Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

Course overview

Accredited

Physiotherapists treat people of all ages who may be affected by or at risk of illness, injury and pain, though rehabilitation, health promotion and education. Rehabilitative techniques include exercise, manual therapy and providing appropriate equipment to support function.

You gain the knowledge and skills to be a safe, autonomous and professional practitioner. Core skills include movement analysis, problem solving, clinical reasoning, therapeutic exercise and communication.

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). On completion of your degree, you can apply for chartered membership of the CSP and register with the HCPC.

Top reasons to study this course:

1. Nationally recognised: Teesside is ranked 1st for graduate prospects for physiotherapy in the Complete University Guide 2023. (46 institutions were ranked, tees.ac.uk/source).
2. Graduate success: 100% of BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy graduates go on to work and/or study 15 months after the course (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020-21, tees.ac.uk/source).
3. Bespoke contemporary facilities: learn in our industry-standard labs, simulated ward space, hydrotherapy pool, simulation suite and IT suite, preparing you for the role.
4. Experienced teaching team: benefit from their wealth of clinical experience in both NHS and private sector settings, and collective passion for education.
5. Financial support: 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. You can also apply for our Placement Support Fund if you are experiencing financial difficulties attending your placement. Find out more.

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Supporting information for applicants

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Course details

In your first year you gain the theoretical underpinning of physiotherapy and clinical practice. You learn about human anatomy and physiology, practising therapeutic handling skills and treatment techniques, and begin to explore evidence-based practice and what it means to be a professional. You undertake a four-week practice placement at the end of Year 1.

In Year 2 you enhance your core knowledge, skills and ability to clinically reason by studying the core areas of physiotherapy (respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological) in greater depth. Further your understanding of the evidence base supporting physiotherapy rehabilitation, helping you formulate and plan your dissertation research question. You also undertake two 5-week practice placements and embark on your four-week elective placement. This opens up a world of possibilities as you can choose which physiotherapy setting this takes place in – home or abroad.

In your final year, you further develop your clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of rehabilitation with more complex cases. Carry out a research project on physiotherapy, and consolidate your knowledge and skills to prepare you for employment. You also undertake two 5-week practice placements.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You are expected to have:

• level 3 academic study
• a minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English language, maths and science. Key skills/functional Skills level 2 in communication and application of number can be accepted in place of English and maths GCSE. Please note these are not required if you are doing an access course, however you must have English and maths as listed below.*

Plus any of the following qualifications:

GCE and VCE Advanced Level
128-144 points from three A levels (or equivalent T levels) including 40 points from a science or social science subject, excluding general studies or critical thinking. If you are studying an Advanced Double Award (ADA) you need 88 points from a combination of ADA and one additional A level (40 points must be from a science or social science subject) excluding general studies or critical thinking.
AS Level
These are only acceptable when combined with other qualifications but must be at least a grade B (16 points) and must be studied concurrently with other qualifications.
Access course
128-144 UCAS points from a QAA recognised Access course (any combination)
*We can accept Level 2 Access units in communication and maths in place of English and maths GCSEs.
BTEC QCF Extended Diploma
128-144 points (DDM) in a science or health-related subject. Sport (performance and excellence), sport and exercise science, sport coaching and fitness, and sport subjects are acceptable.
CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
144 points (A) in health and social care.
Irish Leaving Certificate
128-144 points from five Highers/Honours subjects including 24 points from a science or social science subject.
NVQ
Not acceptable.
Open University
Level 2 modules in biology, science, social science or health are acceptable as evidence of recent study if all other academic requirements have been met.
Scottish Highers
128-144 points from five Highers including 27 points in a science or social science subject.
Advanced Scottish Highers
128-144 points from three Advanced Highers including 48 points in a science or social science subject.

For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

The selection process includes shortlisting of your application which if successful you will be invited for an interview.

Shortlisting criteria
Your application will be measured against the following criteria:

• your ability to complete all sections of the application form fully and correctly
• the level of all qualifications and grades are specified
• appropriate academic entry requirements achieved or predicted
• evidence of successful level 3 academic study
• personal statement that is supportive of your chosen programme and demonstrates an understanding of the uniqueness of the profession and the role of the professional
• a satisfactory reference

If you are invited to interview and the date is not suitable, we may not be able to offer you an alternative date due to the high volume of applications received for this course - but it is important that you contact the Admissions Office immediately.

Interview criteria
At interview you will be measured against the following criteria, mapped against the NHS Constitution:

• knowledge of chosen profession/career
• an appreciation of the demands of the programme and chosen profession
• enthusiasm for the programme/profession
• ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally
• attitude towards equity of care

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

1. evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications.
2. a successful work based risk assessment which will reflect the HEOPS recommendations. More information on all of the HEOPS standards
3. an enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. The DBS check is funded by the School of Health & Life Sciences so you do not need to pay for this process.
4. satisfactory references.

Please note until these have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional. 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 our MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration).

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
• 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.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

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

You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

Employability

Career opportunities

A physiotherapy degree can lead to a rewarding, fulfilling and lifelong career with opportunities for progression and development. The need for physiotherapists is growing in the UK and globally, and Teesside has an excellent track record for graduate employment.

Employment opportunities are available within the NHS, private sector or charitable trusts. Settings for graduate jobs include NHS and private hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, industry, rehabilitation centres, the military, sports clubs and in the community including in peoples’ homes and care homes. You could also consider a career working in clinical research, leadership or teaching, in the UK or overseas.

Information for international applicants