BSc Physiotherapy

Key details

BSC PHYSIOTHERAPY

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

B160

Entry Requirements

AAB

Duration (years)

Our three-year physiotherapy programme focuses on working with people to maximise their functional ability – and their potential. Whether your client’s condition is recovering, stable or deteriorating, we’ll equip you with the necessary skills to help them overcome their challenges. 

Our course focuses on body systems, and exploring how they impact on the body’s ability to move and function effectively. Core areas include neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory therapy in both acute and primary care settings. 

Our interdisciplinary ethos means that you’ll be studying with students from therapies that you’ll encounter in your working life. Inter-professional teamwork will be a central element of your career, and UEA remains one of the only UK universities to offer this approach. 

Once you have a sound knowledge of the clinical sciences that underpin human function and dysfunction, you’ll start hands-on practice. You’ll focus on the specific needs of each client or client group, and you’ll become expert in understanding specific psychological, cultural, and social factors in the context of care, as well as learning about due consideration of the needs and abilities of others involved with the client, including carers and other health and social care workers. 

You’ll learn how to apply problem-solving and clinical reasoning to assess and evaluate a client’s health. You’ll master specific assessment and treatment techniques. You’ll gain understanding of how to manage both yourself and those around you. And you’ll develop and hone the interpersonal skills key to enabling the negotiation of action plans, and to engaging effectively with patients, carers, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team. 

About

Choose to study 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 who are able to piece together the physical with the emotional to build a complete picture – and to anyone one who likes going beyond the theory and actually making things happen. 

Our innovative approach is both varied and interactive and is based on the very latest research.

You’ll have access to our superb, dedicated learning facilities, including our anatomy room and assistive technology suite. So you’ll develop the solid academic grounding and practical skills you’ll need to kick-start your career. 

Our course is fully approved by and prepares you for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

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Course Reference Number: 1545049

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

We’ll assess each module you complete using a range of methods, online MCQs, practical assessments and portfolio evidence. Written work will be based on critical enquiry and professional reasoning, including a biopsychosocial case study and journal article, as well as poster presentations, viva voce (oral examinations), and a problem-based essay. 

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Structure

Our Physiotherapy degree is strong on both theory and practice. In each of your three years you’ll undertake mandatory modules, which will vary in credit weight, as well as two practice placements. You’ll need to pass each of the modules in order to progress onto the next level. Then you’ll have introductory sessions at the start of each academic year to support your transition between the academic levels. 

In your first year, you’ll study five compulsory modules: Foundations of Professional Practice, Human Sciences, PT Theory and Practice, Placement Education, and Mandatory Training. You’ll also complete a two-week and a four-week placement, focusing on core transferable and profession-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours. 

Teaching and Learning

As a physiotherapist, you’ll need to be able to operate autonomously and make educated decisions about patient care, and our course is designed to help you do just that. 

One of our primary aims is that you’re able to link the theory with practice, so your learning will balance teaching with a series of placements in health, social and educational settings, as well as supervised practice on fellow students. 

Our teaching methods are extremely well regarded, with a student-centred approach that mixes lectures, seminars, group work and self-directed learning. You’ll focus on enquiry-based learning, through which you’ll be able to take control and direct your own learning. You’ll discover links between your new and existing knowledge, develop team-working and clinical reasoning skills, and you’ll take a creative, autonomous approach to problem-solving, which will be essential to your future career. 

You’ll have a personal adviser who will work with you as you develop a portfolio, demonstrating both the ways you’ve progressed and your reflective practice. As you progress through the course you’ll be expected to take on greater responsibility for your professional development. 

We use a range of media to support your learning to full effect. In particular, we use Blackboard – our virtual learning environment – to guide you and support the syllabus throughout the course, especially during placements when you will be studying at a distance. 

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Assessment for Year 2

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Structure

In your second year you’ll undertake a six- and an eight-week placement, further developing your core skills. Mandatory modules will include Physiotherapy Practice 2, Evidence-based Practice, Placement Education and Mandatory Training. 

