Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc



This course will allow you to become a confident and proficient Physiotherapist with a strong grasp of integrated working

Overview

This new course is designed for graduates who wish to qualify as a Physiotherapist with eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) through an accelerated two-year route.

Physiotherapy-specific modules will prepare you for clinical practice, through development of your theoretical understanding, critical thinking skills, and application of knowledge and skills to physiotherapy practice. The course will make use of scenario-based learning opportunities, simulation and will involve service users in teaching, learning and assessment, giving you ‘real-world’ experiences. 

As well as undertaking discipline-specific modules, you’ll undertake collaborative inter-professional modules, where you’ll work closely with students from the other disciplines in health and social care to develop your skills in communication, innovative thinking, clinical reasoning and team working. 

The course will prepare you to enter the workplace as a confident, proficient and autonomous Physiotherapist, with a strong understanding of current service provision and the graduate skills to lead and innovate in shaping future delivery in a rapidly changing sector to effectively meet the needs of service-users.

Typical entry point to this course is in January. Please enquire for more information.

Learn more about the Physiotherapy programme by listening to our podcast. 

Please note, there are a limited number of places on this programme and competition varies from year-to-year. Once all places have been filled, we may still consider applicants for a place on our waiting list.

 

  

 

 
Three hands working on a woman's shoulders during a Physiotherapy class

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

Jan

Placement:

Yes

Meet our academic team
MSc Physiotherapy

Course details

From the start, you will be developing the key skills and theories required to be a Physiotherapist. This will include developing Physiotherapy knowledge and practical skills and then applying these in a variety of simulations. Your journey begins with learning and applying foundation skills essential to a Physiotherapist.

These key skills with being revisited throughout the 2 years of study utilising a Spiral Curriculum. Here we will revisit your key skills and knowledge and develop them further by integrating them into more complex situations. This not only develops deeper learning but also provides you with the skills required to be a resilient and effective problem solver Physiotherapist.

Research is threaded within your two years of study, as it is an important element of learning and development in our profession. In the specific research modules, there are opportunities to learn common research skills and theory with other Health and Social Care students (IPL) but with an underlying focus on Physiotherapy research knowledge.

Physiotherapy placements are in the final term of each year of the programme and you will undertake two eight-week placements in practice. Additionally in the programme, you will be sharing many aspects of learning with other health care discipline students in modules. This will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the roles of others and enhance your communication skills and partnership working. 

Year 1: Developing a foundation for practice 

The first year of the programme is focused on providing a platform and the foundations of Physiotherapy. It provides an opportunity to develop, explore, and critique the key core concepts, contexts, and skills of the profession, and then apply these in a practice-based setting. This will include the key critical skills such as philosophical underpinnings, theories, knowledge and evaluation of key issues in professional practice as well as critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of theoretical concepts central to Physiotherapy from National and global perspectives. Furthermore, it offers you the opportunity to work with other Health and Social Care students including Occupational Therapy who are key partners in delivering Health and Social Care with time to learn and work together across the two years. You will develop communication skills within a team, placing the service user and families at the centre of their care. These Interprofessional Learning (IPL) opportunities are threaded throughout the two years of the programme and allow you to learn and work together so that you can develop confidence in your role as well as develop a deeper understanding of the roles of others. 

The Physiotherapy discipline-specific modules have a strong emphasis on developing your understanding of professionalism and the regulatory and professional requirements for Physiotherapists, as well as theory and knowledge of assessment and treatment modalities. Throughout both years we will be integrating theory with practice and consolidating your learning through the use of simulation and Problem Based (PB) scenarios. You will have the opportunity to develop and apply your practical skills within a range of practice settings, making use of the high-tech Clinical Simulation Skills Centre which includes a mock ward environment and Virtual Reality and through engagement with service users.

