integrated Physiotherapy Practice

Within this module you develop the underpinning knowledge and skills to be able to assess, safely apply effective physiotherapy interventions and evaluate their effectiveness for managing individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction across the lifespan. The module also focuses on the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological dysfunction.

Physiotherapy Practice Placements 1, 2a and 2b

You undertake 13 weeks of practice placement within this stage. You will undertake a three week placement in June/July. This foundation placement primarily focuses on your development of interpersonal and communications skills and basic skills of assessment, treatment and evaluation.

In the autumn term, following your summer break, you will undertake a further two five-week practice placements. You further develop your skills of communication, assessment, clinical reasoning and management of service users within the core areas of physiotherapy practice.

 

Stage 2 core modules

Clinical Rehabilitation

You gain a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of effective rehabilitation for a range of clinical areas including musculoskeletal, neurology, cardiology and respiratory. You develop the practical skills required, including safe and effective delivery of rehabilitation.

Dissertation Preparation for Health Professionals

Develop your skills to design and manage research projects relevant to health professionals. You gain a systematic and critical understanding of different research approaches and designs, building your ability to evaluate evidence. Select, justify and use appropriate data analysis techniques to develop, plan and manage a research project that meets ethical standards.

Physiotherapy in the Management of Long-term and Life-limiting Conditions

This module enables you to develop a systematic and detailed knowledge and understanding of the integrated physiotherapy management to promote the health and wellbeing of people with long-term or life limiting conditions. This includes children, older people, women’s health, people with a learning disability or mental health problem and people requiring end-of-life care.

Physiotherapy Practice Placements 3a and 3b

Within this stage you undertake a further two five-week placements at Level 6 to further develop your management of clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. You are expected to demonstrate greater autonomy in relation to your practice and learning with due consideration of the physiotherapy scope of practice and your own limitations.

 

Stage 3 core modules

Major Project

You undertake a substantive piece of either primary or secondary research developed from the research module in Stage 2. This is primarily an independent piece of research in a related area with guidance from a member of staff or research institute teams.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

Various learning and teaching methods are used throughout the course and include keynote lectures, seminars and small-group work as well as practical laboratory sessions. You are encouraged and supported to engage in self-directed learning to prepare for practical sessions and seminars.

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. Essential competencies for this course include:

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

Clinical placements are assessed at undergraduate level.

 

Entry requirements

We are unable to reconsider unsuccessful applicants in the same application cycle, however you can reapply in the future you will be required to meet the criteria as if you were a first time applicant.

You should normally have an honours degree (at least 2.1) in an appropriate discipline

Admission to the course is dependent upon:

  • academic entry requirements being met
  • satisfactory application form
  • successful interview
  • satisfactory references
  • completed work-based risk assessment process
  • receipt of a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

You are assessed at interview on your ability to demonstrate:

  • awareness of the qualities and skills of a physiotherapist
  • clear articulation of values in line with the NHS Constitution (Department of Health 2013)
  • awareness of academic skills including prior experience
  • communication skills in individual and group settings
  • appreciation of healthcare issues from a patient perspective, incorporating NHS values

During the course and on completion you must declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the University and relevant professional body prior to application for registration.

If you are successful in shortlisting and interview you receive a conditional offer subject to the following:

  • evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications
  • a successful work based risk assessment which reflects the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) recommendations - please read these here. For more information on all of the HEOPS standards click here
  • an enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. Where an enhanced DBS check is required, applicants will cover the cost of these checks which can only be processed through the University.
  • satisfactory references.

Until the steps above have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional.
International applicants

  • International applicants must have IELTS 7.0 with a minimal score of 6.5 in all sections or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100/120 (in conjunction with a Teesside University English language test)* before an unconditional offer is made
  • If you are successful at shortlisting you will be invited to attend an interview (which may be in person OR video call) in one of our international offices in either India, Malaysia or China, or through a secure web link (which will be arranged by the University).
  • If you can not attend an interview as stated, you will be unable to proceed with your application.

*Students holding TOEFL qualifications at the required grade will be able to combine the qualification with a Teesside University English language test to meet the English language requirement. The English language test will assess listening and speaking competency.

For international enquiries please email internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credits for previous study or related work experience which can be credited towards the course you want to study. Find out more about RPL.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

 

Employability

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.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

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Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

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 and Care Professions Council.

Full-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants

Apply now (full-time)

Apply now (full-time)

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

Choose Teesside

  • On video

    Physiotherapy at Teesside

    The School of Health & Social Care has impressive purpose-built physiotherapy facilities simulating practice environments and social care settings. See how our physiotherapy students benefit and prepare for practice.

     
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Service user and carer involvement

Service users and carers support all aspects of our students' lifecycle from recruitment to graduation.

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Get in touch

UK students

Email: shlsadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


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International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

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