MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

Why choose Herts?

Fast-track course: Our accelerated two year postgraduate course commences in January.
Industry accredited: Our accelerated master’s course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and prepares you to become a physiotherapist.
Work placement opportunities: Gain at least 1000 hours clinical based practice throughout the course.

Funding available*

Work placements offered

Degree

2:1 degree classification or above in an undergraduate degree in a science* or a healthcare related subject
And students would have studied successfully at level 6 or above in the five years prior to commencement on the physiotherapy programme

*Appropriate science subjects for physiotherapy include biology, human biology, chemistry, physical education, physics, psychology, sociology, sports therapy and sports science and usually should also include elements of health-related practice and patient/client interactions.

Additional requirements

GCSE

Five GCSEs or more taken at one sitting to include English language, mathematics and science*

GCSEs of grade 4/Grade C or above (or equivalent).

*Appropriate science subjects for physiotherapy include: biology, human biology, chemistry, physical education, physics, psychology, sociology, sports therapy and sports science.

English language requirements

All applicants for whom English is not their first language and are not in possession of a GCSE English language qualification at grade 4 or above/Functional Skills English level 2 will need Academic IELTS:

Academic IELTS equivalent to level 7 overall with no element lower than 6.5 is normally required.

Offers are subject to health screening, the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks, and a satisfactory reference.

View our MSc Physiotherapy application guide


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Health and Social Work
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

With a growing demand for physiotherapists, you’ll have the opportunity to work for the NHS or in the private sector.

Often, you’ll begin your career in the NHS in a rotational role, learning key skills and gaining experience across different areas of practice before specialising. The different specialities can include cardiac and respiratory care, neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Physiotherapists work across a range of settings including intensive care and outpatient units, the community, sports clubs or children’s centres.

Career progression

If you're working in the NHS there is a defined career structure where you can work your way up to senior and more specialist clinical roles and managerial roles. You can also work in private practice and work towards opening your own practice.

Advanced physiotherapy

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) course is designed to fast-track and train graduates to become practising physiotherapists. This course is not suitable for already qualified physiotherapists.

If you are a qualified physiotherapist, the University of Hertfordshire MSc Advanced Physiotherapy course provides the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Career support

We'll offer you careers support for the first four years after graduation. Get your career off on the right track with our careers and employment service which gives you access to Handshake, LinkedIn Learning and our Career Adviser team.

We also offer one-to-one support to help you:
- write an effective CV and cover letter
- get help with application forms
- practice interview skills.
Whatever your goals, our Careers and Employment Service is happy to help.

Find out how we can support your career prospects

Work placement

You’ll benefit from practical placements throughout your studies. This will ensure you gain the clinical hours required to qualify as a physiotherapist. These are scheduled into the course in five week blocks, for example:
- year one: there will be approximately three five-week placements
- year two: there will be approximately four five-week placements
Across 1000 hours of clinical experience, you’ll discover how physiotherapy is used in a range of settings and specialities. Each placement is focussed on one of the NHS values. This gives you the chance to link the theory and practical skills learnt at Herts with real-life situations, through the lens of the core values in the NHS.

On placements you’ll receive support, supervision and expert teaching from highly skilled practicing clinicians. Your own tutor back at the University, will be on hand to help too. You’ll meet at least once during each placement, and more if you need, meaning that you’ll always have the guidance and support you need.

Professional Accreditations

Eligibility to apply for full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Accreditation - Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Accreditation - Health & Care professional council

About the course

This dynamic two year course gives you the knowledge, skills and placement experiences to become a contemporary physiotherapist with a masters qualification. The contemporary curriculum considers the care settings primary, secondary and tertiary to reflect modern patient centred healthcare. Research will underpin practice including a focus on leadership and innovation. You’ll be exposed to seven different placements, usually starting from the first semester, providing you the opportunity of gaining hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

Take a virtual tour of our facilities at the School of Health and Social Work

What will I study?

