COURSE CURRICULUM

The two-year Physiotherapy program at UEA follows a Case-Based Learning (CBL) approach that emphasizes student-centred learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Throughout the course, students engage with a combination of in-person and online teaching, gaining insights from lecturers and guest speakers with clinical expertise. Integrated placements are a vital component of the course, allowing students to complete at least 1000 assessed hours in a variety of healthcare settings, mostly within East Anglia but with the option to explore opportunities elsewhere in the UK or overseas in the second year. In the first year, students begin with mandatory training to ensure safety and preparedness in clinical settings. Core modules such as Professional Development 1 and Human Sciences introduce lifelong learning skills and foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology, framed within the biopsychosocial model. Students also take Research 1, which equips them with research literacy and appraisal skills, and Physiotherapy Theory & Practice 1, which focuses on developing competencies in physiotherapeutic interventions through evidence-based clinical reasoning. In the second year, the CBL ethos continues, supported by workshops and seminars. Students complete further placements, including a final eight-week placement that can be self-arranged and taken internationally, pending approval. The second year deepens professional skills with modules like Professional Development 2, which prepares students for autonomous practice by refining reflective practice and encouraging real-life service improvement engagement. In Research 2, students undertake a dissertation on a topic of their choosing, supported by academic supervision, helping them develop expertise in a specific area of clinical relevance. The advanced Physiotherapy Theory & Practice 2 module encourages creativity in clinical reasoning and service development, with a special focus on physical activity and health promotion. Overall, the program is designed to equip students with the clinical, academic, and professional tools needed to transition confidently into their physiotherapy careers.