Advanced Physiotherapy - MSc
Challenge the evidence base of current Physiotherapy practice considering how this may advance in the future. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your professional experience, reviewing and evaluating the development and evolution of the profession and how you might integrate this into your clinical practice. You will advance your scientific knowledge base engaging in professional development opportunities such as inter-professional learning and self-reflection.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Part time
Fees for 2024/25 academic year
-
Part time £3,900* per year
Duration of study
- Part time - 3 years/Modular - Up to 5 years
Please note: this course is only open to Home fee status students, and unfortunately is not currently available to International fee status students.
Why study Advanced Physiotherapy at Keele University?
Course summary
Physiotherapy is a constantly evolving profession which requires practitioners to demonstrate best practice in the best interests of service users. Advanced Physiotherapy at Keele is designed to provide you with the opportunity to challenge current physiotherapy practice whilst exploring in depth areas of your professional interest. You will enhance your clinical skills at master's level, delving deep into current physiotherapy practice, considering the advances and approaches for future practice.
Healthcare practitioners are subject to continuous change - our MSc will develop your ability to adapt and respond positively to changes within contemporary Physiotherapy practice.
You will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise as well as developing and enhancing clinical skills that can be implemented within your practice. You will learn to critically evaluate and analyse research evidence as well as challenge established principles and current practice to ensure you are delivering high quality care. You will be encouraged to think critically about current frameworks and concepts of physiotherapy as well as engaging with the evaluation of research literature.
The core modules on this programme allow you to review and evaluate the knowledge and skills underpinning the physiotherapy profession and to integrate this into your clinical practice where appropriate. The optional modules enable you to design a programme that suits your individual preferences so that you can work towards your career aspirations and professional development.
Next steps
Course structure
The programme is flexible and caters to your needs and interests, whether you wish to complete the course over three years for part time study (MSc), or take the modular route over five years.
MSc Advanced Physiotherapy - 180 credits
The MSc programme comprises of taught modules to the value of 120 credits and a dissertation of 60 credits, totalling 180 credits.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Core modules
- HLT-4001 Research Methods in Health
- PTY-40033 Applied Clinical Anatomy 1
- PTY-40005 Physiology of the Neuromusculoskeletal Tissue
- PTY-40002 Evidence Based Practice
- PTY-40072 Behaviour Change for Health and Well-being
Plus one further module selected from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences provision in either Leadership/Management or Education.
Optional Modules
You will have the opportunity to choose two optional/elective modules (15 credits each)* such as Psychosocial Aspects of Pain, Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging or Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation. Alternatively you may wish to consider developing your knowledge and skills in leadership and education for the clinical setting.
*Please note: These modules will span across the duration of your study and are subject to availability.
Next steps
Entry requirements
Please note: This course is open for Home fee status applicants but unfortunately is not currently available for International fee status students.
Please note: There may be specific requirements for particular modules such as:
- Evidence that you are currently in clinical practice
- Written support from line manager
- Named clinical mentor
- Registration with professional governing body
- Proof of up to date personal indemnity insurance
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
There are opportunities for prior learning to be brought into this programme, where your learning aligns with the award title, such as:
- Successful completion of credits at level 7 from other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Completion of professional learning in the workplace
- Attendance of non-credit bearing professional courses
Please note that level 7 learning following completion of professional learning in the workplace or attendance of non-credit bearing professional courses would need to be supported by a portfolio of evidence documenting how the learning has been and continues to be implemented in your practice.
Each application will need to be discussed on an individual basis and then reviewed by the university.
For more information and details of the RPL application process, please visit: keele.ac.uk/qa/programmesandmodules/recognitionofpriorlearning
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in Physiotherapy
You will also need: an English language qualification
Bangladesh
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Canada
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
China
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Ghana
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
India
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Kenya
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Nepal
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Nigeria
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Pakistan
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
South Africa
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Sri Lanka
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Uganda
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Zimbabwe
This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Please note: This course is open for Home fee status applicants but unfortunately is not currently available for International fee status students.
Please note: There may be specific requirements for particular modules such as:
- Evidence that you are currently in clinical practice
- Written support from line manager
- Named clinical mentor
- Registration with professional governing body
- Proof of up to date personal indemnity insurance
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
There are opportunities for prior learning to be brought into this programme, where your learning aligns with the award title, such as:
- Successful completion of credits at level 7 from other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Completion of professional learning in the workplace
- Attendance of non-credit bearing professional courses
Please note that level 7 learning following completion of professional learning in the workplace or attendance of non-credit bearing professional courses would need to be supported by a portfolio of evidence documenting how the learning has been and continues to be implemented in your practice.
Each application will need to be discussed on an individual basis and then reviewed by the university.
For more information and details of the RPL application process, please visit: keele.ac.uk/qa/programmesandmodules/recognitionofpriorlearning
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Fees
*Please note that this course was previously advertised with a different fee.
Funding
Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate course.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to apply your learning to your practice and reflect on your personal development. You will be able to integrate your core scientific knowledge in the workplace along with your professional practice of physiotherapy.
In addition to this, you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of research and evidence based practice as well as your ability to critically evaluate research literature and share your knowledge and skills with colleagues.
Career opportunities you may wish to pursue include:
- Clinical Specialist
- Extended Scope Practitioner
- Advanced Practitioner Roles
- Academia
- Research
- Leadership
- Management Roles
- Education
Careers and employability
Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, jobs, starting your own business and much more.
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
You will engage in various teaching methods throughout the programme that will allow you to deepen your understanding of subject matter and engage in discussions with peers. This experience will help to highlight different ideas and perspectives that will enable you to think critically and apply your findings in practice.
In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt. These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe, respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.
Teaching will be delivered by a team of professionals, consisting of lecturers, expert clinicians, research active staff and teaching fellows.
Methods of teaching may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Small group workshops
- Practical work
- Student and tutor-led tutorials
- Web based learning
- Independent study
How you'll be assessed
You will engage with various assessment methods to help test your knowledge and skills throughout the course which will be dependent on the modules taken.
Assessment methods may include:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Reflective assignments
- Practical examinations
- Dissertation
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
The School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) welcomes you to study on our MSc Advanced Physiotherapy programme.
Our multidisciplinary staff have expertise across a wide range of healthcare and health promotion specialisms. Our academics and clinicians are dedicated and enthusiastic, with a consistent record of inspiring and supporting students towards successful completion of their chosen programmes. We also regularly invite a range of speakers to contribute to our postgraduate provision to enhance your learning.
Find out more about our staff in the School of Allied Health Professionals.
Next steps
Facilities
At Keele, you will have access to facilities that will help to support your independent study and group work with peers using various resources. You will be able to make use of the Keele campus library as well as the Health Library on the campus of the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust.
School of Allied Health Professions
We host a selection of materials that will assist with your theoretical and practical learning, including an ALS patient simulator, old age simulation suits, 3-D anatomical on-line learning materials and models, as well as diagnostic, assessment and therapeutic equipment. You will also be able to utilise exercise testing equipment during the programme to help with teaching.
Other facilities may also be used for teaching including the Anatomy Suite, modern and spacious laboratory facilities and the Movement Analysis Suite.
Next steps
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion in Physiotherapy Practical Skills Education
The educational programmes in the School of Allied Health Professions prepare students to enhance their practice in a wide range of healthcare and wellbeing settings.
Programmes must also ensure students are prepared for professional practice which truly embraces and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Where students are required to act as patient models, please be assured that the School is committed to provide an inclusive environment for all students to thrive. The School will address individuals in the way they would like, provide screens in practical teaching sessions, plan assessments in cognisance of holy days and offer the adaptation of dress, where possible, to maintain modesty and dignity requirements of religious (or other) dress codes.
A culturally and ethnically diverse student body will enhance understanding of, and healthcare provision for, the diverse communities that they will serve, as such, we welcome the opportunity to work with you to find culturally competent and/or sensitive solutions for you. For any questions or concerns you may have about practical skills education, please do contact the school at your earliest opportunity to discuss with a member of academic staff (Primary contacts: Dr Claire Stapleton, c.stapleton@keele.ac.uk, (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead) for all aspects of equality, except disability, where Dr Dale Cooper, d.cooper1@keele.ac.uk (Disability Liaison Officer) should be contacted).
The School of Allied Health Professions is committed to ensuring its graduates are fully prepared for advanced practice across the widest range of healthcare situations and settings and that they are also able to embrace, reflect and influence the values and behaviours required to promote inclusive cultures and diversity.
Next steps