Applying and evaluating policy and research in practice is essential for Physiotherapists, who are required to adopt the evidence-informed practice. Therefore, from the onset of the programme, how policy and research impact on practice and service provision is explored through core interprofessional shared modules. In Year 1, a long thin module incorporates 2 components Theoretical and Practice Education with 2 placements of 8 weeks which introduce and consolidate your professional and practice skills. This arrangement with placement modules before the commencement of academic study in Year 2 facilitates your practice experience allowing you to develop an understanding of more complex issues and how physical health and innovation play an important role as Physiotherapists. It will also further develop your evidence-based decision making, and professional and communication skills. 

At the end of both years one and two, you will have the opportunity to utilise your learned knowledge and skills and apply these in a variety of practice-based settings in your placements. These are in the form of four, eight-week placements, two at the end of both years one and year two. 

Year 2: Advancing practice and shaping the future 

In the second year of the programme, you will develop your skills in critical reflection, clinical reasoning and your ability to critically evaluate evidence for the practice, within more complex scenarios. This will include working with individuals with complex health and social care needs and exploring specialist areas of Physiotherapy practice. In addition, you will learn about physiotherapists' roles in promoting well-being and physical activity and in undertaking exercise prescription. 

You will be asked to take a global perspective, and develop the entrepreneurial capacity and skills required to lead innovation in a changing health and social care environment. Your research experience will be enhanced, culminating in the production of a research- based dissertation which focuses on practical and applied results. You will then undertake two final eight-week placements which will enable you to make the transition into the workplace as a competent, confident and autonomous Physiotherapy practitioner. 

In addition, IPL will enable an in-depth consideration of a community in the context of developing team working, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. Your research experience is enhanced in Year 2 and culminates in the production of a dissertation related to Physiotherapy. Similar to Year 1, in Year 2, a long thin module incorporates 2 components Theoretical and Practice Education with 2 placements of 8 weeks which consolidates your professional and practice skills and your transition into the workplace as a competent, autonomous practitioner. 

Subjects include

Year 1

• Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice (PT specific)
• Contemporary Health & Social Care Contexts for Physiotherapists (IPL)
• Application of Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (PT Specific)
• Physiotherapy Research Questions and Methodologies (PT Specific)
• Professional Development for Physiotherapy Practice (IPL)
• Practice Education 1 
• Practice Education 2

Year 2

• Physiotherapy Dissertation (PT Specific)
• Leading Innovations in Health and Social Care (IPL)
• Building Professional Autonomy in Physiotherapy (PT Specific)
• Physiotherapy Practice Placement 3
• Physiotherapy Practice Placement 4

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    This is a two-year full-time course starting in January comprising of three trimesters.

    A student-centred active learning approach will be used throughout the programme making use of a range of teaching and learning methods including: online lectures, face-to-face tutorials, debates, peer mentoring, practical classes, group work, use of simulation approaches, guided and independent stud activities. 
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    A range of formative and summative assessment approaches are adopted throughout the programme. These will include practical examinations, coursework, reflective blogs and presentations.
  • briefcase

    Work placement

    Each year, after two trimesters of university-based studies, you'll undertake two full-time eight-week placements. On completion of the course you’ll have undertaken more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice in a range of health, social care and third sector settings. 
  • library

    Facilities

     The facilities provided by the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre offer highly realistic environments within which to develop your communication and engagement skills and to integrate theory with practice in a range of situations including visiting people in their own homes.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Application of Physiotherapy Theory & Practice ( HSC11140 )

