About this course
Introduction
The Physiotherapy course is within the Department of Allied Health Professionals. It has an excellent reputation with students from all over the UK. Particular emphasis is placed on creating an environment which facilitates the development of safe, effective therapists who are analytical and able to meet the changing needs within health care today and in the future.
Emphasis is also given to the need for continuing education and personal professional development. Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HPC Register. For more information, please visit the HPC website.
Student's view
"There's something for everyone with Physiotherapy, because there are so many different settings you can work in." Want to read more?
Jo, Physiotherapy student
Structure
Content
The course is divided into three levels which combine and integrate theory with clinical practice. The first year is essentially university based with a five week introductory clinical placement at the end of the first year. The second and third years consist of alternate periods within the University and the clinical environment. The importance attached to interprofessional education is underlined by the inclusion of two modules, one each at Levels 2 and 3, which stress the value of an integrated, holistic approach to patient/client management.
Year 1
Skills of interprofessional communication, clinical reasoning and critical appraisal are developed through the study of social science, anatomy, biomechanics, clinical sciences and practical skills.
Practical sessions involve the practice of professional skills, using fellow students as models, to ensure you are prepared for the first professional practice component of the degree, at the end of the year.
Modules
- Principles of Exercise and Physical Activity
- Essentials of Cardiovascular Respiratory Physiotherapy
- Essentials of Neurological Physiotherapy
- Essentials of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Applied Kinesiology
Year 2
Three five week professional practice placements are interspersed between periods in the University to prepare you for different clinical areas.
Modules
- Health and Well-being
- Cardio Respiratory Management and Rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal Management and Rehabilitation
- Neurological Management and Rehabilitation
- Interprofessional Collaboration
Year 3
Two further opportunities to undertake clinical practice are provided to allow further integration of practice and theory studied in the University.
Research is also integrated into the teaching of the course. During the final year there is also the opportunity for you to undertake either your own research project or a literature review.
Modules
- Physiotherapy Placement 5
- Complex Conditions in Multi-settings
- Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice
- Interprofessional/Inter-agency Collaboration
- Research Studies for Physical Therapies
Although the stages build upon one another, progress through each module of the course is perceived to be dynamic, the course components being interrelated and interdependent. The structure reflects the importance of therapy as a discipline but also seeks to acknowledge the other professions which inform and enhance such practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating theory, clinical reasoning and problem solving in order to provide the best possible foundation for clinical practice. The course syllabus has also been influenced by the changes in health care which have resulted in physiotherapists working with greater autonomy in an increasingly wide range of settings.
Teaching and learning
The course aims to:
- Provide a high standard of education in professional and health related studies.
- Enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of physiotherapeutic practice.
- Develop critical thinking and research skills.
- Facilitate an interprofessional approach to physiotherapeutic and health related studies and practice.
- Provide an insight into current themes and issues in contemporary physiotherapy and health care.
- Provide physiotherapists who are autonomous practitioners able to implement safe and effective assessment, examination and treatment.
Study time
Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment. At the University of the West of England computing is an integral part of your course - many lecturers make lecture notes and materials available via computers, and some modules will require you to use Information Technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities are available on all campuses. At the main Frenchay Campus there is 24 hour access to computing facilities, and the University offers help and support throughout your course.
Prior to commencing your course you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:
- Basic work processing
- Storing and retrieving files
- Communicating via e-mail
- Searching the web for information, e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday, homework.
There is also a range of information and resources that includes interactive exercises to support study skills on the Department of Allied Health Professionals website.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a wide range of methods including coursework, professional practice assessment, presentations, practical and written examinations.
Careful consideration has been given to the overall assessment load placed upon you as you progress through the course.
Special Features
Placements
Professional practice experience accounts for approximately one third of the degree, with students gaining experience in a variety of placements within the South West Strategic Health Authority.
You will complete a personal professional practice portfolio which ensures the required outcomes are met. It also allows your learning experience to be monitored and tailored to the professional needs of the individual.
The practice part of the course is provided by National Health Service (NHS) Trusts, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in the Strategic Health Authority region. In addition placements within the Independent sector and Charity sector have been recently developed.
What is a placement?
A placement is a period of time within your course that is to be spent in a practice setting. The type of placement you will go on will depend on your personal profile and on which module you are currently studying. The intention of placement practice is to build on the knowledge you gain at the University, to acquire or develop new knowledge and to apply it in the practice environment.
You will have an identified clinical educator in each placement who will advise, counsel and provide feedback on progress when working with patients/clients and health care professionals.
The practice modules form a compulsory part of your course, and provide you with the unique opportunity to integrate theory and practice.
Where are the placements?
