BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy with Foundation Year

This module aims to provide a foundation understanding of the organisation and physiological function of the human body in relation to the cardiorespiratory and immune systems and to explain how these mechanisms are modified from healthy to disease states. This understanding is applied to the practical application of associated basic physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques. This module will explore the holistic management of patients within a range of acute inpatient settings. Drawing on learning from other year 1 modules, practical simulation activities will assist you to develop a basic understanding of physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques enabling a sensitive, person-centred assessment to be carried out and documented. You will also be guided to develop the skills of initial diagnosis, at a basic level, on the basis of an assessment and an analysis of the information collected. You will also undertake your first 4 week practice-based learning placement within this module

In this module, you will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the neurological system (peripheral and central), and applying this to normal human function. This module will also cover normal development from birth to older adulthood. You will be introduced to the concepts of neurological assessment to be able to identify and diagnose common pathologies of the neurological system. This will inform the ability to develop patient-centred treatment plan and goal setting toward improving quality of life and function of individuals.

In this module, you will be introduced to the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system with practical application specifically to the lumbar spine and the lower limb. By the end of the module, you will be able to describe the anatomical structures of these regions 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 of the lower limb and lumbar spine, and how to identify possible pathology of joints and bone tissue.

In this module, you will further apply the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system from semester 1, with practical application specific to the cervical/thoracic spine and the upper limb. By the end of the module, you will be able to describe the anatomical structures of these regions including joints, muscles, nerves and supporting structures, and how these structures contribute to normal function. You will then apply existing understanding of a basic musculoskeletal assessment of the upper limb and cervical/thoracic spine, and how to identify possible pathology of soft tissue.

This module will introduce the key professional, ethical and legal principles that relate to your chosen profession. You will explore the role of the Health Care Professions Council including their standards and regulations. The concept of what it means to be professional will be introduced along with bioethical principles and how this influences clinical practice. During the module, you will begin to practice and develop the skill of building of a therapeutic relationship and will begin to explore how effective and ineffective communication can impact on patient care and outcomes.

Drawing upon learning from all year one modules, this module will introduce the physiological changes and psychological, social, economic, and emotional impacts of cardiorespiratory conditions for individuals and their families. It will provide a platform for learners to develop their understanding and practical skills of physiotherapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation planning of individuals managing cardiorespiratory conditions across the life course. Through a problem-based learning approach, transferable skills such as communication, ethical, evidence-based practice, reflective practice and diversity will be further developed. Issues related to the legal, ethical and policy dimensions of physiotherapy practice will be explored, in relation to inpatient care and all others areas of physiotherapy practice.

This module will explore the holistic management of patients within a range of outpatient settings. It will enable you to expand your knowledge, understanding and practical application of physiotherapy assessment, rehabilitation and management of individuals with complex neuro-musculoskeletal issues. You will develop the breadth of skills needed to deliver individualised patient centred care within a variety of outpatient and community healthcare systems. This will include areas such as exercise prescription, successful management of long-term conditions, complex neuromusculoskeletal evaluation and appropriate patient referral. Innovative approaches to healthcare including digitisation, telehealth, data utilisation and informatics will also be considered in relation to contemporary and future practice

A key aspect of allied health professional practice includes evidence-based practice; ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’. The aim of this module is to build on learning outcomes of the level 4 module. It will continue in developing the student’s ability to recognise the value of research and utilise the principles and methods required to appraise a given research article.

For each practice module you will undertake a practice placement in a physiotherapy specific area, which will enable you to acquire experience in more complex areas of physiotherapy practice in a variety of health and social care settings. You will be working with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility. You will be required to demonstrate a range of clinical and professional skills in relation to complex client groups, as well as the more generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy health care professionals. There will be an expectation of behaviours demonstrating high levels of physiotherapy practice commensurate with the academic level of learning, seen for instance in increased responsibility for personal work-load management.

For each practice module you will undertake a practice placement in a physiotherapy specific area, which will enable you to acquire experience in more complex areas of physiotherapy practice in a variety of health and social care settings. You will be working with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility. You will be required to demonstrate a range of clinical and professional skills in relation to complex client groups, as well as the more generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy health care professionals. There will be an expectation of behaviours demonstrating high levels of physiotherapy practice commensurate with the academic level of learning, seen for instance in increased responsibility for personal work-load management.

This module seeks to equip students with a critical understanding of collaboration, teamwork, leadership, management and partnership working, and includes wider professional issues such as implementation strategies for development and change management within a diversity of health and social care services. Graduate physiotherapists may be called upon to develop and manage their own services and other services within complex multidisciplinary healthcare systems from an early stage in their career. An ability to analyse interpersonal behaviours will enable newly qualified graduates to appreciate and navigate the complex workplace situations that they will encounter, and to deliver compassionate, patient-focussed care by working in partnership with patients and other service-users. You will develop the skills and behaviours to respect and promote diversity, help others to develop and to create high quality care environments.

You will select a specific clinical or managerial issue relevant to your professional practice and investigated utilising appropriate research skills. Practical recommendations for implementation of actions to address the issue are formulated, with the identification of a suitable method for evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of the action plan proposed. The total project should represent an improvement to service delivery

For each practice module you will undertake a practice placement in a physiotherapy specific area, which will enable you to acquire experience in more complex areas of physiotherapy practice in a variety of health and social care settings. You will be working with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility. You will be required to demonstrate a range of clinical and professional skills in relation to complex client groups, as well as the more generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy health care professionals. There will be an expectation of behaviours demonstrating high levels of physiotherapy practice commensurate with the academic level of learning, seen for instance in increased responsibility for personal work-load management. There is scope for this to be an elective placement where you are able to arrange a physiotherapy practice experience based on your areas of interest.

For each practice module you will undertake a practice placement in a physiotherapy specific area, which will enable you to acquire experience in more complex areas of physiotherapy practice in a variety of health and social care settings. You will be working with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility. You will be required to demonstrate a range of clinical and professional skills in relation to complex client groups, as well as the more generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy health care professionals. There will be an expectation of behaviours demonstrating high levels of physiotherapy practice commensurate with the academic level of learning, seen for instance in increased responsibility for personal work-load management.