PhysiotherapyBSc (Hons)

Applied Science 1

Applied Science modules (Applied Sciences 1 & 2) run in first and second semesters of the first year respectively, and they support the development of knowledge and processes involved in biological (anatomy and physiology), biomechanical, and psychosocial aspects, required for understanding health and wellbeing within a biopsychosocial context. This is facilitated through engagement with the core sciences of anatomy, pathology physiology, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology. Specifically, the modules develop the understanding of human functioning, dysfunction and recovery processes.

Applied Sciences 1 module (PT4050) runs in the first semester and will explore topics in anatomy, physiology, and health sociology. Anatomy topics will introduce students to the normal structure and function of the human body including structural and functional anatomy of the lower limb and respiratory system. Physiology topics will explore cellular and muscle physiology including associated pathophysiology. Kinesiology topics will consider the biomechanics of levers and pulleys and their application to the understanding of human movement such as gait. Health sociology contents will include an exploration of the social contexts of human experience including the social determinants of health.

Specifically, in this module, you will:
• Develop a systematic understanding of biological and biomechanical sciences that underpin health and well-being in individuals and populations.
• Gain a detailed understanding of human tissue at the cellular and tissue level, encompassing their structure, function, and organization.
• Demonstrate an understanding of biological and biomechanical knowledge to interpret the signs and symptoms seen in individuals affected by dysfunction in contemporary practice.
• Explore scientific concepts on how common problems may affect human function using the biopsychosocial model.

Applied Science 2

Applied Science modules (Applied Sciences 1 & 2) run in first and second semesters of the first year respectively, and they support the development of knowledge and understanding of biological (anatomy and physiology), biomechanical, and psychosocial aspects, underpinning health and wellbeing within a biopsychosocial context. This is facilitated through engagement with the core sciences of anatomy, pathology physiology, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology. Specifically, the modules develop the understanding of human functioning, including dysfunction and recovery processes.

This Applied Science 2 module (PT4054) runs in the second semester and seeks to extend students development of knowledge and understanding of underpinning science for physiotherapy practice in anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Anatomy topics will include structural and functional anatomy of the upper limb, peripheral nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Physiology topics will explore homeostasis and nerve physiology including associated pathophysiology. Kinesiology topics will consider the biomechanics of shearing forces and their application to the understanding of human movement such as upper limb movements. Psychology contents will include an exploration of human experience across lifespan and illness behaviour including stress and anxiety.

Specifically, in this module, you will:
• Develop a systematic understanding of biological and biomechanical sciences that underpin health and well-being in individuals and populations.
• Gain a detailed understanding of human tissue at the cellular and tissue level, encompassing their structure, function, and organization.
• Demonstrate an understanding of biological, biomechanical, and psychological knowledge to interpret the signs and symptoms seen in individuals affected by dysfunction in contemporary practice.
• Explore scientific concepts on how common problems may affect human function using the biopsychosocial model.

Evidence-based practice 1: Study skills and personal development, digital literacy and skills

Evidence Based Practice 1: Academic development and clinical measurements (PT4053) module begins the research pillar of the course. It seeks to develop essential skills that support academic learning and introduce students to foundational knowledge for evidence-based practice.

The module provides students with appropriate scaffolding to help them optimise their learning and development through the teaching opportunities provided in their modules, and prepares them for evidence-based clinical practice. Students will have opportunities to acquire, and develop effective study skills, note taking, revision, examination approaches, critical reading and writing, digital skills, and assessment literacy. They will also explore the concept of measurements and its use for the assessment of clinical problems encountered in clinical practice and research.
Specifically, in this module, you will:

1. Explore your learning and study skills to identify ways to improve them for a continuing education.
2. Develop digital literacy, critical writing, editorial skills required for life-long learning.
3. Consider the concepts of measurements and factors what will affect validity, reliability, and usefulness of measurements.
4. Learn about common clinical outcome measures used in clinical practice and how to optimise their validity and interpretation.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1: Long Term conditions

This module is the first of two Physiotherapy Theory and Practice modules (PT4000 & PT4052) in the first year, and it is aimed at developing basic understanding of clinical science related to Physiotherapy practice. PT4000 module introduces students to core knowledge of long-term conditions, basic skills for assessing, treatment and overall management of individuals with long term conditions within a biopsychosocial framework.

