Physiotherapy (pre-registration) - MSc

Choose physiotherapy at Birmingham and take the opportunity to develop into a qualified competent practitioner of physiotherapy.

This 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.

Course details

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 September and finishing in July. The aim of the programme is to provide a challenging and rewarding educational experience that enables students to develop as competent, evidence-based and patient-centred physiotherapy practitioners, capable of making a valuable contribution to the workplace. We are looking for applicants who can meet our academic requirements and demonstrate personal qualities that are compatible with the values stated in the NHS Constitution. Find out more on the NHS Constitution webpages.   

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 and Care Professions Council.

This course is designed to train graduates to become practising physiotherapists and is not suitable for qualified Physiotherapists. The University of Birmingham offers an MSc programme that provides qualified Physiotherapists the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills:

• Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy MSc/Postgraduate Diploma

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 6-week blocks. 

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. Professional and practice aspects of physiotherapy will also be considered.

Year Two 

Year Two of the programme allows students to develop capability in managing more complex presentations and includes a greater proportion of practice-based modules. At the beginning of year two, the research project is introduced, which will become the main focus as the year progresses.

Practice Placements 

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

Practice Placement l education comprises 34 weeks of the programme and is organised into six Practice Placement modules, 2 of which take place in year 1 and 4 in year 2, to complete a total 1,087 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.  

Learning the teaching

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

Academic blocks require attendance of 3-4 days per week. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Employability

Physiotherapy graduates have entered careers both in the NHS and private sector. They work in hospitals, in the community as well as sports clubs and the military. An increasing number of Physiotherapy graduates are working on a freelance basis alongside their work in the NHS. Some choose to pursue further studies in education, research or undertake further training.

Visit the Physiotherapy (pre-registration) - MSc page on the University of Birmingham website for more details!