Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

The main focus is on the foundation skills of physiotherapy, using a problem-solving approach. The modules draw on some of the year two modules of the BSc Physiotherapy and integrate with other professions and existing Master's level modules.

• Foundations of Physiotherapy

  This module offers you the opportunity to enhance prior knowledge and skills in order to build a foundation for physiotherapy practice with an emphasis on a patient–centred approach. The module consists of understanding the different dimensions of being a healthcare professional and will integrate the application of theoretical knowledge to the clinical setting by building on the basic clinical skills and problem-solving approaches required to be a safe and effective physiotherapist.

• Neurological Physiotherapy

  This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying theoretical and practical principles of neurological physiotherapy practice in the management of neurological movement dysfunction, including the impact of living with long term conditions.

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

  This module will build on your musculoskeletal assessment and treatment/management skills and develop your reasoning and problem-solving skills in relation to specific assessment findings. This will prepare you for the musculoskeletal component of placement and later clinical practice with emphasis on a self-directed learning approach for evidence informed practice.

• Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy

  This module aims to further develop cardio-respiratory knowledge and skills obtained in other modules and enable you to extend your clinical reasoning and practical skills for the effective physiotherapy management of individual patients with variety of cardio-respiratory dysfunctions.

• Human Behaviour and Rehabilitation

  This module will explore concepts, theories and evidence that underpin current understandings of human behaviour and particularly in relation to health and wellbeing maintenance and rehabilitation. It will develop an in-depth understanding of psychological, cultural and sociological influences on human behaviour and well-being.

• Evaluation and Research

  This module looks at a range of quantitative and qualitative research study designs and approaches and will investigate their advantages and disadvantages. The focus will be on good research practice and the methodologies and tools used by these. Appraisal and expository writing skills will be introduced while the research process will be situated within a framework of critical thinking and reflection.

• Practice Placements 1 and 2

  This module introduces the integration of theory into physiotherapy practice via two 6-week practice placements. You will apply key scientific and psychosocial principles to your practice and develop a reflective stance to reasoning in physiotherapy.

You will study the broader concepts of clinical practice and the preventive and innovative role of physiotherapy to meet changing health and social care needs. You will share modules with year three BSc and postgraduate professionals in order to further develop critical thinking and leadership skills in an interprofessional environment.

• Complex Management

  An older population and populations with substantial and ongoing health needs will be the focus of this module, for example end of life rehabilitation, pain management and self-management strategies. This module acknowledges the increasing complexity of health care across all disciplines. The ethical burden of working in contemporary health and social care will be discussed allowing students to enhance their employability once they enter the health sector after qualifying.

• Practice Placements 3, 4 and 5

  This module continues the integration of theory into physiotherapy practice via three 6-week practice placements. You will develop your critical thinking and application of evidence-based principles to your practice in preparation for working as a graduate physiotherapist.

• Personalised Professional Development

  The fundamental underpinning of this module is choice, providing you with an opportunity to choose an area of professional practice that is of interest to you and to investigate it thoroughly through engagement with professionals, patients and service users. The module will facilitate your investigation, reflecting upon and presenting your chosen topic, optimising your confidence and employability in a wholly inclusive way.

• Research Projects

  This is an inter-professional module in which physiotherapy and occupational therapy students are taught together in lectures, tutorials, workshops and simulation to meet the learning needs of each group. This module provides experience of justifying, designing and implementing a research project. Students will work through the research process including ethical considerations and writing in the style of an academic journal.

• Quality and Innovation in Health and Social Care

  This module integrates interprofessional working and contemporary concepts of service improvement in practice. You will examine how policy, research and opinion can support innovation and enhance the service users’ experience. Themes may include understanding of the current health and social care sector in the UK and beyond, regulatory and quality bodies in England, population change and the impact on Allied Health Professions.