The module will introduce students to common long-term conditions, their aetiology, presentations, impacts on individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds within the UK health and social care structure, and explore the framework for managing them. It will also develop core hands-on skills for assessing, treating and evaluating effective physiotherapy when working with individuals with long-term conditions affecting musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological problems within a multi-disciplinary context.

Furthermore, it will prepare students for evidence based clinical reasoning and problem solving through engagement with the theoretical evaluation of human movement and functioning with practical skills development. The module will consider contemporary healthcare frameworks, particularly the implementation of multi-disciplinary approaches, to facilitate and enable individuals for recovery, rehabilitation, reablement and self-management of individuals with long-term conditions.

The module will run alongside Applied Science 1 (PT4050), Applied Science 2 (PT4054), Evidence-based practice 1 (PT4053) to enable students integrate their underpinning scientific knowledge of human functioning for physiotherapy practice.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2: Acute conditions

This module is the second of two Physiotherapy Theory and Practice modules in the first year, and it is aimed at developing basic understanding of clinical science related to Physiotherapy practice. This PT4052 module introduces students to core knowledge required for the management of individuals with acute conditions affecting cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. It develops students’ capabilities to apply appropriate knowledge of clinical science for acute assessment, treatment, exercise prescription & self-management of acute and emergency conditions.

The module will also develop practical skills to evaluate effective physiotherapy when working with individuals with acute injuries affecting muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, peripheral nerves, and common acute conditions such as fractures, orthopaedics, polyneuropathy, stroke, respiratory, and abdominal surgery. The module will also consider public health interventions that are appropriate to avoid re-injury and the importance of making every contact count (MECC).

Students will develop effective and contemporary clinical hands-on skills to manage the consequences of common acute injuries, illnesses, and emergency conditions to ensure patient safety, prompt resolution of illness and restoration of function.

The module will run alongside Applied Science 1 (PT4050), Applied Science 2 (PT4054), Evidence-based practice 1 (PT4053) to enable students integrate their underpinning scientific knowledge of human functioning for physiotherapy practice.

Practice Education 1

Practice Education 1: Introduction to clinical practice module (PT4W50) is the first practice education module on this course.

PT4W50 is aimed at preparing students for practice education, completing their mandatory training requirements, and providing their first opportunity to experience a practice placement setting. Learning and teaching aims of the module are achieved through a clinical simulation programme with mandatory training sessions in the first semester, and a longitudinal one-day a week placement in the second semester.

The clinical simulation is focused at supporting the development of core clinical skills and attitudes such as communication, professionalism, empathy, patients’ assessment, clinical reasoning, management of patients and safety. This is delivered through a wide range of teaching approaches including simulated practice with debriefings, group discussions, guided study, workshop and patient educator sessions. In addition to these sessions, students will complete mandatory training which further prepares them for their first placement.

In the second semester, students will be allocated to a one-day-a week placement to practice their developing skills in a clinical practice setting. The placement will also be supported by weekly debrief sessions.

Specifically, in this module, you will:
1. Acquire knowledge of common settings used in practice education and understand the expectations of students working in these settings.
2. Complete mandatory learning and develop core skills required in practice-based learning.
3. Develop understanding of assessment processes and documentations used in physiotherapy practice-based learning.
4. Practice assessment, clinical reasoning, and management skills in preparation for the first placement.
5. Attend a longitudinal placement to utilise the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in your academic studies.
6. Have opportunity to develop professionalism and inter-professional understanding in a real clinical environment.

Professional Practice 1: Professionalism and Reflective practice

The Professional practice 1: Foundation of Professional Practice (PT4051) is first module of the leadership and management pillar in the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy curriculum. The module explores the scope and practice of professionalism required for safe, effective, and ethical physiotherapy practice within the legal and professional framework in the UK. It is aimed at developing core knowledge, skills and attitudes required by both regulatory and professional bodies for Physiotherapy.