This module is split into two components - component 1 is the on campus learning and component 2 is practice placement. During the on campus component, you will explore the adaptation from the bodies normal structure and function as a result of pathology, disease progression, injury or ageing and the implications of these for physiotherapy management the different systems of the body and develop an understanding of the impact of basic pathological process that occur in common conditions.You will explore physiotherapy interventions and management approaches including electro-physical modalities, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, which are utilised in contemporary areas of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory practice and formulate on going treatment plans. Within your practical classes you will develop your skills by applying and modifying physiotherapy approaches in a safe, ethical and professional manner which builds on your learning from previous modules. Indicative content includes:Professional skills and knowledge including:Body systems: Impact of normal development from birth to later life, ageing and disruption to the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems; Working with deteriorating/improving conditions (neurological, Cardiorespiratory and MSK); Treatment planning and clinical reasoning: Critical appraisal of evidence relating to physiotherapy approaches and theories (guidelines, literature); Collaborative working with peers, service users, carers and families in treatment planning and goal setting; Justification of selected approach with emphasis on person centred practice; Intervention practical application and evidence: Role of self-management and education; Manual therapies; Exercise prescription; Psychological, social and psychosocial processes involved in rehabilitation; Electrotherapy modalities; Application of therapeutic exercise, including progression and regression; Modification and personalisation of Physiotherapy intervention and management approaches to meet the needs of individual patients/carers and groups; Documentation and goal settingThe practice placement component of the module will follow the on campus work, where you will be applying these physiotherapy approaches in two practice placements which are designed to again consolidate and develop your learning.

Further information

Building Professional Autonomy in Physiotherapy ( HSC11136 )

This module has two components - component 1 is the on campus learning and component 2 is practice placement.In the on campus component, you will reflect on your previous learnings to date and we will utilising the spiral curriculum developed these further with the introduction of complex situations, long-term conditions and comorbidities which are seen in specialist physiotherapy practice The content of the module may include the following topics: Anatomy and physiology: The structure and function of the human body and its responses to complex disease and long term disorders; Development of neurophysiological concepts and treatments; Inflammation and healing; Pain Mechanism; Development of cardiorespiratory knowledge and skills; The theories underpinning Physiotherapy practice and the profession.Practical skills: Development of manual therapy, exercise, electrotherapeutic modalities with discussion of alternative approaches; Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks; Application of clinical examination and assessment; Development of communication skills modifying to population and engaging with technology and digital mediums.Research and education: Appraisal of current literature and research; Evidence based outcome measures in relation to more complex conditions.Professional knowledge, skills and values: Leadership and accountability; Development of self and others; Reflective practice and self-awareness; Life-long learning; Communication skills modification (with emphasis on digital mediums); Evaluation and adaptation to assessment, treatments and approaches; Development of educational materials for specific populations; Understanding of role of the PT in the wider MDT; Risk assessment, management and applicationFor the practice placement component, you will be applying these physiotherapy approaches in your two placements which are deigned to again consolidate and develop your learning.

Further information

Contemporary Health and Social Care Contexts for Physiotherapists ( HSC11137 )

Through a blended learning approach you will explore, examine and identify topics which may include:
Personal identity, empathy and sense of self reflection on own life experiences; Unconscious bias; Health and well-being monitoring; Resilience building; Human development across the lifespan; Ecological frameworks and social processes for individuals and communities (for example, housing, racism, poverty, education and employment opportunities, mental or physical ill health) and other sources of disadvantage that impact upon development and are associated with the risks of crime, marginalisation, isolation and exclusion, and inequalities in health and well-being; Relationships between social processes, disadvantage and social divisions; Different communities and their respective strengths and limitations; Developing community profiles; Understanding of who service-users might be; Voluntary, private and statutory organisations working with service-users and communities; Local, national and global contexts of health and social care – policy drivers, standards and practices Professionals’ roles in supporting individuals and families in different community setting to overcome inequalities in health and social care through universal services, community resources and resilience

Further information

Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice ( HSC11138 )

In this module you will develop your understanding of foundation sciences and the principles which underpin physiotherapy practice. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the principles of assessment (both through face to face and digital mediums in line with current practice) which you will apply across core areas of physiotherapy practice: musculoskeletal, neurology and cardiorespiratory. You will develop practical skills involved in analysis of movement and engage in critical discussions relating to the use of outcome measures in clinical practice as well as integrating current research and literature. You will develop practical examination skills, including palpation and measurement skills; you will develop your interpersonal skills, with consideration for the values and behaviours expected of a health care professional whilst developing your understanding of the importance of person-centred practice.

