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MSc - Practice Development: Physiotherapy

The MSc Practice Development: Physiotherapy programme was developed, informed and has evolved on the basis of collaboration with employers, stakeholders and students to meet the educational needs of registered physiotherapists.

Following completion of the MSc Practice Development: Physiotherapy programme, the framework can facilitate your continual professional development via individual modules or short awards. The framework may also be used to prepare you for a PhD application or to undertake research.

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Course Overview

In the case of the MSc Practice Development: Physiotherapy, you will be required to have undertaken the following core modules:

Leadership Through Transformational Learning (20 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits or 40 credits). The 40 credit dissertation is only available for those students who, following RPL of 120 credits into this programme are required to study one or both of the core modules, as well as the dissertation.

On this course you will...

  • Provide a coherent postgraduate progression route, which recognises and values your prior experience and learning
  • Provide a transformative learning experience for you to advance your academic and professional development through critical self-reflection and reflexivity
  • Enable you to develop a mastery of complex and specialised knowledge and a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of your field of practice.
  • Develop conceptual knowledge and advanced understanding of how techniques of enquiry enable the critical and objective analysis, interpretation and application of research and evidence within your sphere of influence
  • Challenge existing knowledge and facilitate the development of new ideas and new ways of thinking
  • Increase knowledge and leadership skills that will enhance and develop your practice.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

You will be required to have undertaken the following core modules:
Leadership Through Transformational Learning (20 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits or 40 credits). The 40 credit dissertation is only available for those students who, following APL of 120 credits into this programme are required to study one or both of the core modules, as well as the dissertation.

The remaining credits may be selected from the list of optional modules. Several of the listed optional modules are directly related to Physiotherapy practice, with content and learning outcomes directly related to contemporary Physiotherapy practice, whilst the remainder are specifically offered to reflect the diverse settings within which Physiotherapists work, facilitating consideration of the role of the Physiotherapist from alternative perspectives, however choices must be relevant to your area of professional practice and target award and agreed in your personal and professional development plan with your personal tutor.

Compulsory modules
  • Research Methods
    This module will enable you to select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence- based practice findings. You will develop an advanced understanding of selected research methods and will have opportunities for acquiring appropriate research skills through study and practical experience.
  • Leadership Through Transformational Learning
    The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the concepts of contemporary leadership, transformative learning and reflection as it relates to your personal leadership style, including links to developing and understanding professional identity.
Year two

There are both compulsory and core modules which must be taken in either year one, two or three which are outlined above. There are a number of optional modules which can be taken in any year of study.

  • Please refer to the programme specification (linked within the 'Key Details' box above) to see specific modules.
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  • Location

    Distance Learning

    We are Cumbria’s University – enriching people and place. A place of and for our community. A place of possibility. A place where amazing journeys happen. With guidance and support. Where it’s safe to be brave, to be boldly you.

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  • Location

    Online Learning

    Online learning at the University of Cumbria is an interactive experience that makes use of a range of technologies and media types to provide a rich learning environment.

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