MSc Physiotherapy (February Start)

Key details

MSC PHYSIOTHERAPY (FEBRUARY START)

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

Gain a Master’s in Physiotherapy and you could have an incredibly positive impact on people’s lives, helping them overcome physical setbacks and get back on their feet – often literally. It’s a career ideally suited to great listeners – able to piece together the physical with the emotional to build a complete picture of a person’s situation– and to those who like to understand theories and apply them to improving real life situations. 

Our innovative approach is based on the very latest research. Through our rigorous programme, you’ll develop sound knowledge of the clinical sciences underpinning human movement and function. You’ll have access to our superb, dedicated learning facilities, including our anatomy room and assistive technology suite. And you’ll have early patient contact and benefit from small group taught sessions. We are renowned for our excellent teaching and research in the field. 

About

Our MSc Physiotherapy course is fully approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Enroll with us and you’ll be based at our School of Health Sciences, where you’ll receive an academic and a practice-based education that’s second to none. 

During taught sessions, you’ll spend your time using case studies, focusing on the needs of individual clients or client groups. Through a combination of self-directed learning, workshop activities and Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL), you’ll build up the knowledge you need to identify issues and make decisions on how to address them. 

You’ll become expert in understanding specific psychological, cultural and social factors in the context of patient care. You’ll also learn about due consideration of the needs and abilities of others involved with the client, including carers and other health and social care workers. You will also consider how, as a physiotherapist, you can use your expertise to advise and teach groups, and promote health across whole communities. 

In addition to your campus-based learning, you’ll undertake four placements across your two years. These will be between seven and eight weeks in length. Working under close supervision, this is your opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into hands-on practice. 

Our interdisciplinary ethos means that you’ll spend some of your time studying alongside Occupational Therapy and Dietetics students – professionals you’ll work with as a qualified physiotherapist. Inter-professional teamwork will be a central element of your career, and UEA remains one of the only UK universities to offer this approach. 

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to work on your Master’s dissertation project, working with a member of our faculty on a subject that interests you. This will take the form of a structured literature review. 

We are very proud of our innovative teaching methods and the passion and dedication of our staff. Our approach is creative, challenging and engaging. And our students tell us that they find our programmes professionally dynamic and personally transforming. 

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll be assessed on this course through a combination of practical skill assessments, written essays, reflective accounts, posters and case-management presentations. We’ll look at your communication skills, as well as your ability to synthesise and articulate knowledge at Master’s level. The accelerated nature of this programme means that you’ll also need to demonstrate effective time-management. 

Your academic assignments will be marked against the Senate Scale for Master’s work – the official national marking guidance for higher education. However, your placement performances will be assessed at undergraduate level, as we don’t expect you to acquire and master your practical skills as quickly as your theoretical knowledge. 

Placements are marked pass or fail, and we’ll provide feedback on your performance to help you learn and improve. 

Structure

Our two-year (45-week) programme adopts an Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL) ethos. This means there’s a focus on student-centred independent learning, problem solving and decision-making, supported by both online and in person teaching from lecturers and guest speakers with relevant expertise.

In Year 1, you will use the EBL ethos to apply human sciences, physiotherapy practice and professional development principles to the management of case scenarios describing people with musculoskeletal and respiratory problems. You will also identify a topic to review and begin your dissertation project.

Teaching and Learning

This is a full-time degree. The taught elements of our full-time programme will make up around 2.5 to 3 days a week, with the rest of your working week dedicated to essential self-directed study. 

In your EBL learning activities, you will work in a small group to examine a case-study. You’ll clarify what needs to be learned from the case and you’ll develop a series of learning objectives for each group member. These objectives will then be presented back to the group at the end of each fortnight. Our approach is based on principles of adult learning theory and problem-solving that are proven to lead to deeper and more meaningful learning.

The EBL approach is supported by lectures, seminars and recommended resources for preparatory reading or viewing, which aim to complement your independent research and help you apply your knowledge to professional practice. Academic sessions will be supported by regular practical sessions, in which you’ll learn and practice the core physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills.

Master's-level learning demands an active drive to research and embed theory effectively into your own practice, so that you’re able to provide strong evidence-based justifications for your proposed interventions and actions.

Independent study 

Self-directed study is a large and integral part of our programme. All your core activities will be facilitated by resources, provided by your lecturers, via our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). We’ll also actively encourage you to acquire and integrate knowledge from a wide range of additional sources. 

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Assessment for Year 2

Placements are marked pass or fail, and we’ll provide feedback on your performance to help you learn and improve. 

Structure

In Year 2, you continue using the EBL approach for respiratory and neurological case scenarios, and engage in a wider range of contemporary practice topics, such as public health, forced migration and employability.

Practice placements are integrated throughout the programme, enabling you to undertake supervised clinical work with a range of different healthcare partners across the East Anglia Region. You’ll complete one seven-week placement in your first year after the musculoskeletal teaching block, and three placements in your second year: two seven-weeks in length, plus a final eight-week placement. Following your final placement, you will engage with interdisciplinary student led placement presentations to share your learning and experiences in a wide range of practice settings.

