Course overview
You gain knowledge, skills and practise to be a safe, autonomous and professional practitioner. Physiotherapy core skills include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement analysis and electrotherapy. As part of your placement experience you participate in a shift pattern rota or work.
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. On completion of your degree, you can apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
In addition to physiotherapy journals, databases such as TURIST and TUPACK for MRI, x-ray, CT and Ultrasound images aid your learning and familiarise you with the software used in the NHS.
Extracurricular opportunities open to you include the Elite Athlete Internship scheme, mentoring programmes or working as a research assistant.
Top reasons to study this course
>We are ranked 1st for graduate prospects for physiotherapy in the Complete University Guide 2023. (46 institutions were ranked, tees.ac.uk/source)
> Physiotherapy is an internationally recognised profession offering global career opportunities.
> Bespoke contemporary physiotherapy facilities including labs, simulated ward space, hydrotherapy pool, simulation suite and IT suite.
> Opportunities to undertake an elective placement home or abroad.
> International exchange programme to explore international health care.
>Teaching team collectively have a wealth of experience so you benefit from their practical and academic expertise.
Please note 100% attendance is expected during this programme.
From September 2020 all new and continuing students on this course will receive a £5,000 maintenance grant each year if they’re eligible. They will not need to pay it back.
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Course details
In your first year you gain a real understanding of what underpins 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 will undertake a three-week assessed clinical placement at the end of Year 1.
In Year 2 you enhance your core knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning in contemporary physiotherapy practice. Learning also takes place in the clinical environment with the allocation of two five-week assessed clinical 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 a further three assessed 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.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
An Introduction to Evidence-based Practice for Health Professionals
You examine the role of evidence-based practice and sources of evidence: primary and secondary research, guidelines, audits and evaluations to support clinical decision making. You develop skills in formulating focused questions, developing effective search strategies and literature retrieval.
Anatomy and Human Movement for Physiotherapists
Foundation Skills for Physiotherapy Practice
We introduce you to the core clinical skills and understanding of treatment principles that underpin practice. You integrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, with that of pathology, exercise and rehabilitation. This knowledge is applied to a diverse range of client groups.
Assessment is through a written assignment and a practical examination.
Introduction to Human Physiology for Healthcare Professionals
This multidisciplinary module introduces basic processes principles and concepts of human physiology required by a range of health professionals, including healing and repair processes.
Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals
Year 2 core modules
Evidence-based Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
You are introduced to evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation programmes across a range of populations, for example children, older people and working age adults.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice
You prepare for clinical practice within the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. You learn how to assess and offer evidence-based intervention for a range of musculoskeletal disorders using a range of skills with an emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of care.
You develop the necessary attributes, knowledge, and skills to underpin a person-approach to the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with long term neurological conditions.
Physiotherapy in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Practice
You develop your cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy skills for assessment and management of patients, across the age range, with cardiovascular and/or respiratory dysfunction.
Physiotherapy Practice Placement 2a and 2b
There are two placements of five weeks duration in the clinical practice area. Each placement offers a unique and new educational opportunity as the client groups and practice environments differ.
Final-year core modules
You explore and develop clinical reasoning within physiotherapy assessment, rehabilitation, and management for clients with comorbidities, long-term conditions and complex needs across the lifespan continuum.
Developing Leadership and Service Improvement Skills for the Future Ready Practitioner
You develop a knowledge and understanding of healthcare policy, statutory and professional policy and explore the impact of these policies with respect to patient care, professional practice and service delivery. There is a strong emphasis on personal and professional development with an exploration of the theories and concepts underpinning continuous professional development, leadership, human dimension of change and quality improvement. You are required to provide evidence of your personal and professional development using an e-portfolio, to demonstrate critical reflection and action planning to ensure you are prepared for the demands and expectations of your role as a future-ready healthcare professional in both traditional and non- traditional settings.
Dissertation for Healthcare Professionals
Physiotherapy Elective Placement
Physiotherapy Practice Placements 3a and 3b
Modules offered may vary.
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, often alongside other healthcare professional students. 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.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You are expected to have:
- Level 3 academic study.
- a minimum of five 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 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
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:
- evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications.
- a successful work based risk assessment which will reflect the 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.
Please note until 1 to 4 have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional.
Please note: 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.
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 lifelong career with opportunities for progression and development. The need for physiotherapists is growing globally, so job opportunities are likely to increase.
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.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
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. 
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 