Teaching and Learning

As a physiotherapist, you’ll need to be able to operate autonomously and make educated decisions about patient care, and our course is designed to help you do just that. 

Apply

Life at UEA

Assessment for Year 3

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Structure

In your final year, mandatory modules include Physiotherapy Practice 3, Research Policy and Practice, Placement Education, and Mandatory Training. You’ll also complete further six- and eight-week placements, focusing on the acquisition of more complex skills. Your eight-week placements, known as the Transitional Placement, is especially geared towards getting you ready to transition into professional practice. 

Teaching and Learning

As a physiotherapist, you’ll need to be able to operate autonomously and make educated decisions about patient care, and our course is designed to help you do just that. 

Apply

Life at UEA

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Compulsory Modules

FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Code HSC-4040Y

Credits 20

This is an inter-professional first year module for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy, and it addresses a number of standards of proficiency that are common to each of these professions. This module will prepare you for the wider contexts of being a health and social care professional. During this module you will learn about the diversity of contexts in which services are delivered; including public health and health promotion. You will explore how services remain client-centred with consideration of equality and diversity. You will consider the importance of practising within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession. This module will teach you about the role, taking into account your professional identity, values and behaviours whilst recognising the roles of other professions. You will be introduced to reflective practice and the need for continuing professional development. This module will give you the opportunity to develop your academic skills and explore the importance of research in order to underpin your practice.

PRACTICE EDUCATION 1

Code HSC-4041Y

Credits 40

This module introduces students to the foundation skills required to be a health and social care professional with uni- and inter-disciplinary skills-based teaching in conjunction with practice placements. Students will have the opportunity to experience current practice in occupational therapy and physiotherapy. You will be introduced to core clinical skills through inter professional learning, such as effective communication for assessment and solution- focused intervention. Some sessions will be joint with speech and language therapy where shared learning is appropriate for all professional groups. You will engage with a community engagement experience where you will gain experience interacting with the public in a variety of settings early in your course without the pressure of being formally assessed. Further core skills to be delivered include exploring challenging behaviours; motivational approaches to healthcare delivery; supervision and tools for independent learning. You will explore the importance of the resilience and adaptability within health and social care and the need for good practice based skills. In conjunction with practice placement, taught practice based skills at this level will enable students to develop and apply early competencies in preparation for future practice placements and more complex practice skills. Throughout the module, students will explore early employability attributes and begin to develop their employability development portfolio. You will develop and reflect upon the development of practice placement skills through the learning contract. There will be employability content introduced at this stage.

HUMAN SCIENCES

Code HSC-4042Y

Credits 20

This module develops the fundamental theoretical background to the clinical sciences necessary for practice. You will explore the bio-psychosocial processes underpinning human function. Focus will be on the 'normal' structure and function of the body by understanding the basic anatomical, physiological, psychological and sociological processes underpinning human life. Learning outcomes will inform professional practice modules in occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE 1

Code HSC-4044Y

Credits 40

Your assessment, problem solving and treatment is developed through theory and practice and the application of core material from Human Sciences and Professional Development. The module is centred on problem solving and clinical reasoning and where possible coordinates with the teaching of the anatomical regions of the lower and upper limbs in Human Sciences 1. Prior to this, the anatomy of the spine is introduced. The final weeks introduce enquiry based learning using case studies. In addition, sessions within Practice Education 1 will allow further clinical application and practical skills acquisition linked to the regions and case studies covered in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1.

MANDATORY TRAINING 1

Code HSC-4045Y

Credits 0

This module is designed for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language students who are required to complete clinical practice hours as part of their degree. Mandatory training is a requirement of these programmes, stipulated by the governing professional bodies and our clinical practice partners. It is important that students undertake a number of training sessions to ensure their own safety and that of service users, staff and anyone else that they encounter.

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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, 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.

