Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

About the course

The BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy degree offers a dynamic approach to the study of physiotherapy and provides you with the problem solving abilities to become a competent professional physiotherapist. You will gain a solid knowledge base and placement experiences appropriate to cope with contemporary physiotherapy practice.

You will also have the opportunity to gain the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) level 2 and 3 qualifications by studying some additional short courses.

The course focuses on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, physiotherapy practice and electrotherapy.You gain research skills and benefit from learning interprofessional throughout the three years.

First year - This year is all about developing your knowledge of physiotherapy and professional practice and learning to adopt a problem-solving approach through scenario-based learning.

You will carry out a two-week practice placement in Semester A and a four-week placement at the end of the first year.

Second year - In your second year you develop and build on the knowledge gained in the first year, focusing particularly on the physiotherapy management of patients with long-term and complex conditions. During this year there are two, five-week practice placement modules.

Final year- Your final year incorporates both academic and practice-based modules. It is a great opportunity for you to reflect on and evaluate your abilities and to prepare for your role as a qualified practitioner when you graduate.You will carry out three, five-week practice placement modules in the final year.

Why choose this course?

• The BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy course offers a dynamic approach to the study of physiotherapy and provides you with the problem solving abilities to become a competent professional physiotherapist.
• You will gain a solid knowledge base and placement experiences appropriate to cope with contemporary physiotherapy practice
• Excellent career prospects in the NHS and private sector

Study routes

• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of professional career opportunities both within the NHS and the private sector nationally.

For more information you can visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) website.

Teaching methods

By adopting an integrated approach, the Physiotherapy degree offers foundation studies in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, therapeutic practice and electrophysics. Research and inter-professional working are considered core dimensions of the programme of study. Practical skills are developed throughout the programme and are facilitated by the scenario-based approach to learning and teaching, supported by practical laboratory sessions, small group discussions, seminars and tutorials.

Work Placement

Throughout your studies on the BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy course, practice placements will be interspersed giving you the all important valuable experience that you will need when you graduate. More specifically the indicative number of practice placement hours per year are:

• first year: 204 hours
• second year: 340 hours
• third year: 510 hours

These placements will give you the opportunity to link the theoretical knowledge and practical skills learnt in the University setting, to the real life practice situation. During practice placements you will be given support, supervision and education from highly qualified clinicians while maintaining links to tutors back at the University.

Professional Accreditations

Eligibility to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)and registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• An Introduction to Inter-professional Education

  The module is designed to give students the opportunity to work in multi-professional groups in order to improve understanding of a range of professional roles and encourage co-operative learning and working. The rationale for and benefits of inter-professional working within health and social care are explored. Learning will be through multi-professional group seminars and tutorials that require students to access and gather appropriate data from a range of sources and apply this to a series of practice-based, simulated scenarios and exercises.

• Cardiorespiratory

  During this module the student will learn about the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and how they are affected by disease. The tools needed to assess the patient with cardiorespiratory insufficiency will be learnt and the clinical reasoning processes necessary to identify effective management taught. The possible psychosocial factors which may be contributing to the patient's dysfunction will be considered. Core cardiorespiratory physiotherapy treatment skills and their evaluation will be practised and their application to this patient group across the various healthcare settings taught. The role of the physiotherapist in the healthcare team will be explored. Students will begin their clinical resuscitation training that will be developed through the 3 years of the programme. The principles and practice of infection control will also be included within this module.

• Foundations for Physiotherapy Practice

  This module runs in Year 1 across both Semesters as a foundation for physiotherapy practice. The module includes an introduction to the systems of the body, movement analysis, motor learning and therapeutic exercise prescription. The safe and effective application of therapeutic exercise across a range of special populations is considered with an emphasis on maintaining health/healthy lifestyles and preventing ill health. This module will form a foundation and the topics will be revisited and expanded in other modules.

