School of Allied Health and Midwifery

MSc Physiotherapy

MSc Full-time 2 years

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MSc
Start date(s)
15 September 2025
UCAS Code
Course specifications
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Course length
Full-time (2 years)
Campus location
University of Wolverhampton Campus
School
School of Allied Health and Midwifery
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Why choose this course?

Our 2 year MSc Physiotherapy course has been developed to meet the demand for advanced practice physiotherapists and provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the profession. The programme is designed to develop your clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, enabling you to become an effective autonomous practitioner who can provide high-quality care for patients. We are committed to providing MSc Physiotherapy students with the best possible learning experience, ensuring that our courses remain up-to-date with current industry standards. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a world-class faculty as part of our MSc Physiotherapy degree. 

The MSc Physiotherapy course at Wolverhampton helps students build on existing skills in this field, offering you the chance to explore your own research interests and specialisms within physiotherapy.  

Students benefit from a range of theoretical lectures, practical sessions and hands-on experiences that result in graduates who are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin a successful career as a qualified physiotherapist. The curriculum includes modules such as musculoskeletal physiology, medical sciences, clinical skills and patient assessment. Additionally, graduates will have access to specialist job placements enabling them to gain real-world insight into working as an effective practitioner. 

Inter-professional learning 

Inter-professional learning (IPL) opportunities are embedded within both years of this programme with some modules being shared with other allied health professionals. Inter-professional learning is when students from different professional areas learn with, from and about each other to improve the quality of care. IPL is vital in supporting you to develop the knowledge, skills and insights necessary for employment within increasingly integrated and complex health and social care settings. 

Wolverhampton's attractive campus setting provides an ideal environment for studying this subject, with excellent facilities including state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries providing support for study throughout your degree programme. 

What happens on the course?

The MSc Physiotherapy course combines research-informed teaching with clinical placement opportunities.  

Core curriculum topics include: 

  • physiotherapy in acute care 
  • physiotherapy and outpatient management 
  • professionalism in healthcare 
  • therapeutic rehabilitation 
  • enhanced physiotherapy clinical skills 
  • personal and physiotherapy practice development 
  • professional practice project 

In addition, students will be given the opportunity to specialise in one of these areas through elective courses that provide more focused learning experiences. This comprehensive approach gives graduates the confidence they need when entering practice after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton's MSc Physiotherapy program. 

The service user is central to the curricula design, and service user and carer engagement with students on the programme is embedded within the module content and assessment of the modules. 

It is recognised that allied health professionals lead and manage their caseload, other professionals, students and the physical resources within the health and social care setting. Therefore, leadership, coaching and mentoring skills are encouraged and embedded within the programme, with final placement students having the opportunity to mentor students who are on their second placement. 

To further develop leadership and management skills, students will learn how to develop services, write business cases and manage projects, all of which are valuable skills to acquire when working in the NHS or in private practice. 

This course specialises in having module teaching teams who are subject specialists with extensive experience working within the healthcare arena, all of whom have additional professional and academic qualifications. Placement opportunities within a range of different health and private settings Visiting and honorary lecturers from health care-related fields who bring contemporary and real-world examples of practice into the classroom. Links and knowledge from local, national and international research initiatives undertaken in the Institute of Health and the wider University research institutions. 

Course Modules

Module: 7AH059
Credits: 40
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module introduces you to the core aspects of physiotherapy practice within secondary care settings, considering the role of the physiotherapist within this environment. You will explore the common conditions encountered in practice to begin to develop your skills in the assessment and treatment of neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. The complexity of patients with acute health care need and those with co-morbidities will be explored and taken in to account when devising goals and patient management plans. You will develop your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the neurological and cardiorespiratory systems which underpin physiotherapy practice. Preparing you for your practice placement opportunities within acute hospital settings, you will consider the holistic physiotherapy management of patients with these conditions in an inpatient environment. You will become familiar with the patient journey from admission to discharge, with emphasis on the multidisciplinary team approach to patient management.

Module: 7AH064
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module you will equip you with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage a range of physiotherapy service users presenting with musculoskeletal conditions in the outpatient setting. You will begin to critically understand and be able to demonstrate features of musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment including focused subjective history taking and objective patient assessment, which will consider the biopsychosocial determinants of health. Your clinical reasoning will be developed to support effective diagnosis and delivery of evidence-based, patient-centred care within a variety of healthcare systems. This module will be underpinned by anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system that will be covered at the beginning of the module.

Module: 7AH052
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

Preparing you with the essentials for practice-based learning, this module will provide you with the underpinning knowledge and skills in relation to professional healthcare practice. You will gain an understanding of what it means to be a healthcare professional through consideration of the legal and ethical frameworks that health professionals are bound by and you will be aware of your professional responsibilities in your chosen profession. Through the analysis of your own interpersonal proficiency and the exploration of different models of communication you will understand the importance of your influence and impact on others to develop effective therapeutic and professional relationships with patients/service users and within the teams in which you work. The module also explores the context of different health and social care services and how patients / service users might access and progress through these services. You will utilise the skills and knowledge gained in a practice-based learning placement undertaken in this module.

Module: 7AH069
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

Incorporating a practice-based learning placement, this module will equip you with the physiotherapy skills and knowledge to assess and manage a range of long term conditions and physiotherapy service users requiring rehabilitation within community settings. You will begin to critically understand and be able to demonstrate features of evidence-based physiotherapy assessment including focused subjective history taking and objective patient assessment which will be adapted to the service users environment. Your clinical reasoning will be developed to enable delivery of patient-centred care within a variety of community settings to include; the service users own home, intermediate care/step down facilities, hospices, nursing/residential care homes. Finally, you will reflect on your practice and build a range of clinical and soft skills to support the holistic management and rehabilitation of wide range of service users using a biopsychosocial approach.

Module: 7AH065
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

Building on the foundations of the first year studies, you will develop in depth knowledge of the physiotherapy assessment and management of complex conditions. You will also consider the specialist areas in which the physiotherapist can contribute and advance your practice through the use of specialist techniques available to the physiotherapist. You will continue to apply and develop your clinical reasoning skills throughout this module and you will have the opportunity to apply your critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance your ability to reflect and contribute to changes in clinical practice with service user involvement. You will undertake a practice-based learning placement within this module which will enable you to apply your developing knowledge and skills to real life populations in the clinical setting.

Module: 7AH066
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

Within this module you will consider the emerging developments within physiotherapy professional practice and identify opportunities available to you, as a registered physiotherapist, to guide your future practice. You will critically evaluate current patient-centred care and health systems and highlight how these may be transformed through advanced, emerging or future clinical practice. You will identify the physiotherapy contribution to the improvement of patient care and the delivery of services within an integrated healthcare environment. The module will equip you with knowledge of the application process to secure employment as a physiotherapist as well as exploring the importance of Continuing Professional Development upon qualification as a physiotherapist and how to maintain a professional portfolio as an HCPC registrant.

Module: 7AH054
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Core

The development of high quality care within therapy services is dependent upon professional expertise, effective collaborative working and appropriate leadership and management to promote patient/service user safety and to improve service provision. This module will give you the opportunity to explore an area of your professional practice in some depth through the development of a research proposal, a service improvement project or a business plan, identifying how you would work collaboratively with others and apply your knowledge of relevant leadership and management theories to promote a change in professional practice. You will develop your knowledge of these areas within the taught element of the module, as well as considering your responsibilities as a qualified practitioner in relation to the delegation and support of others, such as students and unregulated staff. The topic area you choose to study must be of relevance to your profession although the exact nature of your choice of topic will be negotiated at the outset of the module with your module lead and / or your project supervisor.

