MSc Physiotherapy

When you study Physiotherapy at UEA you are choosing an exciting and rewarding caring profession that focuses on developing extraordinary partnerships with people and helping to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.

Physiotherapy has been defined as ‘…a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximizing potential. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well being, taking account of variations in health status. It is science based, committed to extending, applying and evaluating and reviewing evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgment and informed interpretation is at its core.’’ (CSP2002)

Primarily using skills of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and electro physical modalities, physiotherapists work with individuals in the management of a broad range of physical problems. Core areas of physiotherapy include, Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular and Respiratory therapy. They extend into acute, primary, private and public sector health and social care. Working in areas of physical, mental and public health. Settings include: hospitals, primary health care, social services, industry, prisons, individual homes, schools, armed forces and private practice.

Physiotherapists work with people of all ages based on a sound knowledge of clinical sciences that underpin human function and dysfunction, particularly related to movement. The focus of practice is on the individual needs of each client or client group, taking account of the influence of specific psychological, cultural and social factors in the context of care. This includes consideration of the needs and abilities of others involved with the client, including carers and other health and social care workers. Physiotherapists will also use their expertise to advise and teach groups, promoting health within the whole community.

Physiotherapy training at the UEA – a life-changing career

The whole programme adopts an enquiry-based learning ethos focused on student-centred independent learning, problem solving and decision making, which will be facilitated over the two years of the programme. There will be an evolving level of complexity; from engaging with straightforward case scenarios that develop baseline theoretical and therapeutic understandings, through to complex scenarios addressing service development needs.

Integral to the programme are the Practice placements where students will undertake 1 Level 1 (7 week) block in year 1 and 1 level 2 (7 week) block and 2 level 3 (one 7 and one 8 week) block in Year 2. The final 8 week placement is a professional development placement, identified and organised by the student. The placements are non-M level aspects of the Professional Practice modules with a Pass/Fail mark and with level 1, 2 and 3 outcomes.

The first year Physiotherapy Professional Practice M61X module focus will be on the central theme of the restoration, maintenance and improvement of peoples function and movement. The module develops the physiotherapy skills and context of practice through two core areas of the profession: Neuro musculoskeletal and cardio vascular respiratory rehabilitation. The learning material and activities will contextualise areas of UK health and social care policy and practice. The first subject block will be followed by a 7 week practice placement. This will link creatively to the Neuro musculoskeletal teaching. The module exists to develop both an understanding of the scientific basis of human movement and function along with competence in a range of physiotherapeutic interventions aimed at assessing and restoring function. The subject blocks will be delivered in EBL format.

Professional Development M63X module will frontload academic writing skills, critical appraisal skills, journal club activities, team working, professional communication, and presentation skills. In Year 1, professional development learning will inform the EBL trigger material and in Year 2, once the foundation learning has been achieved, professional development will be fully incorporated into the professional practice modules.

The first year Research M64X module aims to ensure that students are able to engage with the evidence base for their professional practice to become confident consumers of research evidence and incorporating the evidence base into their professional practice. They will have sufficient experience of research methods to carry out research or audit in clinical or academic environments.

The content of the Human Sciences M65X module addresses the foundation anatomical, physiological, sociological and psychological sciences. The learning will be closely aligned to professional practice and so the learning will be applied through EBL activities

The second year Physiotherapy Professional Practice M66X continues to build on the transferable skills developed in module 1 within the current health and social care contexts. It introduces the subject blocks of neurological rehabilitation and physical activity and health promotion. The module has 3 placement blocks. Each of which will be supported by prior learning ensuring strong theory practice links. The final placement will be an 8 week personal development placement, which the student will negotiate with their personal advisor to meet their requirements for transition to qualified practitioner. The module draws upon the student’s use of CPD tools, quality measures and service development tools, critical enquiry, research methodology 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 subject blocks will be delivered in EBL format.

