Physiotherapy (pre-registration) - MSc
Our 2 year pre-registration MSc in Physiotherapy is a qualifying programme for graduates with a relevant undergraduate degree. The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. We offer a supportive environment with excellent opportunities for you to excel as you develop the knowledge and skills required of a highly competent physiotherapist capable of meeting the demands and challenges of current and future healthcare environments. This challenging course comprises of a balanced delivery of theoretical learning, practical skills teaching, self-reflection and practice-experience placements.
Please note that applications are now closed for international students for entry in January 2026.
Month of entry
- January
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
-
UK Full Time - £9,535 per year*
International - Full time £20,800 per year
Duration of study
- Full time - 2 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.
Why study Physiotherapy (pre-registration) at Keele University?
Course summary
MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Keele focuses on the delivery of patient-centred care within a range of health and social care environments. Physiotherapy emphasises the use of physical approaches in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of an individual’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing - all which underpin the key themes of our programme.
Our two year MSc enables you to develop the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, behaviours and values that underpin contemporary evidence-based physiotherapy practice. You will explore the importance of clinical reasoning and informed evidence-based decision-making which will enable you to confidently manage patients with a range of clinical needs. You will work in partnership with patients, assessing and identifying the appropriate management and care which considers their overall wellbeing to achieve optimum health benefits.
You will engage with theoretical and practical teaching to become an independent thinker who can make informed decisions confidently. Through active participation in inter-professional learning, you will develop an appreciation for the multiple professions whom may be involved in a patient's care, developing your ability to work collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team.
You will explore and evaluate the role of current physiotherapists considering how future practice may advance. Your ability to critically analyse and draw conclusions will enable you to consider scenarios from different perspectives and with this insight, you will be equipped to positively adapt to changes in circumstances. These experiences will develop your confidence to make informed clinical decisions with the best interest of the patient at the heart of your care. You will cover all four pillars of advanced Physiotherapy practice (Clinical, Leadership - which includes equality, diversity and inclusion, Research and Education) to prepare you for your future career and the development of the profession. Towards the end of your programme we will guide you in searching and seeking for employment and applying for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
Student support
Academic mentor
You will be assigned an academic mentor who will support you with your academic development and queries. They will be your initial contact and are able to refer you to a range of student services offered by the university including welfare and financial support.
Student experience and support team
Our Student Experience and Support team will be on hand to deliver an array of services to help guide you through your studies. Each school has an allocated Student Experience and Support Officer who will be available to help with pastoral queries and one-to-one support.
Practice educators
Your practical experience will involve various healthcare environments and you will be supported by an accredited practice educator who will be on hand to provide feedback and support during your placements. Practice educators have a breadth of knowledge and experience in a variety of settings (clinical/professional body/leadership/research) which will help to provide insight into a range of careers and specialisms that may be of interest.
"I really enjoyed my time at Keele. The small cohort of the MSc Physiotherapy Pre-Reg stops you from getting lost in the crowd and you become a really tight knit group. The staff are really friendly, approachable and supportive and want to make you the best clinician you can be once qualified. The reputation of high calibre students from Keele as well as Keele’s relationships with local trusts meant I managed to secure a Rotational Physiotherapy post at UHNM 4 months prior to completing the course and I am now working as a qualified physiotherapist within 2 months of finishing the degree!"
"Being a transitional course, one could only wish for a strong support system to pull through. Keele provided this support. The lecturers, including those that worked as link tutors in our various placements worked together to ensure that we picked up the skills required to become the best clinicians that we can be."
Course structure
This programme is studied across two years and each year is divided into two semesters. You will engage with a number of practice-experience placements, contributing to your practice hours that will allow you to meet the requirement to register as a qualified physiotherapist.
Your placements may offer experience and insight into the following areas of Physiotherapy practice:
- Hospitals
- Acute healthcare
- Community healthcare
- Private, independent and/or voluntary organisations (including sports clubs)
- Virtual healthcare
- Leadership and/or research
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.
Year 1: Compulsory modules
Pre arrival introduction and work packages
Transition into Physiotherapy Studies (incorporating Interprofessional Education 1)
This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your understanding of the Physiotherapy profession and develop skills, knowledge and attributes that are essential for a health professional. In addition, you will be supported in reflecting on your knowledge and previous experiences in order to identify learning needs and action plans to address gaps in knowledge relating to anatomy, physiology and movement science.
Essentials of Physiotherapy Assessment
Introduces you to the knowledge and skills required to undertake and interpret the information gained from a subjective and objective assessment in order to formulate an effective management plan within each of the main specialties of physiotherapy: musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular and respiratory practice.
Foundations of Physiotherapy Management
Builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in the Essentials of Physiotherapy Assessment module and prepares you to deliver, and analyse the efficacy of, physiotherapy management within each of the main specialties of physiotherapy: musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular and respiratory practice.
Practice Experience A1
Introduces you to practice in a healthcare setting and aims to prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities. Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Evaluating Healthcare and Evidence Based Practice
Offers you the opportunity to develop and enhance your knowledge and skills in effectively using research and other forms of evidence to support and underpin their clinical practice as well as recognise frequently used resources and tools used to evaluate healthcare services.
Advancing assessment and Treatment Skills
This module builds on both the Essentials of Physiotherapy Assessment and Foundations of Physiotherapy Management modules.Youwill develop you knowledge, skills and higher order clinical reasoning within several specialties of physiotherapy, including older adults, musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular and respiratory practice.
Teaching will be delivered by a blended approach with both in-situ, and online (asynchronous and synchronous) learning and teaching strategies to ensure that all required knowledge, evaluation and understanding of key principles in physiotherapy are delivered for all types of learners.
