About the course

This programme is designed to provide opportunity for students to question and challenge current practice in aspects of physiotherapy and to enable students to explore in depth, areas of professional interest within physiotherapy. It also aims to enable students to evaluate evidence both for current practice and for new approaches in physiotherapy practice.

The structure of the core modules meets the needs of individuals to review and evaluate the background of the physiotherapy profession and to integrate this into their clinical practice where appropriate. The optional modules allow students to devise a programme to suit their own specific requirements in terms of professional and personal development. The research module and dissertation, together with core/optional modules such as Evidence-based Practice and Assessment and Measurement, develop the student’s research capabilities and critical evaluation skills.

The School of Allied Health Professions is based on Keele campus and has a well-established undergraduate physiotherapy programme. It has strong connections both with local clinical units and with other Schools within the University such as the Schools of Nursing & Midwifery, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

The part-time MSc programme can be completed in two years (although three years is permitted), but students may take up to five years if they wish (modular route). The structure of the course therefore allows flexible learning in accordance with individual student interests and needs.

Course structure

The MSc programme comprises taught modules to the value of 120 M Level credits and a dissertation of 60 M Level credits, giving a total of 180 credits. Students may choose to finish their studies after completing 60 taught credits (Postgraduate Certificate) or 120 taught credits (Postgraduate Diploma), or they may study any module on a stand-alone basis and obtain the relevant credits. The part-time MSc programme is completed over a period of up to three years on part time route or five years on a modular route.

The structure of the core modules meets the needs of individuals to review and evaluate the background of the physiotherapy profession and to integrate this into their clinical practice where appropriate. The option module choice allows students to select the module that best suits their own specific requirements in terms of personal and professional development. The research module and dissertation, together with core modules such as Evidence Based Practice or Assessment and Measurement, develop the student's research capabilities and critical evaluation skills.

Taught Modules

CORE MODULES (EACH 15 CREDITS TOTALLING 45 CREDITS):

• Research Methods in Health
• Applied Clinical Anatomy 1
• Assessment and Measurement OR Evidence Based Practice - this is delivered electronically entirely via distance learning
• Dissertation (60 credits)

OPTIONAL MODULE (15 CREDITS):

• Assistive Technologies in Neurological Rehabilitation,
• Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging
• Psychosocial Aspects of Pain 
• Applied Clinical Anatomy 2
• Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain
• Physiology of Neuromusculoskeletal Tissue
• Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation 
• OR another in discussion with the Programme Leader

How the course is taught

Lecture sessions are led by a variety of experienced authorities in their field. Therefore, the student receives a wide knowledge base from academics and practising experts.

How you'll be assessed

The programme is assessed by a variety of techniques chosen to reflect the aims and objectives and teaching methods of individual modules, for example: essay, critical evaluation, paper review, seminar presentations, examination, the use of the Virtual Learning Environment, and dissertation. The pass mark for all modules is 50%.

Entry Requirements

The course is open to appropriately qualified physiotherapists who are interested in acquiring new knowledge and/or deepening existing knowledge in the field of physiotherapy. Applicants should normally have a first or second-class honours degree (2.1 or 2.2) (or overseas equivalent) in Physiotherapy. There is an expectation that applicants will possess level 6 (bachelors degree level) knowledge and skills in the areas of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular-respiratory and neurological physiotherapy.

Those who are not qualified physiotherapists are not eligible to apply (even if they have a Sports Science/Sport and Exercise/Kinesiology degree). If their intention is to become a qualified physiotherapist in the UK then they can consider the 2 year MSc (pre-registration) at Keele.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants should ensure that their personal statements identify why they wish to study this course.

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.

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage for more information.

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 are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in this case, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

Careers

We provide an environment where you will be supported and motivated to develop academically, professionally and personally. You will develop reflective thinking, reflective practice, and self-evaluation alongside the process of critical and evaluative thinking, writing, and communication.

You will transfer scientific knowledge from theory into practice and develop research skills to provide you with a sound academic core to your clinical practice in physiotherapy. You will also develop a scientific approach to the evaluation of current practice in physiotherapy.