On completion of the Research 2 M68X module students will be equipped to contribute to a culture of enquiry within their profession and more widely in health and social care. They will have direct experience of the design and delivery of research so that they can make a significant contribution to developing and potentially delivering the research agenda.

Course Organiser:Mrs. Suzanne Fletcher

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Entry Requirements Degree Classification: Minimum 2.1 or overseas equivalent Special Entry Requirements: You must have graduated within the last 10 years. Entry Requirement

Applicants should normally have a good first degree (2.1 or higher) from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.Applicants should also have a strong profile of secondary qualifications in arts and/or sciences (we will look for good A-level grades, or equivalent). 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.

It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.

International students

We have a number of places available to applications from students outside the UK/EU for Physiotherapy. The School of Allied Health Professions 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; IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5 and an understanding of the NHS and of healthcare in the UK. All candidates are required to attend UEA for interview wherever possible, although for international students, alternative arrangements such as online interviewing would be considered if required.

The pre-registration courses offered in the school of Allied Health Professions 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.

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
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 21 in Writing, and 22 in Speaking)
• Pearson (PTE): 70 overall with a minimum of 62 in all components.

All test scores must be less than two years old.

Interviews

Interviews for candidates shortlisted for our February 2014 intake will take place on the afternoons of 12th June and 3rd July 2013.

Telephone/Skype interviews are only possible for students applying from outside the EU.

Special Entry Requirements

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

Intakes

The start date for this course is in February each year. There is no September intake.

The deadline for us to receive complete applications is 1st June each year, but it is recommended that applications are submitted well before this date to ensure we receive all references and other documents by the deadline.

Alternative Qualifications

Our admissions criteria also include: a clear understanding of the chosen profession; a broad range of relevant work shadowing; an interest in people; a strong academic attainment and a broad academic base in arts and sciences at A level or equivalent.

Please be aware that literacy and numeracy tests form a part of the selection process, and it is expected that all candidates have GCSE Mathematics and English Language with a grade C or above.

When you study in the School of Allied Health Professions (AHP) you will receive both an academic and a practice based education which is second to none. We are very proud of our innovative teaching methods and the passion and dedication of our staff will inspire you to be the best you can be.

Students have told us our courses are professionally dynamic and personally transforming. That’s because our approach is creative, challenging and engaging. The course includes the following elements:

• Interagency Learning – You will meet up with students from other health-related disciplines to exchange knowledge, practice and ideas. You will also have the unique opportunity of working with other community partners.
• Research – The teaching staff are continually involved in research, which means you will benefit from their knowledge of the very latest practices and techniques, and will work in partnership with them in this research.
• Supportive Culture – Teaching groups are small, which encourages a close-knit student body and a supportive learning culture. You will be assigned your own personal adviser who will be there every step of the way to guide you through the course, both academically and professionally.
• Practice Development Placement – You will have the opportunity as part of your programme to develop theory-practice links outside of our normal placement provision; including possible placements outside the UK.

This interactive and highly effective method of teaching means that AHP is continually recognized for its excellence and ranks highly in both student surveys and league tables:

• For five years running UEA has been placed in the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction.
• Times Higher Education (2011) ranked UEA 3rd in the country for student experience.
• Our Physiotherapy team is rated first in the UK for teaching.

The University of East Anglia is a fantastic place to study and has a unique atmosphere. You will love being here; learning, and making lasting friendships. Studying in the School of Allied Health Professions will ensure you fulfill your full potential and get the best possible start in your chosen career.

Fees and Funding

Eligible students residing in the UK will not pay tuition fees; these will be covered by the NHS. In addition eligible students will normally receive a small non-means tested NHS Grant, currently £1,000 per annum, and may apply for a means tested Bursary. Eligibility for bursaries is at the discretion of the NHS Business Services Authority.

Further information is available from:

The Department of Health
The NHS Student Grants Unit
200 – 220 Broadway
Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 8SS

Email: enquiries@nhspa.gov.uk.

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/816.aspx

Tuition fees for International Students.for the academic year 2013/14 are £14,500 per annum.