• Neuromusculoskeletal 1

  During this module the student will learn about the anatomy, biomechanics and common pathologies affecting the lumbar spine and the lower limb. The tools needed to assess the patient with lower quadrant neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction will be covered. The students will have a knowledge and understanding of the principles of clinical reasoning as a component of the module in order to facilitate the identification of the structures involved and/or the psychosocial factors which may be contributing to the patient's dysfunction. Core neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment skills and their evaluation will be practised and their application to this patient group across the various healthcare settings taught. The inter-relationships between the different anatomical regions will be considered and the role of the physiotherapist in the health care team will be explored.

• Neurosciences 1

  Neurosciences 1 will build upon the student's knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics introduced in other level 4 modules. Skills of analysis of normal and abnormal movement will be developed, allowing students to clinically reason within the field of neurology. The student will learn about the normal functioning of the peripheral and central nervous systems and how they are affected by disease. The tools needed to assess the patient with neurological impairment will be learnt and the clinical reasoning process necessary to identify effective management explored. Core neurological physiotherapy treatment skills and their evaluation will be practised and their application to this patient group across the various healthcare settings will be covered. The role of the physiotherapist in the health team will be explored.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Complex Patient Care

  During this module the students will develop their learning from both Level 4 and Semester A of Level 5, applying their knowledge and skills to the management of patients, from across a range of ages, who present with more complex pathologies/presentations that (primarily) stem from neurological and/or cardiorespiratory dysfunction. Students will be given the opportunity to broaden their skills through the analysis and problem solving of cases with patients who present with complex pathology, social and psychological needs. The needs of these more complex patients will be considered in a range of settings from tertiary to primary care. In addition, an introduction will be made to ethicolegal issues that inform decision making with these complex patients. Focus will be given to the importance of the role of the health team and associated role boundaries to provide best practice within these settings to these patients groups.

• Neuromusculoskeletal 2

  During this module the student will learn about the anatomy, biomechanics and common pathologies affecting the cervical spine and shoulder complex. The tools needed to assess the patient with cervical spine and shoulder dysfunction will be covered, building upon the knowledge and skills developed during NMS1. Clinical reasoning will be a key component of the module in order to facilitate the identification of the structures involved, pain mechanisms and contributing factors which may be contributing to the patient's dysfunction and to enable students to plan and carry out safe, skilful and effective assessment and management programmes. Building upon first year studies, core neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills and their evaluation will be practised and their application to this patient group across the various settings studied. The inter-relationships between the anatomical regions will be considered.

• Neuromusculoskeletal 3

  Building on NMS1 and NMS2, the assessment and management of patient presentations will be considered particularly in relation to patients with upper limb dysfunction including elbow, wrist and hand. Assessment procedures and treatment/management strategies suitable for these patient groups will be investigated: for example manual therapy, exercise/advice, electrotherapy and management of pathoneurodynamic dysfunction. Learning will be facilitated by a variety of methods using case scenarios as a trigger. There will be student-led seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. Students will be encouraged to explore, discuss and share their clinical experiences to illustrate issues of patient management.

• Neuromusculoskeletal 4

  Building on NMS1, NMS2 and NMS3, the assessment and management of patient presentations will be considered particularly in relation to the biopsychosocial theory applied to the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic regions. Assessment procedures and management strategies suitable for these patient groups will be investigated. Learning will be facilitated by a variety of methods using case scenarios as a trigger. These will include an introduction to the physiotherapist s role in both the triage of referrals and extended scope of practice. There will be student-led seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. Students will be encouraged to explore, discuss and share their clinical experiences to illustrate issues of patient management.

• Neurosciences 2

  This module builds upon previous modules to date in the development of knowledge and skills involved in the assessment and treatment of the neurological patient. Neuro-anatomy, physiology and pathology will be studied to greater depth and dysfunction of cognition and perception introduced. Comprehensive team management of the neurological patient will be considered. The module focuses upon clinical reasoning skills applied to the early, middle and later stage patient, recognising rehabilitation and management in both the patient s home and hospital setting. Students are encouraged to reflect upon patients seen during clinical placements and work experience to help them to problem solve issues encountered.

• Practice Education 1 - Communication

  This practice education module focuses upon the impact of effective/ineffective communication in practice, including all components of written and verbal communication. Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their communication skills with patients, carers and other professionals within a range of specialities and environments. Students' clinical resuscitation and safe patient handling skills will be reviewed and updated in this module.

