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Award
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years full-time
UCAS Code
B160
Placement
Please see placements section below
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
£44m invested in flagship facilities on campus, including physiotherapy, to support your development and career prospects
We work with more than 1,000 employers to help you gain the right work experience
The role of a physiotherapist covers a vast spectrum of areas – whether it's helping patients recover from surgery, sports injuries, accidents or strokes, or providing support for those with long-term illness and disabilities. On our Physiotherapy degree, you will gain the essential foundation of skills to kick-start a rewarding career in this field.
You will learn how to diagnose and rehabilitate across a variety of conditions and how to help prevent disease and illness, gaining a strong background of anatomical knowledge. Applying your learning to complex situations, you will gain substantial practical experience through work placements within a range of real-life settings, both as an essential requirement of your degree and to expose you to the many dynamic environments in which physiotherapists can work.
Throughout your studies, you will have access to some of the best training facilities in the UK, including University College Birmingham's purpose-built simulation suite and our strength and conditioning suite. On completion of the course, you should also be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), enabling you to move into careers in an array of health and social settings.
Why should I choose this course?
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Our physiotherapy course enables you to apply for registration with the HCPC and membership of the CSP on graduation
- PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING – Gain first-hand experience of the profession through 1,000 hours of practice-based learning within a broad range of settings
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Master your practical skills in our cutting-edge facilities, as well as having the opportunity to develop, advertise, manage and lead a physiotherapy 'pop-up' at the University
- EXPERT TEACHING – Our experienced lecturers and guest speakers will provide you with expertise and support in a variety of areas
Our facilities
We offer a range of state-of-the-art facilities to support your physiotherapy training at University College Birmingham, including our Health Skills and Simulation Suite.
Course breakdown
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Modules
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Excellent knowledge and understanding of the human body and its function is essential for a career in physiotherapy. This year-long module will cover the whole musculoskeletal system, nervous system and cardiovascular system. Innovative teaching techniques and digital technology enhances your learning experience.
Academic and Professional Development
This module facilitates your transition to higher education through a structured delivery of academic study skills relating specifically to your physiotherapy programme. The scope of the module will extend beyond that of lectures and will invite you to play a central role in your own academic development, aided by online screencasts and virtual classrooms. Study skills will focus on written English and maths specific to physiotherapy, scientific enquiry and towards improving achievement.
Musculoskeletal Studies 1
This module introduces basic skills in musculoskeletal assessment, including the assessment of joints, muscles and ligaments, developing clinical reasoning skills based on functional anatomical knowledge. You will get to practise your manual techniques, including handling skills, positioning and accessory movements. Manual therapy will be introduced and you will have the opportunity to practise this in our open access teaching rooms.
Health across the Lifespan
This engaging module looks at the human lifespan and the challenges that occur from a physiotherapy perspective, from embryonic development, birth and early childhood development, through to adolescent biological and emotional maturity. Adulthood brings many changes to our bodies, from maximal fitness to cancer, life-limiting diseases and fluctuating mental health. The ageing process is complex and poses many challenges as we struggle to maintain independence and what happens when we can no longer care for ourselves. The biomedical, behavioural, physical and social science bases of physiotherapy practice are investigated in this fast-moving module.
Practice-based Learning 1 and 2
These modules will allow you begin to gain the knowledge and skills required for practice. They will be delivered on campus in a variety of formats. They may include but are not limited to: simulation, role play, virtual reality, remote online and digital learning activities. We will also be utilising our state-of-the-art simulation suite in delivery, giving you the opportunity to be immersed in a safe, realistic and challenging learning environment.
Modules
Neurological Studies
This module includes an introduction to physiotherapy approaches to enhance movement and minimise impairment in a range of neurological conditions. You will gain understanding of life-long conditions and the complex management required, as well as learning basic assessment and rehabilitation skills through practical lessons and taught sessions. The impact of neurological conditions will be discussed through the perspective of the patient, their families and from society as a whole.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies 1
Prevention and healthy living will be promoted in this empowering module. Many medical conditions are a result of unhealthy lifestyles. This module will look at the health of our surrounding communities, touching on inequalities in health and services available to support people potentially at risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Accompanying this, you will gain knowledge and insight into cardiovascular pathologies and respiratory conditions, learning the key skills in assessment and management of conditions.
Musculoskeletal Studies II
Your skills will be further developed from the previous musculoskeletal module. You will be using clinical reasoning skills to further enhance your assessment, treatment and rehabilitation knowledge and learn to apply this knowledge to a range of case scenarios. You will extend your knowledge and understanding of more complex presentations, utilising the biopsychosocial approach to optimise the impact of physiotherapy interventions. A person-centred approach is embedded into these interventions, which is essential to prepare you for your practice placements.
Research for Physiotherapists
As the 21st century progresses and we move ever further into a digital age, having the knowledge and skills to navigate this area is vital to be an effective practitioner. This research module is based on the Topol Review, which will ensure students have a good knowledge of the digital future and will form the basis for the research project that will be taken in the final year. It aims to develop analytical thought through a range of research processes, allowing students to increase their appreciation of scientific and clinically-based research methods. Furthermore, this module aims to develop students’ critical thought of current research and practice and consider how the digital future will change the experiences of the service user.
