Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at University of Cumbria - UCAS

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Course summary

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

Assessment method

Modules use formative and summative assessment so you progress through a module in a structured and constructive way and build knowledge for practice coherently and logically. Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on your performance is provided before the submission of the final, summative assessment – though this does not contribute to the final module mark or the credit awarded. Summative assessment encourages progressive development through feedback and reflection, which is of relevance to either further academic progression or your future employment needs. Intellectual, subject specific and key transferable skills are central to learning opportunities and assessment. You will be encouraged to critically reflect on your skills development throughout your learning, and where relevant, within the employment context so that you can progress your ability to make sound professional judgments. We aim to provide a varied approach to assessment and include practical skills assessments, presentations, posters, academic writing, critical reflection, portfolio and practice placement assessments. The academic modules are assessed at master’s level and will therefore all require critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Practice placements are assessed using continuous assessment. A key feature of your academic journey will include formative assessment. That is work that helps to inform or become part of your final ‘summative’ assessment, and the nature of it varies across the modules. Formative work may include in‐class or online activities such as presenting draft assignments and work in progress.


Entry requirements

This course requires a minimum of 5 GCSE at grade C or above, achieved in one sitting, which must include English language and Mathematics. You will also need to meet the following requirements. You will hold: An existing BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant science-based subject, at 2i (upper-class second) level or higher. Examples of relevant subjects include sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology, etc. OR An existing qualification in nursing, midwifery or relevant Allied Health Profession, gained through study to BSc (Hons) level. A recognised practitioner qualification in e.g: osteopathy or chiropractic. In addition, you will have gained: Work experience or observation in one or more relevant clinical or voluntary settings. One of these would ideally be within the UK NHS or equivalent service for international students. You will be able to demonstrate: Study to level 6 within the past 5 years (to the start of the programme). A good basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, which will be assessed at interview.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £11000 Year 1
England £11000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11000 Year 1
Scotland £11000 Year 1
Wales £11000 Year 1
International £16000 Year 1

Additional fee information

Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.

Sponsorship information

From 2017 the government will cease to provide bursaries for undergraduate NHS courses. Students will have access to the standard student support package of tuition fee loans and support for living costs, rather than getting an NHS grant. This information is based on the understanding provided by The Council of Deans for Health and may be subject to change as further details are released by the government.

Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at University of Cumbria - UCAS