• Practice Education 2 - Service Improvement

  This practice education module focuses upon service improvement in order to enhance patient centred practice. Students will be facilitated to demonstrate sensitivity to the patients users and staff s requirements, understand the need to prioritise problems by negotiation with patients and/or significant others and evaluate the importance of audit and service improvement on healthcare delivery. Students will undertake the module in a variety of practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their practice across a range of specialities and clinical environments.

• Research Methods

  The focus of this module is to develop a critical understanding of research principles, processes and methods and their application within the health setting. The module develops knowledge and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and facilitates the students' understanding of the philosophy behind evidence based practice.

Optional

Year 3

Core Modules

• Applied Research

  The module builds upon study of research at Levels 4 and 5. The module will include critical analysis of papers drawing on a range of research methodologies, incorporation of evidence into practice and discussions of the various challenges facing researchers (eg ethical, financial, pragmatic, intellectual). Students will undertake both qualitative and quantitative research studies which will enable the students to critically discuss issues surrounding data collection, measurement and clinically applicable outcome measures.

• Complex Patient Care 2

  This module will build on the preceding year's study to enable students to integrate the relevant aspects of previous modules together with their practice experience to achieve a comprehensive view of physiotherapy practice. Students will be given opportunities to broaden their skills through analysis and problem solving of cases with multiple pathology and complex social and psychological needs. In problem solving the cases students will have the opportunity to critically evaluate current practice, examine the extent to which it is evidence based and examine the different models of healthcare. The role of the physiotherapist within the team managing the patient will be explored and the issues of role boundaries and competence discussed.

• Enhancing Health & Social Care through Inter-professional Education

  The module is designed to give students further opportunities of working in multi-professional groups in order to improve understanding across professional boundaries and encourage collaborative learning and working that will bring benefit to patient/service-users. The justification for inclusion of inter-professional working within health care is addressed. The module requires students to bring specialist in-depth knowledge of their profession and professional codes of conduct to a group setting so that health and social care pathways are critically reviewed in the context of professional practice.

• Practice Education 3 - Equality and Diversity

  This practice education module involves clinical reasoning processes in practice with a focus on equality and diversity. Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their competence in, and understanding of, clinical decision making across a range of specialities and practice environments.

• Practice Education 4 - Service Improvement

  This practice education module focuses upon service improvement in order to enhance patient centred practice. Students will be facilitated to demonstrate sensitivity to the patient's requirements, understand the need to prioritise problems by negotiation with patients and/or significant others and evaluate the importance of service improvement on healthcare delivery. The role of entrepreneurship within the health care setting will be considered. Students will undertake the module in a variety of practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their practice across a range of specialities and clinical environments. Students' clinical resuscitation and safe patient handling skills will be reviewed and updated in this module.

• Practice Education 5 - Personal and People Development

  This practice education module focuses upon personal and people development, including clinical effectiveness, in preparation to take up the role of independent and autonomous practitioners. This module will further develop students' abilities to work with other professionals and the public within their scope of practice. Students will undertake the module in a variety of practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their clinical effectiveness across a range of specialities and practice environments.

Optional

Fees & funding

If you are a UK or EU full-time undergraduate student, the NHS will pay the tuition fee for this course. You will not have to pay for the course yourself.

UK Students may be entitled to an NHS bursary.

Please note that in the event that you have to retake failed module(s) from a previous year (unconnected with adverse circumstances) you may have to 'step-off' the course until you have passed the module(s). In the event this happens, any NHS bursary you have been receiving will cease until you are in a position to resume the full-time course. In addition, you will be required to pay student tuition fees for retaking the failed module(s).

Find out more information on financial support arrangements for pre-registration health programmes.

University of Hertfordshire bursaries are not available for this course.

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Additional course costs

Compulsory

- Student membership of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy £32

- Accommodation for clinical placements for students who are not eligible for an NHS Bursary includes international and Irish students (figures quoted are top-end and depends upon placement venue and distance travelled). Eligible students can claim all, or part and depends on circumstances. £1,500 max

- Transport to clinical placements (students can claim if eligible for NHS Bursary and travel costs). £600 max

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply