MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

To be eligible for the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme at the University of Northampton, you must meet the following entry requirements:

• BSc degree in a sport, health or science-related programmes at first- or second-class degree classification which has included a research project / dissertation.
• Knowledge and awareness of the scope of physiotherapy practice and motivation to complete all requirements of the course.
• Other degrees will be considered for physiotherapy courses provided applicants can demonstrate relevant work and academic experience relevant to the requirements of the programme and the physiotherapy profession.

Within their Personal Statement, applicants are advised to demonstrate and reflect on the following topics:

• Knowledge and awareness of the scope of Physiotherapy practice.
• Relevance of their degree and previous experiences relating to the Physiotherapy practice.
• Reasons and motivation for studying this programme at the University of Northampton.
• Reasons and motivation for specifically studying at Masters/ Level 7 study.
• All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the admissions process.

All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

• successful Occupational Health Screening,
• satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report,
• an Overseas Police check for those who have resided outside of the UK at any time in the last five years prior to the course start date. (This is in addition to completing the UK DBS unless you have not lived in the UK during the last five years). It is recommended that you try to obtain the police check prior to coming to the UK, if you are currently living outside of the UK.
• successful interview by the University.

For fees and funding options please visit website to find out more

Upon successful completion of the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme, you will be eligible to apply for with both the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. 

Completion of the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration programme will prepare students to pursue their chosen pathway into the Physiotherapy profession due to the variety of practical placement opportunities and the core values of lifelong learning, digital fluency, communication, social innovation, research, and leadership development being embedded throughout the programme. Graduates will have the skills to work as qualified physiotherapists in a range of settings, including the NHS, private, sports, voluntary and charity organisations.

We host an Employability Fair annually, with large representation from local and national networks of employers which also includes workshops for preparation for applications and interviews for our newly qualified physiotherapists.

There is additional information on our website on Employability and the support schemes available.

The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme has strong links with clinical practice and there will be opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations. The clinical placement modules will vary in length from 5-7 weeks. There will also be opportunity to experience role-emerging placements and placements aimed at social innovation and collaboration with local organisations. The placements are aligned to the develop the CSP’s recommended pillars of practice (Clinical, Leadership, Education & Research).

The physiotherapy MSc academic team are specialists within their field and have strong links with practice. Teaching and learning is enhanced through sessions with specialist practicing clinicians and with the involvement of the service user and career group.

The University is an AshokaU Changemaker campus, with a strong vision for social innovation. Therefore, the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration programme will be aligned to the Changemaker values, providing multiple opportunities to engage with local communities and will enable you to develop your employability skills through the employability framework.

The structure of the physiotherapy course ensures that all theory and practice is underpinned by a high-quality evidence-based approach. All material is contemporary for current service needs, as well as allowing the growth of innovation and leadership skills.

There is a variety of assessment strategies utilised throughout the programme to ensure relevance to professional requirements upon entry to the profession, to develop critical thinking skills and the application of theory into current Physiotherapy practice and to aid equality and inclusion. Assessment methods for the physiotherapy MSc pre-registration may include practical exams, presentations, essays, reflections, producing digital medium and critical reports. Methods of peer feedback and assessment, group and individual work will all be utilised.

Level 7 – Year One  (80 credits)

The first semester will concentrate on developing physiotherapy practice and clinical reasoning in the core areas of Physiotherapy. The second semester will enable students to develop their ability to manage more complex patient presentations. The core values of person-centred care, life-long learning and evidence-based practice are embedded throughout.

Level 7 – Year Two (100 credits)

The enquiry-based project is the main focus of the second year. Students will further develop their critical thinking regarding physiotherapy practice and their leadership skills as health care professionals of the future.

Practice placement experience

The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme has strong links with clinical practice and there will be opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations. The clinical placement modules will vary in length from 5-7 weeks . There will also be opportunity to experience role-emerging placements and placements aimed at social innovation and collaboration with local organisations.