Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy - MSci

Accelerate your physiotherapy career with our diverse and innovative four-year Master’s programme. Become a highly competent and clinically astute physiotherapist who can improve people's quality of life and physical wellbeing by restoring, maintaining and enhancing their function and movement.

Year of entry

2023

Course type

Integrated Master's

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

Allied Health Professions

UCAS code

B160

Duration of study

4 years

Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Physiotherapy at Keele University?

Accredited by the UK Health and Care Professions Council

No.2 in England for Physiotherapy (Guardian University League Table, 2021)

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

£5,000 non-repayable annual grant to support your studies

Gain extra experience and qualify with a Masters

Course overview

As a physiotherapist you will use physical approaches to strengthen and maintain people's physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, optimising their general health and helping to prevent illness. Physiotherapy at Keele provides you with an exceptional breadth of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to enable you to deliver high quality patient centred care.

Essential physiotherapy skills

This innovative course has been carefully designed to reflect physiotherapy in the 21st century and is flexible and future proof to accommodate the changing demands of health and social care, and the profession globally. You will develop the required competencies and clinical skills, which are underpinned by evidence to enable you to deliver high quality, safe and effective care that meets the needs of patients.

You will improve your understanding of anatomy, physiology and movement science including basic therapeutic handling and the fundamentals of physiotherapy practice. You will study modules that focus on common conditions associated with the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Throughout the programme you will explore the effects of acute critical illness and the deteriorating patient, as well as studying core themes such as pharmacology, hydrotherapy, assistive technology, orthotics and neuropsychology.

The course explores concepts of physical rehabilitation, functioning and disability and investigates the impact of disability and how to restore function to individuals with specific conditions such as diabetes mellitus and heart disease.

You will undertake practical sessions within our Anatomy Suite where you will analyse and handle real anatomy prosections to enhance your understanding of the human body.

You will learn the required patient assessment techniques, including those who may have complex rehabilitation needs to improve your clinical decision making and analytical abilities. This will enable you to propose effective management strategies for patients in a well-informed and confident manner. You will benefit from specific modules which aim to enable you to establish your communication skills so you can become confident in your professional interactions as a physiotherapist. As a physiotherapist you will need to be able to communicate with a range of patients, carers, family members and fellow clinicians.

Modules to enhance your research and critical thinking competencies are embedded throughout the programme. We put a strong emphasis on the role of evidence and using it to support physiotherapy best practice. The advantage of a fourth year of study is that it offers you the flexibility to explore specialist areas of practice in areas such as musculoskeletal and neurological.

Physiotherapist’s play a key role in promoting health and preventing illness and you’ll gain a solid understanding of the factors that can impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

Inter-professional learning is a key element in your growth as a professional physiotherapist and studying alongside students from other healthcare occupations reflects your future working environment. We give you the skills not just to become a physiotherapist but to become effective future educators and teachers through specific modules that concentrate on learning and teaching.

Physiotherapy Clinical Experience

Clinical practice is a core element of the programme. Exposure to a range of clinical environments will enable you to build your confidence. This practical, authentic, hands-on experience ensures you are able to graduate with the required skills and competencies to practice and deliver high quality patient care.

There are placement opportunities to complete over 1380 hours of practice throughout the programme. Our dedicated Clinical Education Team will source appropriate placements in a wide variety of settings and provide additional support during your placements.

We offer a wide range of diverse opportunities to gain practical physiotherapy experience supporting people of all ages with different conditions. You will be exposed to various clinical settings that may include working with critically ill patients within the NHS, individuals injured at work, charities and the private sector, as well as supporting rugby and football clubs. Most of your placements take place in the West Midlands area, although placements for some specialist areas of physiotherapy may require you to travel further afield.

There are opportunities to apply for international electives so you can study abroad, depending on the current global pandemic situation.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy clinic

Helping to bridge the gap between what you learn in the lecture theatre and clinical placement is our on-campus physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic where you can get involved and observe the treatment of patients. The clinic offers ‘hands on’ treatments for a wide range of common musculoskeletal injuries.

Our expertise

Teaching is undertaken by highly skilled, highly qualified, and knowledgeable staff, some of whom are nationally and internationally recognised experts in their field. Many of our academic staff are active researchers, and physiotherapists teaching on the course are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Student support

We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for you during your physiotherapy course. You will be allocated an academic mentor at the beginning of your course who can give advice and guidance. Also during your first year you will be offered a student mentor. Supervision whilst you are undertaking your clinical placements is undertaken by practice educators.

Based within our faculty is a Student Experience and Support team who have a member of the team who is dedicated to the School of Allied Health Professions. As part of Keele’s student services, they work closely with teams across Keele so you can easily access the support you need.

There is peer support and additional help is available from the School's Disability Liaison Officer who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have special learning needs.

You will have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele which include;

Learning Support and Academic Guidance
Disability Services
English Language Unit
Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
Student Support Services
Occupational Health Department

Next Steps

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Professional Accreditation

Physiotherapy at Keele is accredited by the UK Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.‌

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year International year Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers 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.

Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students.

If you are interested in becoming a Physiotherapist and already have a degree you may qualify for our Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) course programme.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, our Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree. Please note, we recommend that you do not apply for both Physiotherapy (B160) AND Physiotherapy with Foundation Year (B1B9) - you should apply for the programme of which your profile matches. If you require any further information, please contact us at admissions@keele.ac.uk

General information

Under normal circumstances, you should be 18 or over on commencement of study due to the clinical elements of the programme.

Please note, we do not normally consider applications to both our direct entry Physiotherapy programme (B160) and the Foundation Year Route (B1B9). Please apply to the route of study that best matches your academic profile. If you require any further information, please contact our Admissions team.

Application process

Applications are via UCAS. Your UCAS application will be scored and you may then be invited to interview, after which a decision will be made with regards to whether we are able to make you an offer.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

If you are successful at the initial stage of selection, you will be required to satisfy Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

The University follows the DBS Code of Practice and can provide a copy of the code on request to sahp.admin@keele.ac.uk

A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) will be required for successful candidates.

Health checks

A satisfactory health check will be required for successful candidates.

Deferred entry applications

Deferred entry applications will be considered.

Academic Entry Criteria

GCSE (or equivalent) requirements

Under normal circumstances, you will be required to hold at least five GCSEs (equivalent qualifications are accepted in some instances) at grade C/4 or above, to include Mathematics, English Language, Combined or Single Science subjects.

You should obtain your GCSE level qualifications before applying. Please note we do not normally accept Maths / English Equivalents or Level 2 key skills; however, we may consider them on a case-by-case basis depending on experience.

English requirements

If you are an international applicant and English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher (with no single subset below 6.5).

The following qualifications are accepted as meeting our minimum academic entry criteria. Please note, evidence of study at Level 3 or higher within the last three years is normally required.

Qualification	Required grade profile	Further information
A-Levels	ABB or A*BC or AAC	To include Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education at grade B or above. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. A pass grade in science practical will be required if you are taking A-Level Biology in England. If you have not been given the opportunity to study science practical by your school or college, your application will be considered on an individual basis.
Cambridge Pre-U (Principal Subject)	M1, M1, M2	To include Biology, Human Biology or Sports Science at grade M1.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National qualifications (1st teaching 2016)	Extended Diploma 180 credits DDD Diploma 120 credits DD + B at A Level Extended Certificate 60 credits D + BB at A Level	If you are not studying A-Level PE, Biology or Human Biology then one of these BTECs must be studied - Applied Human Biology, Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Coaching (Sports BTECs must include Anatomy and Physiology modules) or Applied Science (should include Physiology of Human Body Systems optional module). If your BTECs do not include those listed above then one of your A-Levels must be PE, Biology or Human Biology
International Baccalaureate Diploma	32 IB points	To include Higher Level Biology at grade 6.
Scottish Advanced Higher	BCC	To include Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education at grade C or above. In addition, six subjects at standard level taken at one sitting, grade C or above including Mathematics and English Language.
Irish Leaving Certificate	4 Irish Highers at grades H1, H1, H2, H2 or above.	To include Biology at grade H1.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate	B or above	Applicants are also required to hold 2 A-Levels at a minimum of grades AB one of which must be Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education.
Previous Degree	Normally 2:1 or above	If you currently hold (or will hold) a Bachelor of Science degree in a related subject (for example, human biology, sports science, sports therapy, rehabilitation science, Kinesiology) at 2:1 or above, or a diploma in Physiotherapy, consider our 2 year MSc qualifying programme - MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration). If you have achieved a 2:1 or above in an unrelated degree and also meet the entry requirements above (A-Level, BTEC etc.) you may apply for the programme. If you have achieved a 2:1 or above in an unrelated degree and do not meet the entry requirements above, you will need to undertake an A-Level in Biology (can be done through distance learning in one year) and achieve a grade B or higher, or similar study to gain subject-specific knowledge. Please contact us at sahp.admin@keele.ac.uk to discuss appropriate courses / grades.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit.	To include 15 Level 3 credits in topics relating to Human Biology / Anatomy / Physiology. You should hold GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C/4 or above before applying - this should normally be passed at the first attempt.
Foundation Year courses	You are required to pass all modules across the 120 credits at 60% or above. At least 30 credits must relate to the topics of Human Biology / Anatomy / Physiology.	For futher information please contact us at sahp.admin@keele.ac.uk
HNC in Applied Biology or related subjects	120 credits at Level 4, all at Merit or higher	For futher information please contact us at sahp.admin@keele.ac.uk

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

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"I have loved my time at Keele studying Physiotherapy. With outstanding guidance and support I have gained the academic, clinical and research skills needed in a wide variety of topics."

Tom, Physiotherapy

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Modules

Modules for Physiotherapy

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. 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.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Compulsory modules

Practice Experience 4a
Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals
Research Skills and Funding
Research Project (Level 7)
Practice Experience 4b
Practice Experience 4c

Optional modules

Enhanced Practice: Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Enhanced Practice: Cardiovascular and Respiratory
Enhanced Practice: Neurological Rehabilitation

Next Steps

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"I chose to study physio at Keele because of the atmosphere that was created and shared by everyone I met at my first open day. This is something that has continued through my 3 years at Keele. I have made some amazing friends who along with the staff at SAHP have supported me through the duration of my degree and helped to make a stressful 3 years some of the most enjoyable."

Millie, Physiotherapy

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"The sense of community within the student body has positively impacted my learning experience and outcome, I dont think I would have completed my 3 years at Keele successfully without the help and support from my peers. "

Marcus, Physiotherapy

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Key elements of physiotherapy are taught over four years and we use a variety of learning and teaching methods depending on the subject matter and level of the module. You will be taught on campus at Keele University and in clinical environments and teaching is designed to integrate university learning and learning undertaken in practice settings.

You will develop your clinical skills in small groups, depending on the subject matter. In practice settings you will work with designated practice educators and receive support from visiting tutors from the School.

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.

Our teaching methods include:

Lectures - including interactive lectures and with invited external speakers
Practical work - allowing you to observe the application of, or develop practical physiotherapy techniques under academic staff supervision.
Practice experience - to improve your clinical and professional skills
Small group workshops - working with other students on specific projects
Individual and group presentations - where you will research and present a topic
Student and tutor-led tutorials
Web based learning - using the Keele Virtual Learning Environment (KLE)
Independent study - required in each module, some guided by tutors and some self-directed depending on the module.
Participate in inter-professional learning - groups made up of a range of other health and social care students.

Assessment

To track your progress through this integrated masters course we use a variety of methods to reflect the range of knowledge and skills you will develop including:

Online communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams may be used for oral examinations or presentations
Written work/assignments to test the quality and application of your subject knowledge
Written examinations undertaken in different formats including multiple choice exams and essay and short answer questions
Reflective assignments which enable you to improve your reflective practice which is a fundamental skill used by all healthcare professionals
Oral presentations/oral examinations to assess your subject knowledge and understanding
Practical examinations / Interactive Practical Assessment (IPA) examinations take place for modules involving teaching and learning of practical clinical skills so you can demonstrate the safe and effective application of these.
Research project – a student led piece of independent research.
Practice assessment - undertaken during practice experience modules.

