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{"available": "partially", "availability": {"status": {"Recruiting Status 23/24":"Suspended","Recruiting Status 24/25":"RP 24/25","Recruiting Status 22/23":"Suspended"}, "dates": [{"name":"September 2024","month":"September","year":2024}]}}

MSc - Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

You’re driven to help others and improve their quality of life. You'd like to use your existing scientific knowledge to maximise peoples ability to move and function. On this accelerated course you'll gain the qualifications needed to become an effective physiotherapist in two years, rather than the traditional three.

Our course is designed to equip you with the skills and qualifications required for you to become a practising physiotherapist accredited by the CSP and registered with the HCPC.

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Accredited by:

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The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy & the Health and Care Professions Council

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Course Overview

Building on your existing academic skills, you will learn profession-specific skills which meet the needs of your future employers. You'll complete over 1000 hours of clinical practice placements, taking advantage of our exceptional industry links across North West England, Southern Scotland, the Isle of Man and more. You'll develop your examination, assessment, treatment and leadership skills, allowing you to graduate with a strong profile.

Our professionally-experienced tutors provide you with theoretical backing and hands-on opportunities in our physiotherapy and simulation suites. Whilst learning, you will be able to work with other Institute of Health students, as you would in a professional role.

On completion of this accelerated degree, you will be eligible to apply for membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This will open up a variety of employment opportunities in the NHS, private and sporting sectors.

On this course you will...

  • Complete practical learning in simulated clinical environments, facilitated by experienced physiotherapy staff. Enhancing your learning and preparing you for a clinical environment.
  • Learn the practical skills needed in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal, respiratory and neurological conditions.
  • Complete a range of practice placements within various settings allowing you to experience the nature of the profession and the different specialisms that it covers.
  • Get to know your classmates well and receive close tuition, support and guidance from our friendly lecturing team.
  • Become a practising physiotherapist in only two years, rather than the traditional three.
  • Be able to apply for membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council. Membership of these governing bodies enables you to enter the clinical environment as an autonomous practitioner.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

The programme will equip you with all the skills you need to practice whether you choose to work in the NHS or the independent sector. The programme is designed to ensure that you graduate with a strong clinical profile, professional and academic curiosity, a critical approach to clinical practice and a wide range of transferrable leadership skills, all of which are in high demand from employers.

By the end of the programme, you will not only be able to practice safely and effectively, but will be able to offer creative solutions to complex issues in practice through engaging with current evidence and reflecting on your practice placement experience. A key element in our programme design has been to create an effective, dynamic learning environment in which you are an active participant in directing your learning and developing your emerging professional identity.

The programme runs for almost two calendar years and offers an integrated timetable with periods of academic work interspersed with practice placements. In addition to the Physiotherapy-specific modules, you will consider the social and political drivers influencing health care and learn how to present a business case for future practice. An annual student research conference gives you an opportunity to hear and interact with your peers and also to present your own dissertation research

Year one

The first year of the programme is designed to give you the key and core skills you need for supported clinical practice. There is an expectation that you will have an existing level of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology or psychology from your first degree or occupation.

  • Applied Science for Physiotherapy
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
  • Research Design
  • Neuromusculoskeletal Care Pathways
  • Acute Care Pathways
  • Research Design
  • Physiotherapy Placement 1
  • Physiotherapy Placement 2
Year two

The second year of the programme develops and builds on the first year, leading towards your graduation as an independent practitioner who has the required skills and competencies required for registration with the HCPC, and has reached the required academic level for your MSc Physiotherapy qualification.

  • Physiotherapy Placement 3
  • Physiotherapy Placement 4
  • Researcher Development
  • Complex and Enduring Conditions
  • Physiotherapy Practice, Business and Enterprise
  • Researcher Development
  • Physiotherapy Placement 5 (Elective Placement)

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
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