The placements used for student clinical practice are within the South West Strategic Health Authority. It is not usually possible for students to request particular placements however if there are exceptional reasons for a request the Practice Learning Unit will endeavour to respond accordingly. A positive response cannot always be guaranteed as allocations depend on placement availability, curriculum and personal profiling requirements
Study facilities
The Department has several well equipped practical rooms in addition to the Human Analysis Laboratory (HAL), which houses some of the most advanced equipment used in therapy. You have access to some of the most advanced equipment used in physiotherapy as well as the excellent teaching facilities and lecture theatres on the Glenside Campus.
The physiotherapy course utilises practical rooms for a large proportion of teaching throughout the course. The practical rooms are equipped with hydraulic treatment couches as used in the clinical environment. This provides the opportunity for you to learn the underlying theory necessary to study physiotherapy in a practical, hands-on manner and to practice manual techniques in an environment similar to those experienced on placement. The rooms are equipped with teaching aids such as skeletons and anatomical models as well as equipment to enable you to practice both manual and electrophysical (e.g. therapeutic ultrasound) therapy.
The library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals and audio-visual materials including access to specialist health and social care software packages.
The Interprofessional Simulation Suite provides excellent opportunities for the demonstration and practice of professional competencies for all health and social care students.
High quality residences are situated on both the Glenside and surrounding Campuses. For further information please take a look at the University's Accommodation Services page. Alternatively call 0870 901 0773 or e-mail accommodation@uwe.ac.uk
Careers/further study
Through this degree, graduates develop the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of roles in the NHS, industry, private practice, sports and leisure centres and overseas. The scope of physiotherapy is expanding particularly within the community, and graduates have many opportunities available to them.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
We work closely with the NHS as one of the main employers for our graduates. See NHS Careers for more information about becoming a physiotherapist in the NHS.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Deepa's experience of finding the job she wanted.
A 'day in the life' of a physiotherapist
Useful links
UWE - careers in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography and related health occupations
Prospects - an overview of a career in health
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 340 minimum
- GCSE: A minimum of five subjects at grade C or above including English Language, Mathematics and either Double Science/additional science or Physics.
- A-level subjects: At GCE A2 level - grade B or equivalent in Biology or Human Biology.
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 15 Level 3 credits at merit in Biology or Human Biology, and an additional 15 credits in a science or social science at merit; achievement of Level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Physics.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
Extra information
Applicants for deferred entry will be considered.
Useful Links
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Physiotherapists.
Entry requirements
We require evidence of recent assessed academic study within the last three years.
We are able to accept a limited number of international students (overseas fee status) for this course.
Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but have significant life and/or work experience will be considered on an individual basis, but should have evidence of recent study in a science/health related subject area recognised as equivalent academic level by Academic Board.
We accept the completion of further or adult education courses as an appropriate entry qualification. Completing an Access or Foundation course (please take a look at the Department's Foundation courses) may be an appropriate move for people who have been away from formal education for a number of years.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have a minimum IELTS score of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in any section (or equivalent). Full details of this language test can be obtained from the British Council. Please note the University's published list of alternative English Language qualifications does not apply to this course.
Additional Selection Criteria
As well as meeting the academic entry requirements, applicants should meet the following selection criteria:
Health Assessment/Declaration - applicants must be in good health. Those offered a place are required to complete a questionnaire and be prepared to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.
Interview - shortlisted applicants may be interviewed.
Completing the Application Form - We will be looking for applicants committed to a career in Physiotherapy. You should clearly demonstrate in the 'personal statement' section of the application form your commitment to the course by saying why you want to study Physiotherapy and any relevant work experience gained to date.
Fees
Bursary
Applicants accepted for a full-time NHS funded place are eligible to apply for an NHS income-assessed bursary. The University will initiate this process on your behalf. The NHS bursary is split into different sections; tuition fees, maintenance (cost of living) allowance, additional allowances. The NHS will pay your tuition fees, your income and that of your parents or your spouse will be taken into account when calculating your maintenance (cost of living) allowance and there are additional allowances that can be applied for: extra weeks attendance; initial expenses; dependences; disabled students; hardship support; parents learning; practice placement; two homes; students entering from care.
NB: Even if you do not think you will be eligible for an income-assessed NHS bursary we recommend that you still apply for one. This will entitle you to apply for placement travel expenses at a later date. You cannot apply retrospectively for an income-assessed NHS bursary.
EU nationals may be eligible for part of an income-assessed NHS bursary. Students may have their tuition fees paid but will not qualify for a maintenance (cost of living) allowance or the additional allowances.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories you may be liable for the full cost of the tuition and placement fees in addition to your cost of living expenses.
If you have any questions please take a look at our NHS-funded pages.
Alternatively for more information contact: Student Grants Unit, Telephone: +44 (0)845 358 6655 or e-mail: eligibility@nhspa.gov.uk
Student Loan - In addition, applicants who have been accepted should apply to Student Finance - England in advance of starting their course in order to be eligible for a Student Loan if required.
EU/Overseas Applicants
Please contact Admissions and International Development for further information:
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
E-mail: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011