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Student administering treatment on sim mannequin

Physiotherapy student providing treatment

Physiotherapy with Integrated Masters MSCi

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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 practice in a wide range of healthcare and wellbeing settings.

Each programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours required to practice safely and effectively in a constantly changing healthcare environment. Programmes must also ensure students are prepared for professional practice which truly embraces and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Students will learn both the theory and practice of their chosen profession and will be taught in both the university and the clinical/healthcare environment.

Practical skills will initially be taught in the classroom and students will both practise and personally experience the skills of the profession. Students are required to act as patient models both in the classroom and, where appropriate, in the clinical setting. Acting as a patient model is a valuable part of learning by offering the experience of healthcare from the perspective of a patient which will contribute to the students’ development in becoming an empathetic healthcare professional. Through classroom-based and practice-based settings students will experience a wide diversity of healthcare situations and environments in which their professional skills are developed for practice as a qualified, registered health professional.

The School recognises and understands that, for a variety of reasons, some students may find being a model or practising skills on fellow students and/or professional colleagues uncomfortable. Please be assured that the School is committed to provide an inclusive environment for all students to thrive and as such provides screens in practical teaching sessions, respects an individual's preference for how they wish to be addressed, plans assessments in cognisance of holy days and offers 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 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.

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our foundation year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the Msci (Hons) Physiotherapy Integrated Master's course. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

You will gain a greater appreciation of historical and contemporary approaches to health and social care within the UK, considering key health issues and challenges facing health and science services. At the same time, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes.

Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.

Course structure

Semester One modules

FYO-00237	Foundations of Human Biology for Health	15 credits
FYO-00241	Foundations of Chemistry for Health	15 credits
FYO-00213	Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students	15 credits

Semester Two modules

FYO-00239	Advancing Human Biology for Health	30 credits
FYO-00245	Foundations in Health and Society	15 credits

Year long modules (Semesters One and Two)

FYO-00181

Academic and Professional Development

30 credits

Entry requirements

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. For Physiotherapy, place offer is subject to scoring application or interview.

A-levels	Excluded Subjects	Alternative Qualifications	Additional GCSE requirements
BBC - if A-Level subject does not include Biology,Chemistry or Physics or	General Studies and Critical Thinking	Further information	A minimum of 6 GCSE subjects at grade C (or 4) or above including English Language, Maths and a combined or single Science. These must be taken in one sitting. Applicants should have obtained their GCSE qualifications before applying.
CCC - If A-level subject includes Biology, Chemistry or Physics

How to apply

UCAS applications

Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Physiotherapy with Foundation Year

UCAS code: B1B9

Direct Entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Book an open day

Physiotherapy - MSci

Year of entry

Course type

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

Duration of study

Why study Physiotherapy at Keele University?

Professional Accreditation

Additional opportunities

Physiotherapy with Integrated Masters MSCi

Foundation year

Course content

Course structure

Semester One modules

Semester Two modules

Year long modules (Semesters One and Two)

Entry requirements

How to apply

UCAS applications

Direct Entry students

Keele University Enquiries Form

Your Preferences

Physiotherapy - MSci

Year of entry

Course type

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

Duration of study

Why study Physiotherapy at Keele University?

Course overview

Essential physiotherapy skills

Physiotherapy Clinical Experience

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy clinic

Our expertise

Student support

Next Steps

Professional Accreditation

Additional opportunities

Entry requirements

General information

Academic Entry Criteria

Preparation programmes for international students

Next Steps

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2023/24 academic year

Next Steps

Modules

Modules for Physiotherapy

COMPULSORY MODULES

COMPULSORY MODULES

COMPULSORY MODULES

Compulsory modules

Optional modules

Next Steps

Your future career

Enhance your employability

Next Steps

Teaching, learning and assessment

Assessment

Physiotherapy with Integrated Masters MSCi

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion in Physiotherapy Practical Skills Education

Foundation year

Course content

Course structure

Semester One modules

Semester Two modules

Year long modules (Semesters One and Two)

Entry requirements

How to apply

UCAS applications

Direct Entry students

Keele University Enquiries Form

Your Preferences

Discover the Keele difference