Physiotherapy

*Physiotherapy is now closed for 2013/14 entry. Why study with us?

If you enjoy learning about the human body and health related subjects, this course is for you. Physiotherapists need excellent communication skills as well as the ability to learn hands-on treatment techniques.

The course is delivered by an expert, supportive staff to small numbers of students in specialist teaching accommodation. We have excellent links with our placement colleagues and you work inter-professionally with other health and social care students both at the university and on placement.

What can this course lead to?

When you graduate, you leave with an honours degree and are eligible to apply to register with the Health Care Professions Council and become a full member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. A wide range of posts are available in hospitals, education, private practice, industry, management and community work. Opportunities for career development and postgraduate study exist in the UK and abroad.

Entry requirements

300 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum B in PE or a sport related subject.

Five GCSEs at minimum grade C to include English Language and Mathematics.

Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.

Credit and UCAS requirements UCAS code: B160 UCAS points: 300 Selection criteria

• We also accept the Access to Higher Education diploma with 60 credits to include 45 credits at level 3 with distinctions (21 credits in Human Biology).
• We also accept BTEC Ext Dip DDM in a sport related subject.
• We do not accept literacy and numeracy level 2 as equivalent to GCSE for this course.

Costs

Click to view information on your study type and home location.

Home students

At the moment, this course is funded by the NHS, so you won't have to pay a penny. In addition to having your tuition fees paid in full, you may also be eligible for a £1,000 grant, a means-tested bursary and a non-means-tested student loan. This is subject to confirmation by the NHS.

Find out how much you're eligible for using the NHS bursary calculator.

For more information about NHS funding and how to apply, visit our student finance page.

Practice placement expenses

The cost of journeys between term time residence and placement can be reimbursed where appropriate, providing the cost is in excess of your normal daily travel.

If you incur additional accommodation costs whilst on placement, either because you have to retain accommodation on campus or because you have to pay for accommodation in your placement, then you may be able to claim the excess costs. This support is means-tested. For more information, visit the health student finance page.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several support funds available to our current students, including:

• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

EU students

This course is currently funded by the NHS, so you won't have to pay a penny. Funding for 2013 is subject to confirmation from the NHS.

For more information about NHS funding and how to apply, visit our student finance page.

Practice placement expenses

The cost of journeys between term time residence and placement can be reimbursed where appropriate, providing the cost is in excess of your normal daily travel.

If you incur additional accommodation costs whilst on placement, either because you have to retain accommodation on campus or because you have to pay for accommodation in your placement, then you may be able to claim the excess costs. This support is means-tested. For more information, visit the health student finance page.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several support funds available to our current students, including:

• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

International students

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year is £12,385.

Fees are billed annually and may be paid by the student or a sponsor. 75 percent of the annual tuition fees must be paid before or at registration. For students requiring a Tier 4 Student Visa, a deposit of £3,500 is expected as a minimum before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will be issued. For more information, visit our international student finance page.

Early payment discount

If you are paying your own fees, you may be eligible for an early payment discount of £1,000. This discount is awarded to students who pay in full before registration.

International scholarship

If you are studying a full-time bachelor's degree (excluding teacher training and NHS-funded courses) or a top-up degree, you may be eligible for an international scholarship. The university has nine scholarships available. Find out more on our scholarships page.

Additional financial support

Our money doctors will be on hand throughout the year to help you manage your money while you’re in the UK. However, if you do happen to run into financial difficulty during your time here, you may be able to access a small emergency support fund.

UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Course summary

In addition to a full academic curriculum, practice placements in a variety of settings in each year develop your physiotherapy skills in assessment and treatment. University-based learning in year one includes anatomy and musculoskeletal disorders, the human body in health and ill health, professional issues such as ethics, communication, reflective practice, continuing professional development and core physiotherapy skills, such as how you assess, treat and evaluate. You also learn about research and the evidence behind physiotherapy interventions.

In year two you move to more in-depth study of the physiology and pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system, neurological system and cardio respiratory system throughout the lifespan. You build on the assessment and treatment skills in year one, applying these both to the taught modules and within practice placements. Research skills will be developed through the study of research methods, data analysis and the development of a research proposal.

In year three you study two subjects in depth as optional modules. These include Paediatrics, Pain Management and the Sporting Environment. The study of professional and managerial issues prepares you for graduation and employment. You also complete a research project in the final year.

You will learn through formal teaching, individual study, problem-based learning, practical work, research and clinical placement. Anatomy and manual skills are normally learnt in mixed-gender groups and involve exposure of relevant parts of the body: limbs, thorax and abdomen (reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate religious, cultural or special needs). You are expected to model for each other and wear loose or easily removable clothing to facilitate this process. The course develops your academic, practical, transferable and personal skills. About one third of the course is spent on practice placements.

Related Courses

BSc Occupational Therapy
BSc Sports and Exercise Therapy