About the course

This programme is designed to provide opportunity for students to question and challenge current practice in aspects of cardio-respiratory 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 cardio-respiratory field of physiotherapy 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 Methods in Health module and postgraduate 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 Health & Rehabilitation 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, 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.

Aims of the course

Provide an environment where the student is supported and motivated to develop academically, professionally and personally. Promote reflective thinking, reflective practice, and self-evaluation. Develop the process of critical and evaluative thinking, writing, and communication. Transfer scientific knowledge from theory into practice. Develop research skills to provide students with a sound academic core to their clinical practice in physiotherapy. Develop a scientific approach to the evaluation of current practice in cardio-respiratory physiotherapy.

Promote interdisciplinary perspectives and an holistic approach to the cardio-respiratory management and rehabilitation of person.

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 cardio-respiratory 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 area of cardiovascular-respiratory physiotherapy.

For students whose first language is not English, evidence will normally* be required of successful completion of an English Language qualification such as IELTS (minimum 6.5 with at least 6 in each sub-test).

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

* In exceptional circumstances, if the school believes a student to be academically strong but has a borderline IELTS (or equivalent) score (e.g. a student with an UK equivalent high first class degree qualification and misses one component of the IELTS by 0.5 in a speaking or listening section), the applicant may be interviewed by the academic from both the School and the Language Centre. If the student is successful in the interview they maybe considered for entry.

Course content

The MSc programme comprises taught modules to the value of 120 Level 7 credits and a dissertation of 60 M Level 7 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 can be completed in two years, but students may take up to five years if they wish. The structure of the course therefore allows flexible learning in accordance with individual student interests and needs.

Visit the School website to view module block sessional dates, and details of all modules. 

The core modules meet the needs of individuals to review and evaluate the scientific background of the cardio-respiratory specialism and to integrate this into their clinical practice. The option modules allow students to devise a programme to suit their own specific requirements in terms of professional and personal development. The Research Methods in Health module and Evidence-based Practice module together with the dissertation develop the student’s research capabilities and critical evaluation skills.

Course Modules

Core Modules (each 15 credits totalling 75 credits plus the dissertation)

Research Methods in Health, Acute Respiratory Deterioration and Critical Care, Advanced Management of the Respiratory Complications of Neuromuscular Disease, Behaviour Change for Health and Well-being, 

and Assessment and Measurement OR Evidence Based Practice - this is delivered electronically entirely via distance learning

and the Dissertation

Option Modules (45 credits)

Choose from the following

Applied Clinical Anatomy 1, Applied Clinical Anatomy 2, Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging, Psychosocial Aspects of Pain, Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, Physiology of Neuromusculoskeletal Tissue, Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation, Assistive Technologies in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation,  or another from the Faculty Module listing

Teaching and assessment

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.

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, oral examination, critical evaluation, paper review, seminar presentations, examination, the use of the Virtual Learning Environment, and dissertation. The pass mark for all modules is 50%.

Additional costs

Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we do not anticipate any additional costs for this post graduate programme.