You may have the opportunity to arrange your final eight-week practice placement elsewhere in the UK or overseas. You will need to discuss your idea with your course director, who will decide whether it is appropriate or not. You will be responsible for covering any additional travel and accommodation costs you incur. 

Teaching and Learning

This is a full-time degree. The taught elements of our full-time programme will make up around 2.5 to 3 days a week, with the rest of your working week dedicated to essential self-directed study. 

Independent study 

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Assessment for Year 1

Placements are marked pass or fail, and we’ll provide feedback on your performance to help you learn and improve. 

Compulsory Modules

MANDATORY TRAINING

Code HSC-7000X

Credits 0

Mandatory training is a requirement for all Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Physiotherapy programmes, stipulated by the governing professional bodies and our clinical practice partners. As an Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Physiotherapy student, you will be required to complete clinical practice hours as part of your degree. In order to prepare you for this, you will complete a mandatory set of core training sessions to prepare you for safe working within a healthcare environment. You will explore areas such as: basic life support, moving and handling of people, methods to prevent and control the spread of infection, supporting vulnerable adults and children, protecting confidential information, managing challenging situations and fire safety. This core set of skills is required by all healthcare professionals and this module will help to ensure your own safety and that of service users, staff and anyone else you encounter.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1

Code HSC-7044X

Credits 20

This module introduces the concept of continuing professional development and explores the tools which can be employed in lifelong learning. It develops transferable skills, building on existing academic skills of critical enquiry and research practice.

HUMAN SCIENCES

Code HSC-7052X

Credits 20

Human Sciences (HS) is a year-long module that is taken by occupational therapy and physiotherapy students together. The aim is to develop your knowledge and understand of how the biological, psychological and social aspects of human sciences interact to affect us as humans, particularly in relation to human movement and occupation; this is the biopsychosocial model. Teaching and learning is focussed on developing your understanding of human function, including exploration of dysfunction and recovery processes through the biopsychosocial model. This is facilitated through engagement with the four key strands of anatomy, physiology, psychology and sociology. Teaching is predominantly built around facilitated self-directed study using a range of relevant resources, followed by workshop activities to encourage application of core knowledge. There are some uni-professional sessions where one group requires additional preparation related to the nature of their specific programme. Anatomy and Physiology: The entry requirements for physiotherapy students dictate that they will already have sound anatomy and physiology knowledge from previous studies, therefore the emphasis for learning will be on applying this to physiotherapy theory and practice via case studies encountered during Enquiry Based Learning fortnights. As entrance requirements for occupational therapists do not expect this level of prior knowledge there will be timetabled uni-professional taught sessions with additional supportive resources available to help with this learning. For both professional groups there will be compulsory human dissection sessions to explore and apply anatomical knowledge using pre-dissected specimens. Health Psychology: A selection of core psychological areas will be explored over your first year, with each different topics woven into each Enquiry Based Learning trigger. These will take the form of self-directed preparation followed by workshops to explore the relevance of the topic and thus apply the principles to practice. Health Sociology: A selection of core sociological areas will be explored over your first year, with topics woven into the Enquiry Based Learning triggers in the same way as described above.

RESEARCH 1

Code HSC-7056X

Credits 20

We will introduce you to various health databases and you will be able to engage with the evidence base relevant to your own professional practice. You will learn methods to appraise research quality and relate it back to your clinical practice. You will learn how to scrutinise research evidence. You will have the opportunity to choose a topic of interest for your final dissertation from a wide variety available. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor and have meetings one-to-one periodically throughout the course duration. You will also participate in journal clubs and have many opportunities to read and share research evidence with your peers

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY & PRACTICE 1

Code HSC-7058X

Credits 40

The module exists to develop competence in a range of physiotherapeutic interventions aimed at assessing and restoring human movement and function. The module is centred on evidence based clinical reasoning and problem solving, which is developed through critical engagement with scientific and theoretical evaluation of human movement and functioning. Integrating applied human sciences subject matter into the module ensures that the student’s ability to synthesise information relevant to clinical reasoning is maximised. This is complemented by developing an understanding of practicing in present and future contexts alongside the development of professionalism.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Assessment for Year 2

Placements are marked pass or fail, and we’ll provide feedback on your performance to help you learn and improve. 

Compulsory Modules

MANDATORY TRAINING

Code HSC-7001X

Credits 0

As an occupational therapy, dietetics or physiotherapy student, you are required to complete clinical practice hours as part of your degree. Mandatory training is a requirement of these programmes, stipulated by the governing professional bodies and our clinical practice partners. It is important that you undertake a number of training sessions to ensure your own safety and that of service users, staff and anyone else you encounter.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY & PRACTICE 2

Code HSC-7048X

Credits 30

The module draws upon the student’s use of CPD tools, quality measures and service development tools, critical enquiry, research methodology and evidence based practice to promote advanced clinical reasoning and creative management strategies for clients in a variety of clinical settings. It will encourage the students to develop avenues of emerging scope of practice through a subject block entitled physical activity and health promotion. The practice placement settings will provide, through negotiation with local Trusts, opportunities to experience a wide range of settings developing transferable clinical, reflective and managerial skills to prepare them for the current health and social care settings.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2

Code HSC-7050X

Credits 20

This module further develops the concept and ownership of your personal continuing professional development. You’ll be expected to continue to examine your own experiences and learning needs to facilitate your transition from student to autonomous practitioner. You’ll be encouraged to progressively refine your skills of reflective practice and to continue to collect portfolio based evidence to support your continuing professional development through engagement in real life service improvement tasks. Professionalism and employability will be further developed and facilitated by your personal advisors to monitor development in these areas.