Emphasis in this module is on developing your professionalism and practical assessment skills to enable you to practice within your scope of practice as a physiotherapist in a safe, ethical and professional manner, giving attention to consent, confidentiality, and record keeping. In addition to developing your practical skills you will be develop your critical understanding of the foundational sciences which underpin physiotherapy assessment (anatomy, biomechanics and human movement analysis). Within the module you will have the opportunity critique sources of evidence to inform your clinical reasoning in order to reach a working diagnosis. You will be introduced to the roles of the professional and regulatory bodies and reflect on your learning within the module. The content of the module may include the following topics:
Anatomy and physiology
• The structure and function of the human body and its responses to disease and disorder.
• Motor control
• Introduction to key neurophysiological concepts (neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, ageing and degeneration)
• Biomechanics and tissue mechanics
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Movement analysis including gait analysis
• Inflammation and healing
• Pain Mechanism
• Respiratory care
• The theories underpinning Physiotherapy practice and the profession.
Practical skills
• Theory and concepts of clinical examination/assessment
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Application of clinical examination and assessment
• Development of communication skills and examination skills
• Development of handling skills
Research and education
• Development of skills in critical evaluation and synthesis of evidence in literature
• Evidence based outcome measures
Professional skills
• Roles of professional and regulatory bodies
• Professionalism and values
• Professional behaviour, documentation
• Reflective practice and self-awareness
• Life-long learning
• Communication skills (including verbal and non-verbal; face to face and digital medium) and the need to modify to meet specific person needs.
• Evaluation and adaptation
• Safety

Further information

Leading Innovation in Health and Social Care as Physiotherapists ( HSC11142 )

This module aims to introduce you to key concepts relating to the management and delivery of services as well as allowing you to develop a personal development plan for your transition into professional life. The module addresses the core themes of leadership and entrepreneurship, looking for you to consider innovative solutions to challenges faced within communities and consider how appropriate services might be implemented. In doing this, the module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead change in the future.Topics will include: Leadership and management – theory and practice; Conflict management and resolution; Organisational aims, strategy and values; Audit and quality assurance; Entrepreneurship; Social enterprise; Implementing and managing change within services and communities; Service-user and stakeholder involvement in service design and implementation; Project management and resource management; Global perspectives; Sustainability of services; Equality, diversity and inclusion; Behaviour change approaches; Bio-psycho-social approaches, physical approaches and healthcare technologies; Physiotherapy roles within specialist and areas of complex practice within and across different sectors such as community, voluntary and private sectors.

Further information

Physiotherapy Dissertation ( HSC11139 )

This module offers the student an opportunity to lead and conduct a detailed research study in a topic relevant to health and social care practice. Building on the research protocol submitted in year 1, this module involves collation and critical evaluation of primary or secondary data, discussion and conclusion of findings, including a reflection on the research limitations, culminating in presentation and synthesise of evidence-based arguments to inform professional practice, education or policy. The module submission will be in a format analogous to a research paper, developing the skills required to synthesise the work to the scope and length of a potential publication facilitates the student to meet all the learning outcomes.

Further information

Physiotherapy Research Questions and Methodology ( HSC11141 )

In the era of evidence-based health and social care it is vital to be able to evaluate the research evidence that underpins existing practice and the emerging information that shapes service change. On this module, you will learn to critically explore research evidence in physiotherapy practice and to synthesise, integrate and apply knowledge of the research process to this. In this module, we will use real-life examples from local, national and international researchers to develop your knowledge and skills to be able to find and interpret gaps in the existing body of evidence and to ask appropriate and relevant research questions with an aim of filling these. The work done in this module will develop the subsequent dissertation that you undertake in year-2 of the course.By promoting evidence-based research this module will encourage working to high professional standards, providing shared governance and accountability of health and social care practice. The module will include the following content: 1. An overview of the research process. 2. Critical appraisal of the research evidence to assist in the development of research ideas relevant to practice.3. Evaluation of research designs including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches. 4. Exploration in the importance of research governance and ethics.