Practice-based Learning 3 and 4
These modules will be delivered in a clinical environment off campus, in a range of settings provided by our clinical partners. This allows the opportunity for you to experience first hand what it feels like to be a physiotherapist and build on the practice-based learning modules of Year 1.
Modules
Complexity in Physiotherapy Practice
This module continues to build upon your neurological physiotherapy skills. You will refine your therapeutic handling, and learn about the patient journeys faced by people affected by permanent impairment from neurological damage. You will utilise case studies and problem-solving skills to encourage professional thinking ‘outside the box’. You will be looking at opportunities for children and people with life-limiting neurological conditions in our local communities and review the access to these services, enabling education and employment when appropriate.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies II
This module continues to look at the management of patients with conditions affecting the heart and lungs. This revealing module explores aspects of palliative care, as well as reviewing the management of the unwell patient in the intensive care setting. You will develop skills suitable for working in the acute setting using our simulation facilities, practising your respiratory management in a safe and engaging environment.
Research for Allied Health Professionals
This is a key project which will develop independent learning, problem solving, analysis and data presentation skills. Learners will deepen their knowledge in a selected area of the Topol Report and apply it to the profession, by choosing an area to be explored. This may be a review of a health care service, a clinical audit or a number of journal submissions on the same topic. All methods are supported by an additional poster presentation.
Practice-based Learning 5 and 6
These modules will be delivered in a clinical environment off campus, in a range of settings provided by our clinical partners. This allows the opportunity for you to continue to grow in confidence, hone your skills and knowledge and prepare you for the workplace.
The modules listed above are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain up-to-date as well as being informed by industry and the latest teaching methods. Occasionally we may need to make unexpected alterations to modules – should this happen, we will communicate with all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
An overall average of at least 65% in 12th Standard from both State and Central Examination Boards.
Advanced entry to certain undergraduate degree programmes may be possible for students who hold a UK HND or India Diploma in a relevant subject.
English entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need a recognised English Language qualification to meet the entry requirements onto a degree programme.
English Entry requirements for students applying from India
| Board | Minimum Requirement (2021) |
|---|---|
| CBSE | B Grade |
| ICSE | 60% |
| Cambridge | B Grade / 6 Pointer |
| Maharashtra State | 60% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 60% |
| Kerala | 60% |
| Karnataka | 60% |
| West Bengal | 60% |
If you do not have one of the above qualifications, please see here for the full list of accepted alternatives.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS 6.5 with no element less than 6.0
Interview
The Admissions team will use the entrance criteria, as well as your personal statement, reference and work experience information, to shortlist candidates for interview.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview which will comprise multiple mini interviews (MMIs). You will be assessed on your motivation and understanding of the role of a physiotherapist. You will also complete a series of case scenarios and tasks while being assessed on your performance by different assessors, who may include members of the health teaching team, patients, practice educators and experienced clinicians. This will give a fair insight into your abilities, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate more than just your academic ability. Further details of the process will be sent to you if you are shortlisted.
Pre-course health and immunisation requirements
Students must complete a Pre-health Questionnaire to be submitted no later than 31 August 2021, and meet the Immunisation Requirements.
Key information
Assessment
Assessment formats for this course include:
- Practical exams
- OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
- Written multiple choice questions
- Written assignments
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024 (UK website).
Uniform and kit costs
Our Physiotherapy students are required to wear uniforms on placement (trousers and tunic). We will provide you with a polo shirt to be worn during your practical and skills-based activities on campus.
Additional costs
Student membership of The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists costs £41.26.
Additional course costs may include travel expenses to and from placements, parking charges and occasional overnight accommodation costs for placements further outside of Birmingham. To help meet these course costs, physiotherapy students are eligible to apply for the NHS BSA Learning Support Fund.
Tuition fees
For international students enrolling on a full-time BA/BSc degree in 2022/23, your fee for the academic year will be £13,500 per year.
If you undertake a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year, or £250 for a half year.
70%
Work placements
Practice-based learning on campus and in clinic environments provides you with vital real-life experience and helps build your skills and confidence before you graduate, as well as potentially leading to a job after your studies.
As part of the BSc Physiotherapy course, you are required to undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice-based learning by the end of your degree.
Work alongside experts in your field
Some of the employers we have worked with include:
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Solihull Council Social Care Team
- Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Important information
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely any first year students will go into placement – this is likely to be the same for all universities. We recognise this may be especially disappointing for our Physiotherapy students as placement was planned for the first year.
If placements cannot go ahead, we will look to meet the practical element of your course by other means – most likely through simulation, supported by our exceptional simulation facilities.
Circumstances may change and we will continue to manage the situation in accordance with guidance issued.
Now more than ever, the knowledge and skills of the physiotherapist are required as part of a multi-disciplinary team. On this course, you will be taught by skilled physiotherapists and lecturers and supported in your early placement by experienced physiotherapy practice educators, preparing you for a long and rewarding career.
Career opportunities
- Physiotherapist
- Senior physiotherapist
- Clinical specialist/team leader
- Sports physiotherapist
Thinking of continuing your studies beyond this course? On completing the BSc (Hons) degree, you will be able to progress onto our postgraduate courses such as Enterprise Management MSc/PGDip.
Please note: The examples of roles are to serve only as a guide.
hired@UCB
Our dedicated careers, employability and placements team is here to support you in every step towards your future.