Potential Career Paths

After completing the MSc (Pre-Reg) Physiotherapy program at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus, graduates have a range of career possibilities available to them. Below is a list of potential career paths, formatted for a career bubble diagram: 

Core Physiotherapy Roles 

  1. NHS Physiotherapist
  2. Private Practice Physiotherapist
  3. Community Health Physiotherapist
  4. Sports Physiotherapist
  5. Rehabilitation Specialist

Specialised Physiotherapy Fields 

  1. Paediatric Physiotherapist
  2. Geriatric Physiotherapist
  3. Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist
  4. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist
  5. Neurological Physiotherapist
  6. Women's Health Physiotherapist

Academic and Research Roles 

  1. Clinical Researcher
  2. Lecturer/Academic Tutor
  3. PhD Researcher
  4. Research Coordinator
  5. Clinical Educator

Management and Leadership Roles 

  1. Physiotherapy Department Manager
  2. Healthcare Service Manager
  3. Clinical Lead Physiotherapist
  4. Quality Assurance Manager

Emerging and Non-Traditional Roles 

  1. Telehealth Physiotherapist
  2. Ergonomics Consultant
  3. Health and Wellness Coach
  4. Occupational Health Physiotherapist
  5. Disability Sports Coach
  6. Medicolegal Expert

Consultancy and Business 

  1. Independent Physiotherapy Consultant
  2. Health and Safety Consultant
  3. Physiotherapy Practice Owner
  4. Corporate Health Advisor

International Opportunities 

  1. International Health Projects
  2. Humanitarian Aid Physiotherapist
  3. Physiotherapist in International Sports Teams

 Further Education and Specialisation 

  1. Advanced Clinical Practitioner
  2. Postgraduate Specialisation (e.g., Sports Medicine, Manual Therapy)
  3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses

These career bubbles can be visualized with the central bubble representing "MSc (Pre-Reg) Physiotherapy," with the different career options branching out from the centre. This helps in visually organizing potential career paths based on interests and goals. 

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The MSc (Pre-Reg) Physiotherapy program at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus offers several unique selling points that set it apart from other programs: 

Specialised Physiotherapy Labs: The Telford Campus is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including fully equipped physiotherapy laboratories that simulate real-world clinical environments. These labs provide hands-on experience with the latest equipment and technology, ensuring you are well-prepared for modern practice. 

Simulation Suites: Access to advanced simulation suites allows students to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, safe environment, helping to build confidence before entering real clinical settings. 

Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities: The program encourages collaboration with students from other healthcare disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of patient care and enhancing your ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. 

Strong Industry Links: The University of Wolverhampton has established strong connections with local NHS trusts, private practices, and community healthcare providers, offering extensive placement opportunities. These placements allow you to gain real-world experience and develop valuable professional networks.  

Career-Focused Support: The university offers tailored career services, including workshops, mentoring, and networking events, specifically designed for physiotherapy students. This support helps you navigate your career path effectively, whether you're aiming for clinical practice, research, or leadership roles. 

Supportive Learning Environment: The Telford Campus is known for its close-knit, supportive community. With smaller class sizes, you receive personalized attention from faculty members who are dedicated to your success. 

Diversity and Inclusion: The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on being inclusive, with a diverse student body and a strong commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds. 

Regional Healthcare Hub: Telford’s location in the West Midlands places it within a thriving healthcare hub, providing ample opportunities for clinical placements, employment, and collaboration with leading healthcare institutions. 

By choosing to study the MSc (Pre-Reg) Physiotherapy program at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus, you gain access to a unique blend of cutting-edge facilities, innovative teaching, and extensive professional opportunities that together provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. 

Upon completing the MSc (Pre-Reg) Physiotherapy program at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus, you will acquire a comprehensive set of skills and competencies designed to prepare you for a successful career in physiotherapy. You'll develop advanced clinical skills, including the ability to assess, diagnose, and create tailored treatment plans for a diverse range of patients. Your problem-solving abilities will be honed, enabling you to address complex clinical scenarios with evidence-based practices. Additionally, you will gain strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective patient interactions, teamwork, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. 