Further information

Professional Development for Physiotherapy Practice ( HSC11143 )

This module will give you the opportunity to develop and practise communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and symbolic) and to develop skills in self-awareness, self-reflection, and personal resilience. Recognising that you are continuing to develop your professional identity and an understanding of your own and others’ roles, this will include reflecting on your personal values and motivation for your chosen profession as well as your use of self and issues of power and difference in communication with service users and between practitioners within multi-disciplinary teams.
You will explore a number of different theories and methods of communication, such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused approaches, systems approaches and crisis intervention, and you will learn how to judge the appropriateness of different approaches in different situations.

You will consider working with service users in groups as well as individually, and you will also explore the nature, purpose and dilemmas involved in the recording and sharing of information generated by inter-personal interactions.

In this module you will also develop our basic core competencies in a range of mandatory areas for practice as well as the background knowledge and understanding required before undertaking your first practice placement. These knowledge and skills are essential when in practice and you will be expected to continually develop them throughout the programme. The basic competencies may include the following topics:

• Professionalism and ethical behaviour
• Public protection awareness (adult and child)
• Prevention and management of violence and aggression (de-escalation of violence and aggression)
• Moving and handling
• Health acquired infection control
• Hand hygiene
• Information governance
• Data protection
• IT security
• Fire safety
• Basic life support
• Whistleblowing
• Suicide prevention

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

RECOGNISED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

 

What are the entry requirements for Physiotherapy?

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with honours at a minimum of 2.2 or above in a relevant science related subject. Examples of relevant subjects include sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy, physiology. Evidenced study in the area of human anatomy and physiology is required.

In addition to academic qualification, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to and knowledge of Physiotherapy as a career via their personal statement. Applicants should discuss their motivation for pursuing a career in Physiotherapy and relate this to the way in which their experiences (e.g. volunteering or shadowing a range of Physiotherapists) have informed their motivation to study Physiotherapy and their awareness of the scope of Physiotherapy practice.

Competition for places varies from year-to-year and achievement of the typical minimum entry requirements does not always guarantee shortlisting for interview or a place on the course.

Interview Requirements

There will be a selection interview and applicants to the programme should meet the HCPC requirement to be  ‘fit to practice’ through having  good health and good character. 

Additional Information

Admission to the Programme is dependent upon a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) Check. The cost of the PVG check will be paid by the University. Any spent or unspent convictions may affect the ability of the applicant to gain a satisfactory PVG check, or gain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (a requirement to work as a physiotherapist in the UK after graduating). The Edinburgh Napier University terms and conditions of  PVG checks and the policy for Applicants with Declared Criminal Convictions can be found here.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo an Occupational Health check and be immunised for a variety of conditions. Documented evidence of previous immunisations will be required, and students will be guided through this process by Edinburgh Napier University when entering the programme. 

Successful applicants will be required to become student members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy on joining the programme.

 

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test.  The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0 with no individual component score of less than 6.5.  For guidance on the acceptability of other English Language tests please contact pgadmissions@napier.ac.uk

Our entry requirements indicate the minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £10,300 £10,815
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430

Please note, UK offer holders will be asked to pay a non-refundable £200 deposit which is deducted from the fees owed to secure their place on the programme.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding

You study this course over two academic years, fees listed are per annum.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with an MSc in Physiotherapy?

A degree in Physiotherapy from Edinburgh Napier University offers a fulfilling and versatile career path as a Physiotherapist with opportunities to make a significant impact on individuals' lives across various settings and specialties.

The course aims to develop Physiotherapists who are skilled in their profession, with a strong professional identity and the ability to work in effective collaboration with other disciplines to put service users at the centre of their care.

You’ll be enabled to work effectively in a range of settings from traditional environments to contemporary integrated health and social care teams, third sector organisations, private providers, or performance sports, for example.

What does a Physiotherapist do?

A Physiotherapist helps patients manage pain, improve movement, and enhance physical function through a variety of therapeutic techniques. Their primary goal is to restore, maintain, and maximize the patient’s physical strength, function, motion, and overall well-being.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include: 

  • Assessment and diagnosis
  • Personalised treatment planning
  • Prevention and health promotion
  • Rehabilitation
  • Education
Physio student guiding the hips of a patient