Through scenario-based learning you’ll learn how different subjects and care settings interrelate. You’ll master key skills to become an autonomous practitioner. Every step of the way you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in practical laboratory sessions and small group tutorials to build confidence and expertise.

Course delivery

We offer a hybrid approach with a mix of online, face to face and clinical placement learning opportunities. Assessment will be via practical sessions and coursework.

Year 1

There will be Modules based at the University (both level 6 and 7) and placement modules (level 6).

Year 2

There will be Modules based at the University (level 7) and placement modules (level 6).

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Placement 1 Everyone Counts	0 Credits	Compulsory
This practice education module focuses upon the application of equality and diversity principles to enable students to recognise and value diversity within the healthcare setting to ensure positive behaviour towards patients, carers, colleagues and the wider health and social care team. It highlights the importance of advancing equality of opportunity, fostering good relations and equity of access to, and delivery/distribution of, health and social care resources. Students will enhance their employability by developing an understanding and being able to demonstrate how this particular value of the NHS Constitution applies in everyday work within all healthcare settings (NHS, Private, Charity and Independent sectors). Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Professionalism and Preparation for Physiotherapy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will support students to understand the requirements of independent study and self"awareness in order to establish a learning map ensuring an appropriate depth of knowledge in relation to key areas such as anatomy and physiology. The concept of self"awareness will also enable the students to commence their understanding of leadership and management. There is normally the opportunity to join inter-professional education sessions. Mandatory training will be undertaken ensuring both theoretical and practical elements are covered prior to practice education modules. There will be student led seminars, tutorials and practical workshops and this will be a hybrid between face to face campus sessions and online teaching/resources. There is also a strong emphasis on enhancing prior literature searching and critical appraisal skills with support given for developing enhanced academic and research skills.
Placement 2 Compassion, Respect and Dignity	0 Credits	Compulsory
This practice education module focuses upon the importance of compassion, respect and dignity in practice. Students will enhance their employability by developing an understanding and being able to demonstrate how these particular values of the NHS Constitution applies in everyday work within all health and social care settings (NHS, Private, Charity and Independent sectors). Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments.
Placement 3 Improving Lives	15 Credits	Compulsory
This practice education module focuses upon the importance of empowering patients to improve the quality of their lives for example through on-going service improvement initiatives, health improvement activities, self- management and ensuring clinical excellence. Students will enhance their employability by developing an understanding and being able to demonstrate how this particular value of the NHS Constitution applies in everyday work within all healthcare settings (NHS, Private, Charity and Independent sectors). Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments.
Placement 5 Working Together for Patients	15 Credits	Compulsory
This practice education module focuses upon the importance of working together for patients and the need for honesty, accountability, candour and transparency in all situations. Students will enhance their employability by developing an understanding and being able to demonstrate how this particular value of the NHS Constitution applies in everyday work within all healthcare settings (NHS, Private, Charity and Independent sectors). Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing them with the opportunity to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Physiotherapy in Primary Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
During this module students will use case studies to study common pathological presentations and disorders affecting patients in primary care. They will consider the skills needed to assess and manage these patients across multiple specialities. Clinical reasoning is a key component of the module providing a framework to enable students to plan and carry out safe, skillful and effective assessment and management programmes. Using a holistic approach, students will apply and evaluate these physiotherapeutic assessment and management skills alongside the ability to communicate effectively understanding the principles of coaching and leadership. They will demonstrate an awareness of innovative ideas, clinical and virtual contexts and assessment/management/clinical reasoning frameworks as well as showing detailed knowledge of well-established theories and concepts in relation to patient management.
Physiotherapy in Secondary Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
During this module students will use case studies to study common pathological presentations and disorders affecting patients in secondary care. They will consider the skills needed to assess and manage these patients across multiple specialities. Team dynamics and leadership are key components of the module providing a framework to enable students to plan and carry out safe, skillful and effective assessment and management programmes within a secondary care environment. Using a holistic approach, students will apply and evaluate these physiotherapeutic assessment and management skills alongside the ability to communicate effectively understanding the principles of team work. They will demonstrate an awareness of innovative ideas, clinical and virtual contexts and assessment/management/clinical reasoning frameworks as well as showing detailed knowledge of well-established theories and concepts in relation to patient management.