RESEARCH 2

Code HSC-7053X

Credits 30

You will undertake a research dissertation on a topic of your choosing. We will support you throughout the duration of the module and help you submit your final dissertation. Through the experience of working alongside a key member of the academic team, you will develop significant expertise in your chosen research area. When you complete the module, you will be able to interpret and evaluate research in your area of professional practice. You will experience how to design and deliver research, and learn about essential components of good clinical practice and research ethics. This module will follow on from the research module in the first year.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors (Hons) degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree subject

Strong biological, human or health science content. Examples include: Anatomy, Physiology, Biological Sciences (excluding purely plant-based biology degrees), Sports & Exercise Science (or related subjects such as PE or Coaching), Nursing or other Allied Health Professional degrees.

GCSE offer

Applicants will be required to have a minimum of GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 / C or equivalent.

Additional entry requirements

You must have graduated within 10 years of the start date of the course which is in February each year, or be able to provide evidence of further relevant degree-level study during that period.

Applicants should have a strong profile of secondary qualifications in arts and/or sciences (we will look for good A-level grades, or equivalent).

Applicants should also have a minmum grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English.

Our admissions criteria also include: a clear understanding of physiotherapy and the role of physiotherapists within various clinical settings; a broad range of relevant work shadowing; an interest in people and a strong academic attainment. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant. Please note that experience only in sports settings is not considered relevant.

If you already are a qualified Physiotherapist this course is not suitable and you may wish to consider our other professional health courses delivered at Degree and Master’s level.

International students

We have a number of places available to applications from students outside the UK/EU for Physiotherapy. The School of Health Sciences offers a high quality educational experience for international postgraduates. Potential international candidates need to be able to demonstrate the high academic credentials required for the course, as well as good English Language qualifications.

The pre-registration courses offered in the School of Health Sciences are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and after successfully completing an accredited pre-registration programme such as ours you must apply to register with the HCPC in order to work as a registered healthcare professional in the UK. This course equips you with the skills necessary to practise as a physiotherapist both internationally and in the UK. International students who complete the course will be eligible to apply to the HCPC.

Special Entry Requirements

Places on this course are subject to police (DBS) and occupational health checks.

PLACEMENTS

As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English or those whose degree was not taught in English.

To ensure such students benefit fully from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English.

Our minimum entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components
Pearson (PTE): 76 overall with a minimum of 67 in all components.

All test scores must be less than two years old.

Interviews

The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.

Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your application.

Interview Format

Our interviews for February 2024 entry will take place on our campus. You will be invited to a morning or afternoon session by email. The email will include the arrival time and building location. We use a few of the buildings on our campus for interviews, but they will either be on our Main Campus or on our West Campus (which is around a 20-minute walk from the centre of the Main Campus, near the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital). The session will last no longer than 3 hours in total. 

You will take part in ‘multiple mini-interviews’ with academic staff members from the School of Health Sciences, clinicians from the profession you are applying for, 3rd year students from the course, and/or health service users.

Note that we will not disclose interview questions in advance of the interviews, but in general terms the interviews will explore a range of issues, including your suitability for the profession and the NHS values (as reflected in the NHS constitution). We’ll look to consider your motivation to study this course, as well as whether you have an interest in people and a clear understanding of the profession (ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in healthcare).

Experience of Healthcare

We are aware that it is a difficult time to try to gain relevant experience in healthcare. We will take this into account and will adapt our expectations.

Keep in mind that clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to train in healthcare, but it is important to show that you are able to work with people and appreciate the health and social care setting. It is important to remember why we look for work experience in an application; this in turn can help you think of the numerous ways that you might be able to demonstrate how you have acquired relevant experience.

We will want to see that you understand what a career in Health involves. Work experience, and other related experiences, are only as valuable as the way you talk about them and what understanding you take from them. While we will expect you to show some understanding of what it is like to be the professional of your choice, part of this involves demonstrating that you know what it is like to work in a responsible role, particularly with the public.

Any activity or life experience that helps you to prepare for training to be a healthcare professional will help. This means any activity that allows you to demonstrate that you have:

- Had people-focused experience of providing a service, care, support or help to others, and that you understand the realities of working in a caring profession.
- Developed some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to being a Nurse, Midwife or Allied Health professional such as conscientiousness, effective communication and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people. The values that we are looking for are set out in the NHS Constitution.
- A realistic understanding of Health and Social Care and in particular the physical, organisational and emotional demands of the career.