The contents and delivery will involve in-depth discussions of new HCPC standards of proficiency (SOP), standard of conduct, performance, and ethics (SCPE) and Chartered Society (CSP)’s knowledge, behaviour and values that underpins professionalism in contemporary Physiotherapy practice.

Furthermore, it will introduce and develop core communication skills required to support patients and their families, considering the needs of different groups of people including protected characteristics, intersectional and cultural differences. Concepts such as equality, diversity and inclusion, influence of cultural differences will also be explored to ensure that students can apply these when they are in practice. Students will be introduced to continuing professional development and reflective practice.

Specifically in this module, you will:
1. Acquire the knowledge of the HCPC and CSP and their role in the regulation of the physiotherapy profession.
2. Develop understanding of the standards of professionalism and their implementation in physiotherapy practice
3. The skills to communicate effectively with patients with different communication abilities and in different settings.
4. Develop reflective practice and continuous professional development skills.

Applied Science 3

Applied Science 3 runs in the first semester of the second year and builds on the knowledge of Applied Sciences developed in the first year. It extends students knowledge of biological (anatomy and physiology), biomechanical, and psychosocial aspects of human sciences required to understand conditions affecting health and wellbeing, within a biopsychosocial context. This is facilitated through engagement with the core sciences of anatomy, pathology physiology, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology.  Specifically, the module develops an understanding of human functioning, including the exploration of dysfunction and recovery processes.

Applied Sciences 3 (PT5050) runs in the first semester and covers anatomy, physiology, and psychosocial topics. Anatomy topics will introduce important concepts of neuroscience including the structure and function of the central nervous system with particular emphasis on the cortex, basal ganglia, ascending and descending pathways, sensory receptors, and pain pathways; spinal neuroanatomy as well as spinal gross anatomy: joint structures, musculature, ligaments, and other spinal tissues. Physiology topics will cover topics in neuroplasticity, CNS neurotransmitters, cardiorespiratory physiology. Psychology contents will include exploration of illness behaviours with regards to adherence, behaviour change approaches, and motivational interviewing and advanced communication skills.

Evidence-based practice 2: Research methods and critical appraisal

Evidence Based Practice 2: Research Methods and critical appraisal module extends students’ learning and development in the research pillar of clinical practice.

In this module, students will be introduced to principles of scientific enquiry, research processes, critical evaluation of clinical practice, clinical audit, and quality evaluation. They will explore approaches for data collection in quantitative and qualitative research, and clinical audits. In addition, they will practice and develop skills to analyse collected data and interpret these in group workshops.

Furthermore, the module will provide opportunities to practice critical appraisal of different research designs used in evidence-based practice and quality assurance of clinical services.

Specifically, in this module, you will:

Acquire knowledge of the common approaches used to develop research evidence to engage in evidence-based clinical practice.

Practice qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation to evaluate patient’s health and response to interventions.

Explore and practice using different tools them to evaluate the trustworthiness of findings from common quantitative and qualitative research designs.

Explore approaches used to evaluate service outcomes such as clinical audits and governance for quality management.

Consider the ethical and governance framework for clinical research.

Physiotherapy theory and practice 3: Clinical Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 3 module extends students’ knowledge and practice skills in the second-year by building on the foundation developed in the first year’s Physiotherapy Theory and Practice modules 1 & 2. It will run alongside Applied Science 3 (PT5050) and Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 4: Health promotions and wellbeing (PT5052) modules.

In this module, students will extend their capabilities for applying clinical science to the assessment, treatment, exercise prescription & self-management of contemporary musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological problems encountered in clinical practice across the lifespan.

As a skills module, students will utilise a case-based approach to develop sound evidence-based clinical reasoning and hands-on skills for the management of patients with common and diverse clinical problems. In addition, the module will provide an opportunity to relate the management of patients’ presentations with referral processes and specialist pathways.

Furthermore, the module will facilitate and develop skills to evaluate effective physiotherapy when working in clinical practice.

Physiotherapy theory and practice 4: Promoting Health and Wellbeing

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 4: Promoting health and wellbeing builds on the foundation of Physiotherapy theory and practice 1 & 2, and compliments Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 3, in progressing the education pillar of clinical physiotherapy practice.