Health Wellbeing and Behaviour Change
The module brings together the concepts of health promotion, primary and secondary prevention and health behaviour change, and provides a context for the study of rehabilitation. You will explore the factors which affect health and wellbeing and also the theories, models and principles which underlie health behaviour change. Health promotion strategies are evaluated.
Enhanced Physiotherapy Management for Complex Patients
Allows you to explore the challenges of managing patients/clients with multiple or complex conditions. You will learn to identify and justify priorities in the context of clinical reasoning and integrate knowledge gained from the practice experience and evidence-based components of the programme to develop into their patient management proposals.
Year 2: Compulsory modules
Leadership and Service Development
This module will enable you to understand the characteristics of effective leadership and service delivery, enabling students to take a lead on the delivery of high quality health care.
The 'Research Proposal' module allows you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in justifying and designing a comprehensive plan for a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
Practice Experience A2
Building on Practice Experience A1 and the content introduced earlier on in year one, this module enables you, through physiotherapy practice experience to further develop and apply knowledge and skills in both assessment and therapeutic techniques. It prepares you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities.
Practice Experience A3
Builds on previous Practice Experiences and teaching content covered earlier in the programme and allows the student to further develop and apply knowledge and skills in these non-clinical areas of practice. It prepares you to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e. mentoring, multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
Practice Experience A4
Practice Experience A4 builds on the content covered earlier in the MSc Physiotherapy programme and enables you through physiotherapy practice experience to further develop and apply knowledge and skills. The module aims to prepare you in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e. multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities.
Research Project
The 'Research Project' module builds on the 'Research Proposal' and 'Planning Research' modules for each programme and enables the student the opportunity to implement the research proposal presented in the previous module and produce a structured written report of their work. The module aims to develop a students ability to carry out subsequent research independently and commission, manage and evaluate the research activities of others.
Management of Complex Patient Caseloads
Interprofessional Education 3
Practice Experience A5
Practice Experience A5 builds on content delivered earlier in the MSc Physiotherapy programme and enables the student through physiotherapy practice experience to further develop and apply knowledge and skills in both assessment and therapeutic treatment techniques. The module aims to prepare the student to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
Practice Experience A6
Practice Experience A6 is the final practice experience for this cohort and builds on previous Practice Experiences and content covered earlier in the MSc Physiotherapy programme and enables the student through physiotherapy practice experience to further develop and apply knowledge and skills. The module aims to prepare the student to work in diverse healthcare settings whilst also develop transferable skills (i.e. multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication) that can be applied in a variety of healthcare settings and specialities.
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
2:1 degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
2:2 degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
or
a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
65% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health science or exercise subject from a public university
or
CGPA 3.0 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health science or exercise subject from a private university
or
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health science or exercise subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a health science or exercise subject from a private university and three years' relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
75% or a GPA of 3.0 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a health science or exercise subject
or
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
75% in a degree in a health science or exercise subject or 70% in a degree in a health science or exercise subject from a '211' university
or
70% in a degree in a health science or exercise subject or 65% in a health science or exercise subject from a '211' university and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Upper second class degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
lower second class degree or a GPA of 2.5 in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
60% or CGPA 6.5/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a health science or exercise subject
or
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Upper second class degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
lower second class degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
70% / 3.0 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree or 75% / 3.4 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Upper second class degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
lower second class degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 1 / 70% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours or First / 75% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree with Honours in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
60% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Upper second class degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
lower second class degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Upper second class degree in a health science or exercise subject
or
lower second class degree in a health science or exercise subject and three years relevant clinical experience with evidence of continued professional development activity
Applicants with a 3 year Diploma in Physiotherapy should contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Additional information
Please note: Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview.
Admissions process
Please apply via the button at the top of the page.
There are three key stages to our Admissions process for the Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme - detailed below. Please note, you must be successful at each stage to proceed through the process.
|
Stage 1 |
Application reviewed against published entry requirements |
|
Stage 2 |
Review by the academic team for scoring of the application and personal statement |
|
Stage 3 |
Interview |
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 D.
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. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
"I enjoyed attending interesting lectures learning from vastly experienced practitioners that made the learning process fun and engaging, whilst creating life long friendships in the process. The MSc Physiotherapy (pre-reg) programme was extremely challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding and by completing this course I have developed not only as a medical practitioner, but also as a human being."
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Postgraduate funding and scholarships
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
UK Full Time - £9,535 per year
International - Full time £24,900 per year
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.
Eligible Physiotherapy (Pre-Reg) MSc students can apply for funding support via the NHS Learning Support Fund, which includes a £5,000 training grant and certain travel and accommodation costs for placements. More information, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
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
Pre-registration Physiotherapy students are eligible to apply for funding support via the NHS Learning Support Fund which includes a £5000 training grant. More information, including the eligibility criteria can be found here.
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Additional costs
Postgraduate qualifying masters in Physiotherapy
Programme lead, Claire Stapleton, talks about our 2 year physiotherapy programme.
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching is delivered on campus and in practice-based environments, enabling you to build a foundation of knowledge and experience of practical learning.
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.
There are various teaching methods used on this programme, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Individual and group presentations
- Student and tutor-led tutorials
- Practical work
- Group workshops
- Web-based learning
- Learning in the practice environment
- Inter-professional learning
- Independent study
You will be taught by a wide range of academics in the School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy including Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered physiotherapists and research active staff with expertise across different areas. The practical learning element of this programme will be assessed by practice educators who currently work across diverse healthcare environments.
How you'll be assessed
The assessment methods at Keele will enable you to review your learning, develop a variety of skills reflective of the needs of a workplace (including written - reports, reflections and essays - oral communication and digital) and progress throughout the programme, including:
- Written work/assignments
- Written and practical examinations
- Oral presentations
- Reflective assignments
- Practice assessments/Interactive Practical Assessment (IPA)
- Research project