Physiotherapy in Tertiary Care	15 Credits	Compulsory
During this module students will use case studies to study common pathological presentations and disorders affecting patients in tertiary care. They will consider the skills needed to assess and manage these patients across multiple specialities. Using a holistic approach, students will apply and evaluate these physiotherapeutic assessment and management skills alongside the ability to communicate effectively understanding the principles of specialist rehabilitation/care. They will demonstrate an awareness of innovative ideas, clinical and virtual contexts and assessment/management/clinical reasoning frameworks as well as showing detailed knowledge of well-established theories and concepts in relation to patient management.
Research to Support Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will include critical analysis of papers drawing on a range of research methodologies, incorporation of evidence into practice and discussions of the various challenges facing researchers (e.g. ethical, financial, practical, intellectual). Students will undertake research involving quantitative and/or qualitative methods which will enable the students to critically discuss issues in real time. The research may have a very specific clinical focus or could include wider issues such as leadership and management.
Advancing Skills and Leadership	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be given opportunities to broaden their skills through analysis and problem solving of cases within specific patient groups that may present multiple pathology and complex social and psychological needs. In problem solving these cases students will have opportunities to critically evaluate current practice, examine the extent to which it is evidence based and examine the different models of healthcare and team roles. The role of the physiotherapist within health and social care team will be explored and the issues of role boundaries, competence and the development of leaders will be discussed. Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing opportunities to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments. This is in addition to required health and safety, ethicolegal requirements. Students will be expected to undertake a period of observation of/engagement with leadership and/or management within the health and social care setting.
Understanding Rehabilitation	30 Credits	Compulsory
During this module the students will develop their learning in relation to different patient populations from primary and secondary care and consider assessment and analysis techniques in order to develop effective rehabilitation plans. Students will also develop an understanding of appropriate mobility aids in order to provide these in a clinical environment where applicable. Focus will also be given to the importance of the role of the health team and associated role boundaries to provide the best practice within these settings to these patient groups
Complex Patients and Health Care Policy	30 Credits	Compulsory
During this module the students will develop their learning and apply their know ledge and skills to the management of complex patients. The needs of these complex patients will be considered in a range of settings and focus will also be given to the importance of the role of the health team and associated health care policies. Students will undertake the module in practice settings providing opportunities to develop their understanding of physiotherapy provision within a range of specialties and environments. This is in addition to required health and safety and ethicolegal requirements Students will be given opportunities to broaden their skills through analysis and problem solving, critically evaluating current practice, examining the extent to which it is evidence based. Normally opportunities to work with students from other disciplines will be embedded into this module to provide opportunities for greater understanding of interprofessional working in health and social care.

Key staff

Sharon Newman
Programme Lead

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £18950 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £18950 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £19800 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £19800 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Financial support available

Postgraduate student loan

Postgraduate pre-registration physiotherapy students have access to a the Student Loans Company Funding. Students who have already taken out a student loan are still able to apply for the undergraduate funding package to study the MSc Physiotherapy pre-registration course.

NHS Learning Support Fund

Since September 2020 new and continuing students studying nursing, midwifery and allied health subjects can apply for a training grant of £5,000 a year. In addition, they can apply for reimbursement of excess costs incurred on practice placement.

Find out more about Learning Support Funds on the NHS website

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
24/01/2025 31/01/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)

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MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

NHS Learning Support Fund

Why choose Herts?

Funding available*

Work placements offered

Degree

Additional requirements

GCSE

English language requirements

Careers

Career progression

Advanced physiotherapy

Career support

Work placement

Professional Accreditations

About the course

What will I study?

Course delivery

Year 1

Year 2

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Financial support available

Postgraduate student loan

NHS Learning Support Fund

Living costs / accommodation

2024