Course content

Physiotherapists play a vital role in healthcare and are actively engaged in a broad range of career paths from clinical practice through to leadership and management roles. The physiotherapy course at Keele will help you develop high standards of academic and professional competence, combined with interprofessional learning alongside other healthcare profession students, to promote an awareness of present and future demands in healthcare.

Our course embraces a vision of patient-centred care within a wide range of healthcare settings, and you will gain invaluable experience in public and private sector based clinical, rehabilitation and sport environments. You will study in inclusive and supportive learning environments, that encourage reflection and that are enriched by case-based and evidence-based learning.

You will be taught by highly experienced lecturers, clinicians and leading researchers in physiotherapy. What sets this course apart is the focus on the clinical placement education and volume of practice hours along with the leadership and management modules which will enhance your skill set, and prepare you for your future career.

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

The programme is studied full time over four years and teaching is delivered via individual modules. Each year is arranged into two units called semesters (Autumn and Spring) which vary in length. In each academic year time is spent in both the university and practice settings (see Table 3 for exact number of weeks normally spent in each setting).

Table 3 Number of Weeks in University and Practice Experience Settings

Year of Study	FHEQ Level	Number of weeks University Based	Number of weeks in Practice Experience Settings	Total Number of Weeks
1	4	24.5	3.5	28
2	5	18	9	27
3	6	19	9	28
4	7	18	13	31

The course is structured around key aspects of physiotherapy practice including:

• A fundamental understanding of biomedical and human sciences
• A strong grasp of physical assessment skills and clinical reasoning
• A repertoire of safe and effective prevention and treatment skills to address commonly occurring problems of movement dysfunction and wellbeing, to meet the needs of people of all ages
• Evidence based evaluation and discharge/modification skills
• Effective communication and relational skills.

These are introduced, developed and enhanced via individual modules (worth credits ranging from 15-30, see Table 4) over the 4 year programme; each year carries 120 credits. 

Year 1 (Level 4)

Compulsory Core modules	Credits
Anatomy, Physiology and Movement Science Musculoskeletal	30
Anatomy, Physiology and Movement Science: Neurological, Cardiovascular and Respiratory	15
Health and Wellbeing	15
Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Movement Science	15
Practice Experience 1	Pass/Fail
Principles of Rehabilitation	15
Principles of Assessment and Measurement	15
Professionalism and Effective Communication	15
Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Practice	15
Total	120

Year 2 (Level 5)

Compulsory Core modules	Credits
Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal	15
Physiotherapy Practice: Cardiovascular and Respiratory	15
Physiotherapy Practice: Neurology	15
Evidence Based Health and Rehabilitation	15
Inter-professional Education 2	Pass/Fail
Practice Experience 2a and 2b	15 each
Implementing Evidence into Practice	15
Practice in Specific Populations	15
Total	120

Year 3 (Level 6)

Compulsory Core modules	Credits
Evaluating Healthcare Services	15
Learning and Teaching in Healthcare	15
Health Behaviour Change	15
Physiotherapy Management of the Complex Patient	15
Caseload Management of Frailty, Trauma and Long-term Conditions	15
Practice Experience 3a and 3b	15 each
Planning Research	15
Interprofessional Education 3	15
Total	120

Year 4 (Level 7)

Compulsary Core modules	Credits
Research Skills and Funding	30
Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals	15
Research Project Level 7	30
Practice Experience 4a, 4b and 4c	10 each
Enhanced Practice: Cardiovascular and Respiratory, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation or Neurological Rehabilitation (2 out of 3 optional modules must be taken)	15
Total	120

 

 

The module details given above are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

Entry requirements

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, European Union and International students.

If you already have a degree, you may qualify for our 2-year accelerated pre-registration Master's, click here for details.

General Information

Students should normally be 18 and over on commencement of their study due to the clinical elements of the programme.  

Application Process: Application is via UCAS. The UCAS application is scored. Subject to initial scoring you may be invited to interview after which a decision is made in regards to offers.