Assessment for Year 2

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Compulsory Modules

PRACTICE EDUCATION 2

Code HSC-5061Y

Credits 40

NEW - AVAILABLE IN 2019/0 - this module builds on practice education 1 with university and inter-disciplinary skills-based teaching alongside students’ practice placements. Interdisciplinary contents include: note writing and information governance, resilience and, examining the professional’s role within teams together with a clear appreciation of mentoring theory and practice. You will build upon your core skills from practice education 1, evidencing increased competency with management skills, including team working and management. You will continue with clinical skills sessions from the previous year. You will also further build upon your ability to effectively identify and manage practice-based problems and deploy effective strategies to manage these. You will continue to reflect and build upon your employability attributes in readiness for level 6. university-professional sessions will be directed by individual course requirements.

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Code HSC-5062Y

Credits 20

This module considers the value of research in the systematic evaluation of practice. This module will build on the introductory research elements covered in Year 1 under the Foundations for Professional Practice. Using pedagogic approaches based on blended learning, the research component will introduce qualitative and quantitative methodologies, using experiential activities to develop a basic understanding of primary research and an understanding of critical appraisal skills.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE 2

Code HSC-5064Y

Credits 60

NEW - AVAILABLE IN 2019/0 - This module integrates theory and practice with the aim to develop your skills in a range of physiotherapeutic interventions which restore human function and movement across the life span. The module draws on the foundations of knowledge and skills learnt in year 1 and uses an evidenced based approach to clinical reasoning and problem solving. You will learn to adapt and modify interventions and assessments depending on the service user’s needs. You will be required to integrate and apply the human sciences to demonstrate your clinical reasoning with reference to The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. You will learn about the role of the Physiotherapist in public health and begin to consider illness prevention and the promotion of personal well being. The learning is delivered through a series of Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) triggers which explore human function and movement and the impact of dysfunction of body systems upon it. These EBL triggers will develop in their complexity and integrated management approaches. You will be encouraged to reflect on your scope of practice and begin to think about yourself as an ‘agent of change’ working as part of an interdisciplinary team. The module will offer opportunities for shared learning events with the Occupational Therapist, these events will allow you to consider your skills and how as a team, the two professions can work effectively together for the good of the service user.

MANDATORY TRAINING 2

Code HSC-5065Y

Credits 0

This module is designed for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language students who are required to complete clinical practice hours as part of their degree. Mandatory training is a requirement of the governing professional bodies and our clinical practice partners. It is important that students undertake a number of training sessions to ensure their own safety and that of service users, staff and anyone else they encounter.

Apply

Life at UEA

Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

You’ll receive feedback throughout, so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on. 

Compulsory Modules

PRACTICE EDUCATION 3

Code HSC-6061Y

Credits 40

This module build upon Practice Education 2 with uni and inter-disciplinary skills-based teaching alongside students’ practice placements. This module explores the transition of the student towards competent and autonomous practitioner. Students undertake a 6-week placement, concluding with a transitional placement which is organised by the student and tailored towards their desired area of practice. The elective provides the opportunity to apply core skills and knowledge acquired over the duration of the programme. Within placement education 3, students build upon their knowledge, clinical skills and professional development, evidencing the ability to engage with assessment and intervention at varying levels of complexity. To date, students will have experienced a broad range of professional practice from a varied portfolio of placements. The student will advance and actively apply the practices of leadership, management, supervision and mentoring. Students are prepared for practice via a series of progressive lectures and seminars aimed at the transition from level 5 to 6. Teaching is focused on integrating learning from previous placement education modules and progressing towards the standards of a newly qualified practitioner. Students undertake preparation sessions for the elective placement as well as plenary sessions to reflect on practice development. The learning outcomes for this module are progressive in nature and are assessed using formal assessment criteria including, safe practice, professionalism, clinical reasoning, interpersonal skills, client management, information management and personal and professional development.

RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE

Code HSC-6062Y

Credits 40

This module is about research and evidence-based practice in the current healthcare climate. It prepares students for practice through topics addressing the transition from student to practitioner through evidence-based practice and professional awareness. Third year students should be equipped to contribute to the culture of enquiry both within their profession, and across the broad area of health and social care and how these relate to research and evidence. They must appreciate the broad professional research-base essential for evidence-based practice and for the development of professional practice. It is also important that they are explicitly prepared for the change from student therapist to professional practitioners. This module provides these attributes. The module has been designed to complement the whole programme, in addition to being harmonious with the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency and the Council of Allied Health Professional’s position statement “ Developing research skills within AHP pre-registration education”.

PT PROFESSIONAL THEORY AND PRACTICE 3

Code HSC-6064Y

Credits 40

This module prepares the students understanding of the complexities of physiotherapy interventions through the exploration of the profession’s philosophies and practice in a range of diverse and developing contexts The module will explore the impact of physical activity on the body looking at long term conditions, sedentary life style and the elite athlete. The module will explore the impact growth and maturity has on physiological and psychological function and exercise performance. It aims to develop the skills in the students to promote, restore and maintain an individual’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Looking at a patient focus, tailoring treatments to match the needs of the individual. The module draws on the importance of the role of physiotherapy in health promotion and illness prevention. This module aims to increase the students effectiveness as a health promoter by increasing their awareness of the psychological and sociological perspectives of exercise and activity participation The module will provide knowledge, understanding and preparation for transition into contemporary professional practice within a dynamic health and social care environment. Students learning is enhanced by supporting students in identifying and critically analysing novel and emerging areas of practice. This module continues to encourage the students to enhance their leadership skills, innovation and entrepreneurship. It will offer them the tools to critically appraise different service delivery and models and to practise in a flexible, ethical and effective manner. The students will consolidate their learning from year 2 and reflect upon placement 5 and 6 to identify further learning needs to support their transition to independent practitioner. There will be the opportunity for working with occupational therapy students during shared themes. The module continues to develop the role of the interdisciplinary team and its importance in a patient centred approach to effective and efficient care. The students will share common themes from their EBL sessions through shared learning events with occupational therapy students, occurring three times a year. In these sessions OT and OT students will lead an interactive session for students on the other course, asking them to consider their roles and responsibilities within the presented scenarios.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Degree of Bachelor of Science

Degree subject

Physiotherapy

A Levels

AAB (or ABB with an A in the Extended Project), including A Level Biology, Human Biology or PE.

BTEC

DDD - see below for accepted subjects

Scottish highers

AAAAA including Biology, Human Biology or PE

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Biology, Human Biology or PE

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2 and 2 subjects at H3, including Biology, Human Biology or PE

Access course

Pass with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits of Biology

European Baccalaureate

80% including Biology at grade 7

International Baccalaureate

33 points including HL6 Biology or Sports, Exercise & Health Science

GCSE offer

In addition to all other specified requirements listed on this page, you’ll need to hold or be working towards 5 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4, including Mathematics, English Language and a science.

Additional entry requirements

Accepted BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subjects:

Applied Science (2010 suite) – must include at least two of the following units: Physiology of human body systems, Physiology of human regulation and reproduction, Diseases and infections.

Applied Science (2016 suite) – must include at least two of the following units: Physiology of human body systems, Human regulation and reproduction, Biological molecules and metabolic pathways, Diseases and infections.

Applied Science (2020 suite) – must include at least two of the following units: Principles and applications of biology II, Functional physiology of the human body system, Human reproduction and regulation, Biological molecules and metabolic pathways, Diseases and infections.

Sport (2010 suite) – must include at least two of the following units: Fitness testing for sport and exercise, Exercise, health and lifestyle, Sports injuries, Sports and exercise massage, Research investigation in sports and exercise sciences, Applied sport and exercise physiology.

Sport (2016 suite) – Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma.

Sport and Exercise Science (2016 suite) – Diploma or Extended Diploma. Extended Certificate must include: Specialised fitness training and Physical activity for individual and group-based exercise.

Sports Coaching and Development (2019 suite) – Extended Diploma only.

Sporting Excellence and Performance (2019 suite) – Diploma or Extended Diploma only.