The program emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, allowing you to engage in evidence-based practice and contribute to the advancement of the field. You'll be involved in special projects, live briefs, and possibly competitions, which provide real-world experience and opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical settings. Your involvement in national conferences will not only broaden your professional network but also keep you at the forefront of the latest developments in physiotherapy. 

Research is a significant component of the course, enriching your learning by integrating current scientific insights into clinical practice. This focus on research will empower you to engage in ongoing professional development, contribute to academic publications, and potentially pursue further research opportunities. Overall, the program equips you with a versatile skill set that includes leadership, innovation, and adaptability, ensuring you are well-prepared for the dynamic and evolving field of physiotherapy. 

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £9535 per year 2025-26

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

You will need a good degree in a related subject (normally 2:1 or above) or hold a professional qualification such as teaching, nursing, social work or an allied health profession. Applicants with a 2:1 in a non-related subject will be considered on an individual basis.

 

We will consider applicants who have other qualifications or experience, equivalent to degree level. If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

 

You will need to supply evidence in the personal statement on the application form that demonstrates your suitability for the MSc Physiotherapy programme and your reasons for wanting to study the course.

 

International Applicants

Your qualifications need to be deemed equivalent to the above entry requirements.

  • English Language requirements are normally IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. You will also need to obtain a certificate of good conduct/character and any other references from your home country, and this will be required to ensure you pass the UK police (DBS) checks that are a requirement of the course.
  • For further information relating to overseas qualification please use the following link https://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/our-locations/your-country/

Other Requirements

You will be required to provide a satisfactory personal statement and reference (academic or employer).

 

Successfully short listed applicants will be invited to attend a values-based interview.

Read further information regarding interview preparation

 

Free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check:

Due to the professional nature of some of our courses you may also be required to complete a Declaration of Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.  We will coordinate both of these non-academic conditions with you should your course require this and you receive an offer from us

There will be no cost for the DBS this is free to applicants who have secured an offer and have chosen to study at the University of Wolverhampton.

 

 

Entry to this programme requires a satisfactory occupational health assessment. You are required to complete a health questionnaire and meet occupational health requirements. If you are accepted onto the programme, all your vaccinations will need to be up to date before you attend placement and the University provides a vaccination programme to ensure that you are appropriately covered.

 

During the programme you will be required to attend placements, so it is essential that you are able and willing to travel to placement.

 

The University will make reasonable adjustments for any candidate who has a disability recognised under the Equality Act, 2010 but we ask that you contact the University in advance to enable us to make adjustments.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be assessed in advance of your entry to the programme and will be considered in line with professional body standards and university regulations. If you have other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

 

If you have previously studied a professional programme at another University or College, we will require an academic reference from your previous higher education institution.

 

You will need to demonstrate that, on entry to the programme, you have capability for digital and technological literacy to meet course outcomes. Evidence of your digital literacy and technological literacy capability is linked to the online application process.

 

 

 

"Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC)"

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a physiotherapist.

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

By studying an undergraduate or postgraduate pre-registration programme you are eligible for a Tuition Fee loan. of up to £9,535. The loan will support your studies and enable you to start a rewarding career in healthcare.


Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) .


NHS Learning Support Fund

All eligible nursing , midwifery and most allied health professionals' students on pre-registration courses will also receive a Training Grant of at least £5,000 per year that is not means-tested and will not have to be repaid.

An additional payment of up to £3,000 per academic year will be available to eligible students;

• £2,000 for students with children towards childcare costs

• £1,000 Special Subject Payment on certain shortage specialism courses

Among others, the shortage specialisms have been confirmed to include:

• Mental health nursing

• Learning disability nursing

• Podiatry

Please note that this additional NHS funding is not available for students on the Foundation Year of a 4-year degree


Additional funding:

The Learning Support Fund also offers students additional support while studying for their degree. This includes:

• Additional travel and accommodation costs to clinical placements over their normal daily travel costs

• An exceptional hardship fund of up to £3,000 per student per academic year


You can find more information on the NHS Business Services pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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