MSc Physiotherapy (February Start)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- February 2024
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Course Overview
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.
Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter)!
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.
Follow UEA's Physiotherapy Society on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook or Instagram.
Study and Modules
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.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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.
Assessment
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
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.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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.
Assessment
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.
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
- Applicants will be required to have a minimum of GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 / C or equivalent.
- English 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.
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).
Applicants will be offered an online interview.
Experience of HealthcareWe 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.- Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in February each year.
Additional Information or 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:
-
UK Students: £18,500 (Full-time on a two-year basis. Course fee charged £9,250 per academic year)
-
International Students: £39,600 (Full-time on a two-year basis. Course fee charged £19,800 per academic year. 2022-23 entrants are liable for £18,500 in 2023-24.)
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Practice placements will be based in a variety of locations around East Anglia. You will be responsible for covering any additional travel and accommodation costs. You will also need to pay for a DBS check and a health screening – plus any necessary vaccinations – prior to commencing the course.
UK students may be able to claim back placement costs for travel and accommodation from a Department of Health bursary fund, but this will not be available to International students.
How to Apply
Please note - this course is now closed for applications for the 2023-24 cycle.
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
The closing date for receipt of complete applications is 1 June 2023.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Complete this course successfully and you’ll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You’ll then be able to practice as a qualified physiotherapist in a vast range of settings.
Once registered, there will be numerous roles available to you within the NHS, private sector, voluntary sectors, industry, research and education: the opportunities are endless.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
-
NHS
-
Private/independent practice
-
The Armed Forces
-
Industry/occupational health
-
Sport and leisure
-
Charity and voluntary organisations
-
You can find out more about the career here
http://www.uea.ac.uk/health-sciences/careers-and-employability/your-career