This module will run in the second semester of year two of the course to provide students with opportunities to add to their clinical physiotherapy practice, a consideration of the role of lifestyle risk factors and wider health determinants on wellbeing of individuals. Furthermore, through the health promotions aspect of this module, students will be able to develop skills for their role in promoting health for different clinical populations.

Specifically, in this module, you will:

Acquire the knowledge of the contributions of lifestyle factors and how social, economic and environmental factors can influence a person’s health and wellbeing.

Develop understanding of the contributions physiotherapists can make to health promotion, health education and preventing ill-health.

Acquire the knowledge about how to reduce health inequalities through their professional clinical practice.

The skills to facilitate discussions about health risks with their clients and undertake brief interventions including education on major lifestyle risk factors and behaviour change).

Acquire the knowledge about the importance of occupational health and immunisation requirements

Practice Education 2

Practice Education 2: Developing clinical practice 1 module is the second practice education module, and the first of two placement experiences this year. It is aimed at progressing students’ professional practice skills alongside learning theoretical contents in the second year. In this module, the longitudinal placement model used in the first year is progressed by providing an opportunity for students to work in another clinical setting for two days weekly.

The module commences with two weeks of 2-days a week clinical simulation aimed at preparing students for their longitudinal placement. This period of clinical simulation will enable students to complete mandatory training requirements before going on a two-day a week longitudinal placement in a clinical setting for 8 weeks, to complete a total of 150 practice hours. This longitudinal placement will provide students with the opportunity to continue their professional development in practice settings, working with practice educators. Doing a longitudinal placement alongside academic modules will allow students to practice concepts and skills developed in the University in a real-life clinical setting.

Specifically, in this module, you will:

Complete mandatory training and develop core skills required in practice-based learning.

Attend a longer longitudinal placement to integrate your theoretical knowledge, skills, and attitudes for managing service users in a variety of clinical conditions.

Have opportunities to engage with clinical governance processes in place to quality assure service provisions.

Have opportunities to accumulate more practice hours required for your professional training.

Practice Education 3

Practice Education 3: Developing clinical practice 2 module is the third practice education module on this course and provides the second of two placement experiences this year. It is aimed at further extending students’ limit of practice in the second year through a block placement experience.

The module will prepare and support students to be successful in their block placement experience. In the module, students will have opportunities to prepare for their block placements through clinical simulation activities using case studies examples from the concurrently running physiotherapy theory and practice modules (PT5000 & PT5052).

Specifically, in this module, you will:

Develop assessment and management skills in clinical simulation sessions.

Attend a block placement to further consolidate your theoretical knowledge, skills, and attitudes for managing service users in a variety of clinical conditions.

Have opportunities to engage with clinical governance processes in place to quality assure clinical services.

Have opportunities to accumulate more practice hours required for your professional training.

Professional Practice 2: Team working and interprofessional practice

Professional practice 2: Team working and interprofessional practice (PT5051) module will progress knowledge and skills learnt in the first year’s Professional practice 1 module in the leadership and management pillar of clinical practice.

Its focus will be further development of communication and collaboration skills for effective working with service users and other healthcare professions. It will introduce advanced skills required for team working, managing conflicts and effective communication in challenging clinical scenarios. This will prepare students for inter-professional working and collaboration in practice. Students will also continue the exploration of HCPC standards of proficiencies and standards of conduct, performance and ethics that relates to working with interprofessional collaboration and team working.

Specifically in this module, you will:

Develop communication skills to a higher level and enable communication in more complex scenarios with both service users and other members of the MDT.

Introduce inter-professional education and collaboration with other healthcare students.

Acquire the knowledge around managing conflict and whistleblowing.

Develop skills in networking and collaboration

Evidence Based Practice 3: Advancing Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

Evidence Based Practice 3: Advancing physiotherapy practice module completes the research pillar of clinical practice for physiotherapy students.

In this module, students will be provided with an opportunity to utilise the knowledge they have acquired in their research pillar for the investigation of a clinical question in practice or recommended as a research priority in physiotherapy practice or healthcare delivery. With appropriate support, students will refine their identified research ideas, and use appropriate frameworks to develop a research proposal to investigate their clinical question.

Specifically, in this module, you will:

Develop skills to identify contemporary issues in clinical physiotherapy practice to investigate for evidence based practice.