Sport, Fitness and Personal Training (2019 suite) – Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma.

Sport and Outdoor Activities (2019 suite) – must include: Anatomy and physiology in sport, Sports injuries, Fitness training.

Health and Social Care (2010 & 2016 suites) – Extended Diploma only.

Applied Human Biology (2018 suite) – must include one of the following units: Functional physiology or Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies.

We’d also encourage an application if you hold or are working towards one of the following qualifications:

Bachelor Degree (hons) in a Biology based subject	2.1 (if not Biology based, grade B in A Level Biology with a pass in the practical element, Human Biology or PE also required)
Certificate of Higher Education in a Biology based subject	65% with ABB at A Level
Diploma of Higher Education in a Biology based subject	65%
Foundation Degree in a Biology based subject	65%
Foundation Year of an undergraduate degree programme at a UK university, in a Biology based subject	70% with ABB at A Level
Open University (30 credits) module SK299	60% accepted in lieu of A Level Biology only
WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Medical Science	Grade B or above accepted in lieu of A Level Biology only

At UEA we recognise that some students take a mixture of qualifications. Please email admissions@uea.ac.uk if you would like to check whether any particular combination of qualifications would be suitable for entry onto this degree programme.

Please note that we do not consider A Levels in General Studies or Critical Thinking, CACHE Level 3 Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, City & Guilds Advanced Extended Diplomas, Apprenticeships, NVQs (any level) or Work-based Level 3 Diplomas (previously NVQs) to meet the minimum academic entry requirements, although these can be used as evidence of recent study.

We’ll be unable to consider you for this course if you’ve obtained an academic fail from a previous health based degree programme, including where an exit award has been achieved.

Graduates may wish to consider our accelerated Masters programmes.

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme and an interview:

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences

Special Entry Requirements

To ensure that you’re equipped to succeed on this academically rigorous programme, we’d prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If you have not studied for an academic qualification within the last 5 years please email admissions@uea.ac.uk to enquire further.

Offers to successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two satisfactory references.

If necessary, the Admissions Service will be happy to provide you with advice on further study that might help you to make a future application to the course. Please email admissions@uea.ac.uk with any questions or if you need any further information.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including reading, writing, speaking and listening):

IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in each component)

We will also accept a number of other English language qualifications to meet this requirement. Review our English Language Equivalences here.

INTO UEA also offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

Academic English at INTO UEA

Interviews

The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.

Please note that we do not disclose interview questions. The exact interview process for entry in 2021 has not yet been confirmed, however 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 a clear understanding of the profession (ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in health care), and an interest in people.

We are aware that it is a difficult time to try to gain relevant experience in healthcare. First time applicants to Nursing, Midwifery and the Allied Health Professions will all be in a similar situation. 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.

What type of experience do you need?

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.

Practical ways to gain experience:

Keep a reflective diary on what is happening in the news and online. Listen to what healthcare professionals have to say and reflect on this. All healthcare professionals can be a valuable source of information and experience, not just those that work in the specific profession that you are applying for. Demonstrating that you have a sense of all healthcare professions (and how they work together) will help you in both your personal statement and interview.

Volunteer in your spare time if you can, all forms of voluntary work can provide helpful work experience. Whilst volunteer work in the NHS might be disrupted at this time, other schemes may still be in operation and worth exploring i.e. working with other people in a caring or service role. Voluntary commitments to community groups (for example groups related to the work of churches, mosques and temples, or other groups such as Scouts or Guides) and online community support groups may also provide valuable experience of taking on responsibility, dealing with people and communicating effectively. It is likely that these sorts of volunteering opportunities will start to run again before healthcare related opportunities are available.

Remember: it is what you learn about yourself, about other people and about how effective care is delivered and received that counts. What you did is only a small part of the story; it is how you communicate what you learnt which matters.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. If you’re planning to apply with deferred entry, you are advised to indicate your reason for this on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 1545049

BSc PHYSIOTHERAPY