Candidates who are successful at the initial stage of selection 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 in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

GCSE (or equivalent) requirements: Applicants will normally be required to hold at least six GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above (grade 4 or above in the reformed GCSEs (England) including: Mathematics, English Language, Combined or Single Science subjects

Normally you should have obtained your GCSE level qualifications before applying. Please note that we do not accept equivalent qualifications for Mathematics and English Language, and no longer accept Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills. 

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)

Science practical:  A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking the reformed A level Biology (England).  Applicants not given the opportunity to study science practical by their institute will be considered on an individual basis.

E.U. applicants: Please use this link to view entry criteria.

Deferred Entry applications: Deferred entry applications will be considered.

Academic Entry Criteria

GCSE requirements (as above) plus higher-level qualification at or above to NQF Level 3 (A-level) are required.

Normally evidence of study at Level 3 or higher within the last three years is required.

The following qualifications are accepted as meeting our minimum academic entry criteria:

Qualification	Required Grade Profile	Further Information
A-Levels (Full A2)	ABB or A*BC or AAC	The applicant must hold Biology or Human Biology or Physical Education as one of the A2 subjects. Those offering A*BC or AAC must include Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education with grade B or above. General studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking the reformed A level Biology (England).  Applicants not given the opportunity to study science practical by their institute will be considered on an individual basis.
Cambridge Pre-U (Principal Subject)	M1, M1,M2	The applicant must hold Biology, Human Biology, or Sports Science as one of their Cambridge Pre-U subjects.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) and OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical (OCRCT)	Extended Diploma 180 credits require DDD Diploma 120 credits require DD + B at A Level National Extended Certificate 60 credits require D + BB at A Level OCRCT Introductory Diploma 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, 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	34 IB points	6 IB points at higher level Biology are required.
Scottish Advanced Higher	BCC	The applicant must hold Biology or Human Biology or Physical Education as one of the Advanced Highers. In addition, six subjects at standard level taken at one sitting, grade C or above including Mathematics and English Language.
Keele University Health Foundation Year	Applicants are required to pass all Health Foundation modules across the 120 credits at 65% or above in order to progress onto the four year Physiotherapy programme.	For more information see Keele University foundation year information
Irish Leaving Certificate	5 Irish Highers AABBB to include Biology 2018 entry  - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 with Biology at H2 or higher. 2019 entry  - H1 (Biology), H2, H2, H2
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate	Pass at B or higher	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) 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 meet the School entry requirements (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 School's Level 3 entry requirements you will need to undertake an A level in Biology (can be done through distance learning in one year) and achieve a B grade or higher OR similar study to gain subject specific knowledge. Please contact the school to discuss appropriate courses / grades.
Access to Higher Education programme	60 Credits At least 45 Credits at Level three (15 of these to include topics relating to Human Biology / Anatomy / Physiology).	Candidates should hold GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C or above before applying - these should normally be passed at 1st attempt. Candidates are normally required to achieve at least thirty (30) level three credits at distinction and fifteen (15) level three credits at merit
Foundation year courses	Applicants are required to pass all modules across the 120 credits at 65% or above.   At least 30 credits must relate to the topics of Human Biology / Anatomy / Physiology.
HNC in Applied Biology or related subjects	120 credits at Level 4, ALL at Merit or higher	If you are unsure please contact us at shar.admissions@keele.ac.uk

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.

Fees and funding

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

A physiotherapy degree from Keele will ensure you graduate with clinical and research skills that will enable you to work as an autonomous professional across a variety of national (including the NHS, private sector, occupational health and performance sport) and international healthcare settings. If you already have a degree you may qualify for our 2-year accelerated pre-registration Master's, click here for details.

Our 4 year programme will ensure you are academically, clinically and research skilled to meet the future demands of the evolving physiotherapy profession. A master’s degree will get your career off to a flying start and enable you to more easily progress to higher bands and increased responsibility.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Sports Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Chiropractor
• Osteopath

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.