Develop skills to propose appropriate research questions to investigate identified gaps.

Identify appropriate research designs to investigate problems in clinical practice.

Utilise existing frameworks to plan an internally valid research proposal.

Physiotherapy theory and practice 5: Management of complexity in clinical practice

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 5 module extends the knowledge of physiotherapy theory and practice developed in the first and second year to the management of individuals with complex clinical conditions referred for physiotherapy across a range of diverse clinical pathways. This module is aimed at extending students’ limit of practice and prepare them for dealing with complexity seen within a service user’s presentation, clinical service or across special population of service users.

In the module, students will improve their clinical reasoning skills to systematically work with broader multi-professional care teams within complex contemporary healthcare frameworks and services. It will also consider the varying healthcare needs of service users with complex and continuing care needs, and the potential contributions that physiotherapy can make to improving health and wellbeing of these special populations. The module will provide skills where students apply well developed clinical reasoning, advanced communication, manual handling, exercise prescription, digital interventions to address the healthcare needs of patients.

Practice Education 4

Practice Education 4: Consolidating Clinical Practice 1 is the fourth practice education module and the first of three, level 6 placements in the final year. 

The module will support students’ transition to level 6 placements, consolidate their clinical experience by developing capacity for autonomous practice, and develop their ability to manage caseloads within limits of their own safe and effective clinical practice. Students will have opportunities to do this within another contemporary healthcare setting and increase their mandatory clinical practice hours for graduation. Students will also explore opportunities within this placement to develop appropriate leadership behaviours within their scope of practice and competence.

Students will complete a clinical simulation preparatory period in the University including case-based practice sessions and mandatory training before going out on a 5-week clinical placement.

Practice Education 5

Practice Education 5: Consolidating Clinical Practice 2 is the fifth practice education module and second level 6 placement in the final year. 

The module will provide opportunities for students to continue the development of their clinical practice through expanding their limits of clinical practice in another contemporary healthcare setting. Students will consolidate their skills for managing larger caseloads as they practice becoming autonomous physiotherapy practitioners.

Students will be allocated to another five-week block placement to practice theoretical knowledge and skills for the management of patients with different clinical conditions. Students will also have opportunities to consolidate their developing professionalism and inter-professional working with other healthcare professionals. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to use this placement to demonstrate appropriate leadership behaviours within their scope of practice and competence.

Practice Education 6

Practice Education 6: Consolidating Clinical Practice 3 is the sixth practice education module and include the final level 6 placement in the final year. 

The module will give students an opportunity to consider their overall practice development and identify a specialist area of practice they would like to experience to extend their limit of practice for their future career aspirations.

Students will be supported to plan, seek, and attend an elective placement in their self-selected specialist area to complement their clinical skills profile to boost their employability after graduation. Placements options such as specialist, leadership, service improvement, public health, etc will be discussed with students to consider for their elective placement.

Professional Practice 3: Leadership and Service improvement

Professional Practice 3: Leadership and Service Improvement module completes the leadership and management pillar of clinical practice for physiotherapy students on this course. It utilises the maximising leadership framework of the Health Education England to structure the learning opportunities included as a part of the module. Students will explore leadership of self, others, and service improvement, and develop competencies that will prepare them for healthcare leadership at all levels of their clinical careers.

The module will provide opportunities for students to explore their own values, personality, and strengths within the context of contemporary leadership styles to develop self-confidence and emotional intelligence required for accountable leadership. It will also critically consider the processes, frameworks and tools used to manage and improve healthcare services, business, and entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, students will also have opportunities to prepare for their first job by considering mentoring and preceptorship programmes and how to optimise these opportunities in their first roles as a Band 5 Physiotherapist. The module will also continue the exploration of the HCPC’s standards of proficiencies by looking at standards related to leadership, service improvements.

Specifically, in this module, you will:
1. Explore leadership contexts in healthcare and leadership styles including the strengths and weaknesses.
2. Explore your own values, strengths, personality types, unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity.
3. Consider how to communicate for leadership and setting directions.
4. Investigate approaches to quality management and improvement of clinical services.
5. Consider your own leadership story and development plan.