COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Physiotherapy curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of clinical knowledge, practical skills, research, and professional development to prepare students for registration as physiotherapists and careers across diverse healthcare settings. The programme begins with Physiotherapy Practice Essentials, which introduces the professional standards, ethical principles, communication skills, patient-centred care, clinical safety, and foundational competencies required for effective physiotherapy practice. Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Practice develops core assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and clinical reasoning skills while introducing evidence-based approaches to managing patients with a variety of health conditions. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Assessment focuses on evaluating disorders affecting muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissues through detailed physical examination, functional assessment, movement analysis, and clinical decision-making. Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory Conditions examines the assessment and management of patients with cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, enabling students to develop rehabilitation strategies that improve physical function, breathing, and quality of life. Long Term Condition Management in Physiotherapy Practice explores rehabilitation and self-management strategies for individuals living with chronic health conditions, promoting patient independence, health education, and multidisciplinary care. Research Methods and Design in Physiotherapy equips students with advanced research skills, evidence-based practice principles, data analysis, and research methodology required to critically evaluate clinical evidence and improve physiotherapy practice. These research skills are applied in the Independent Research Project in Physiotherapy, where students conduct an original investigation into a significant physiotherapy-related topic. Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions develops advanced treatment techniques, including exercise prescription, manual therapy, rehabilitation planning, and patient education for musculoskeletal disorders. Neurological Physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and acquired brain injuries. Innovative Approaches in Physiotherapy examines emerging technologies, digital health, rehabilitation innovation, and contemporary evidence-based interventions that enhance patient outcomes. The programme concludes with Pathway to Graduate Practice, preparing students for professional registration, clinical placements, multidisciplinary teamwork, lifelong learning, and transition into employment. Throughout the programme, students gain practical experience in clinical environments while developing communication, leadership, critical thinking, research, and professional skills. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for careers as Registered Physiotherapists in NHS hospitals, private healthcare, rehabilitation centres, sports medicine, community healthcare, neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal practice, respiratory care, occupational health, and independent practice, while meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Society of Physiotherapy membership and Health and Care Professions Council registration.