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BSc (Hons) - Physiotherapy

100% for academic support for Physiotherapy in the National Student Survey 2023

Physiotherapists provide vital treatments and interventions to improve mobility, reduce pain and promote wellbeing – from helping someone recover from an injury, to managing a respiratory or neurological condition. This programme provides the skills and experience needed to qualify as a physiotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Working closely with qualified physiotherapists, you will learn the practical skills needed to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal, respiratory and neurological conditions. Our curriculum spans diverse practice areas, from acute hospital settings to patient care in the home, equipping you for the varied demands of your future career.

Closely supported by our academics, you will gain a strong theoretical understanding of physiotherapy, complemented by hands-on immersive experiences in our physiotherapy facilities and simulation suites. This blend of classroom-based theory, practical skills classes and simulated learning is designed to enhance your confidence in comfortable learning environments before progressing to real-life cases.

You will also complete at least 1,000 hours of work-based practice placements, taking advantage of our excellent employer links. These placements will allow you to experience the full spectrum of physiotherapy specialisms, preparing you for the many directions your career can take.

The NHS Learning Support Fund, offering at least £5,000 per year, is available to eligible students. For more information and details of eligibility, visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/lsf.

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Accredited by:

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Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

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Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council

Course Overview

Our physiotherapy degree is designed to equip you with the training, skills and professional qualifications required to become a practising physiotherapist accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You'll be taught by an expert academic team of physiotherapists who have worked across a wide range of specialist areas of practice and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your classes. At times, teaching may also be contributed to by expert clinicians, visiting lecturers, service users and their carers.

Our Carlisle Fusehill Street campus is ideally located to provide you with a range of practice placement opportunities in the North West of England and, in some instances, Scotland.

Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council, which will open up a variety of employment opportunities in the NHS as well as in the private and sporting sectors.

On this course you will...

  • Train as a physiotherapist, developing your skills and preparing for clinical environments with practical sessions facilitated by experienced staff in a range of simulated clinical environments.
  • Learn the practical skills needed in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal, respiratory and neurological conditions.
  • Complete a range of practice placements within various settings allowing you to experience the nature of the profession and the different specialisms which it covers.
  • Get to know your classmates well and receive close tuition, support and guidance from our friendly lecturing team.
  • Be able to apply for membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council upon graduation, allowing you to become an autonomous physiotherapist practitioner.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

This programme will equip you with the skills you need to practice whether you choose to work in the NHS or the independent sector. You will have the opportunity to experience physiotherapy in a variety of practice placements.

First-year modules will give you the foundation for future study by focusing on the core knowledge and skills that are fundamental to physiotherapy practice.

In your second year, you will build on previous learning to apply your knowledge and skills to a variety of scenarios both in the classroom and within practice.

Your final year prepares you for the start of your career as a graduate physiotherapist. You will learn to integrate previous learning into more complex scenarios and develop management and leadership skills. The emphasis is on developing as an independent, lifelong learner culminating in undertaking a project.

Year one

Focus on the core knowledge and skills that are fundamental to physiotherapy practice including anatomy and the human body, health and ill health, Physiotherapy examination and treatment, research and evidence-based practice and professional practice.

  • Core Physiotherapy Assessment and Management Skills
    Develop your understanding of physiotherapy assessment and management processes and apply these into basic clinical contexts.
  • Health Improvement and Fundamentals of Exercise
    This module will challenge you to consider the biopsychosocial factors that can influence health and wellbeing, and the role healthcare professionals play in the prevention and management of a range of commonly encountered health conditions.
  • Personal And Professional Development
    This module aims to introduce you to working in diverse health and social care settings whilst helping you develop key skills for lifelong learning.
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Movement
    You will develop your understanding of the structure and function of the human Neuro-musculoskeletal (NMSK) system and how its structure relates to function.
  • Pathophysiology For Contemporary Physiotherapy
    In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and pathophysiology and the factors affecting contemporary health and wellbeing. You will be able to apply this knowledge to gain an understanding of how frequently encountered pathologies affect the structure and function of specified body systems.
  • Introduction to Research
    You will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge of your individual learning style and study skills to apply and utilise throughout the programme. You will gain key skills to inform your practice through an introduction to research methods and critical appraisal skills relating to health care interventions relevant to physiotherapy.
Year two

You will concentrate on the application of knowledge and skills both in the classroom and within practice. You will deepen your knowledge and develop your skills in key areas of physiotherapy practice and research.

  • Musculoskeletal Pathology and Treatment
    You will develop an understanding of a range of different pathologies that affect the MSK system their interlinkage with other disciplines and how this influences functional activity.
  • Neurological Pathology and Treatment
    Develop the knowledge and skills in the physiotherapy management for people with conditions that affect the brain and nervous system including their interlinkage with other disciplines. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of a range of conditions and consider the effects on the individual, family, and caregivers.
  • Cardiorespiratory pathology and treatment
    Further develop a practical and applied understanding of the anatomical, pathophysiological, examination, assessment and management techniques introduced in year one.
  • Physiotherapy Practice 1
    Develop a breadth of clinical experience reflecting the wide range of physiotherapy practice that will be encountered post-graduation.
  • Physiotherapy Practice 2
    Develop a breadth of clinical experience reflecting the wide range of physiotherapy practice that will be encountered post-graduation.
  • Project Proposal
    The aim of this module is to enable you to produce a fully developed proposal and ethics application for a piece of research or investigative work.
Year three

You will prepare for the start of your career as a graduate physiotherapist. You will learn to integrate previous learning into more complex cases and develop management and leadership skills, including undertaking a research project. The emphasis is on you graduating as an independent, lifelong learner ready to take on the role of a registered physiotherapist.

  • Management Of Complex Conditions
    You will develop your knowledge of issues related to the long- term management of people across the lifespan with complex and enduring health conditions. Understand and be mindful of confidentiality when faced with patients with communication difficulties.
  • Contemporary issues and advancing physiotherapy
    In this module you will investigate contemporary issues in health and social care and expand upon your knowledge around the growing role of the physiotherapist and how these fit with the larger health picture.
  • Leadership and the global practitioner
    In this module you will be challenged to consider healthcare and service needs and develop your understanding around change management. You will have the opportunity to explore leadership, enterprise and understand how you can address cultural, societal and health related issues.
  • Physiotherapy Practice 3
    Develop a breadth of clinical experience reflecting the wide range of physiotherapy practice that will be encountered post-graduation.
  • Physiotherapy Practice 4
    Develop a breadth of clinical experience reflecting the wide range of physiotherapy practice that will be encountered post-graduation.
  • Research Project 

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
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