BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy with Foundation Year

In this module, you will be introduced to the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. By the end of the module, you will be able to describe the relevant anatomical structures including joints, muscles, nerves and supporting structures; and how these structures contribute to normal function. You will then be introduced to how to conduct a basic musculoskeletal assessment, and how to identify possible pathology commonly affecting the musculoskeletal system through the introduction of clinical reasoning. This module will provide you with sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to conduct a simple peripheral musculoskeletal assessment to inform diagnosis and treatment of simple musculoskeletal pathology, that will then be built upon within level 5.

This Level 4 Neurology module gives you the essential foundations you need to understand how the nervous system works and how physiotherapists assess neurological function. The main focus will be on building strong knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, motor control, and the basic principles of neurological assessment. You will learn how to observe movement, recognise common changes in tone and reflexes, and start developing the confidence to carry out simple assessment tasks safely and effectively. While this module is mainly about understanding the underlying science, we will also introduce a small number of common neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, to help you see how these foundations relate to real patients. These examples will not be explored in full clinical detail yet, but will give you context and make it easier to connect theory to practice as you progress. By the end of the module, you will have a strong base of knowledge and early assessment skills, preparing you for more advanced neurology and rehabilitation modules in level 5.

This module supports your transition to university and prepares you for professional physiotherapy practice, aligned with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) expectations. The module will develop key academic skills and is structured around seven key themes: Ready to Study: Clear guidance on expectations, transitions, and workload planning. Academic Skills and Educational Gain: Development of foundational academic skills including academic writing, evidence-based practice, time management, critical thinking, and digital fluency. Career Readiness and Professional Identity: While you are developing your academic study skills, you will also start to develop your own professional identify, exhibiting skills and behaviours expected of a physiotherapy student on campus and within practice placement settings. Personal Development and Belonging: Activities that foster confidence, inclusion, and identity within the university community and physiotherapy profession. Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers, staff, and wider university life, with opportunities to engage with interprofessional working. Feedback and Reflective Practice: Structured opportunities to receive, apply, and reflect on feedback to support growth, and developing reflective practice skills for clinical learning. Wellbeing and Student Support: Embedded access to holistic support services and strategies for academic and practice placement success. This module will also develop your core physiotherapy skills, including subjective assessment, professional documentation, and introductory exercise prescription. Interprofessional learning will help you understand healthcare roles and patient-centred care, and you will complete the mandatory training required for Practice Placement 1.

Students will expand on the topics introduced at level 4 including evidence-based and reflective professional practice. This will extend to exploring clinical guidelines and policies that inform clinical practice. There will be emphasis on evaluating and critically appraising available evidence to inform physiotherapeutic interventions. Students will also be introduced to methods of data collection and analysis, with application to the evaluation of patients’ experience of receiving healthcare services, such as audits and surveys. Within the module there will be opportunity to engage in interprofessional learning across allied health professions. Together, you will explore the social determinants of health and the impact of health inequalities in relation to public health and prevention. You will consider how allied health professionals can minimise these health inequalities for the individuals and communities we deliver care to, such as advice and education and behaviour change techniques. Practice Placement 3 will be attached to the module – the necessary mandatory training and safety topics, such as infection prevention and control, will be incorporated within the module.

This module explores the holistic management of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions across a range of outpatient, community, and sports-focused settings. It will enable you to deepen your knowledge, understanding, and practical application of physiotherapy assessment, rehabilitation, and management for people with complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including those arising within athletic and physically active populations. You will develop the breadth of skills required to deliver individualised, patient-centred care across diverse healthcare and sporting environments. This includes expertise in exercise prescription, long-term condition management, advanced neuromusculoskeletal assessment, sports physiotherapy principles, and appropriate referral pathways. Innovative approaches to practice, such as digitisation, telehealth, data utilisation, and informatics, will also be examined in relation to contemporary and future models of neuromusculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy care.

This module builds upon the foundational principles introduced at Level 4, with a particular focus on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. It provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the assessment and management of patients with a range of central and peripheral nervous system conditions. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice to ensure clinical decision-making is informed by current research and best practice guidelines. You will explore the complexities involved in assessing and treating individuals with long-term neurological conditions, including those with co-morbidities, reflecting the realities of contemporary healthcare. The module will examine the physiotherapist’s role across a variety of clinical settings and rehabilitation stages, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in diverse practical contexts. By the end of the module, you will be able to critically appraise and apply neurological assessment techniques and intervention strategies to support patient-centred care. Following completion of this learning, students will undertake their first level 5 clinical placement.

This Level 6 module is designed to support your transition from student to qualified physiotherapist, focusing on employability and clinical competence. You will be supported in preparing for the next stage of your professional journey, including searching and applying for jobs, writing effective applications, and developing confidence in interview skills. The module will also guide you through professional requirements for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be supported in developing and maintaining a professional portfolio to evidence your learning, skills, and readiness for practice. Alongside this, the module provides opportunities to revisit and consolidate clinical skills. The focus of these sessions will be shaped by the needs of the cohort, allowing you to target areas where you feel less confident and further develop your competence in a supportive environment. You will also have opportunities to develop mentorship skills by supporting the learning of other students, preparing you to contribute to placement education in your future role

This Level 6 module explores the role of physiotherapy across a range of specialist populations and practice areas that extend beyond the core fields of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Areas of study include amputee rehabilitation, paediatric physiotherapy, women’s health, and sports physiotherapy, alongside other emerging or less traditional fields of practice. The module aims to provide students with insight into the diversity of contemporary physiotherapy roles and to develop an understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and clinical considerations associated with specialist populations. Students will be encouraged to integrate prior knowledge and skills to inform assessment, treatment planning, and clinical reasoning within these contexts. Teaching and learning will be responsive to the evolving landscape of physiotherapy practice, with content adapting to reflect current trends, innovations, and emerging areas of professional relevance. As part of this module, students will undertake a 6-week clinical placement. Performance during placement will be assessed using the Common Placement Assessment Form, supporting the evaluation of clinical competence, professional behaviours, and readiness for entry into professional practice.

Students will complete a 6-week placement, supported throughout by a placement educator and a university link tutor. During this time, students are expected to demonstrate professional behaviours, accountability, and autonomy, alongside a broad range of appropriate physiotherapy skills. This placement differs from previous experiences in that students are expected to practise as increasingly autonomous professionals. They should demonstrate a high level of clinical reasoning, initiative, and effective caseload management, in preparation for the transition to post-qualification practice.