This programme equips new graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to practise as a physiotherapist, in the dynamic environment of health and social care. Developed in collaboration with local clinical staff, the programme reflects the priorities and needs of contemporary clinical practice.

A Levels:300 UCAS tariff points must be BBB (AS levels not accepted) to include a B grade in Biology or Chemistry or Psychology or Physical Education.
(Not acceptable: General Studies).

Scottish Highers: 300 UCAS tariff points, BBC - Advanced Highers, BBBBC / AABB - Highers

International Baccalaureate: 26 points - to include Biology.

Irish Highers: Leaving Certificate: 4 at A2 grade - including Biology or Chemistry.

BTEC (National) Diploma: Science: DDM (No Passes)

HND: Science: Distinction level (65%) - NO merits or passes

Graduates: Science degree (minimum 2:2), Arts degree (minimum 2:2)  + 'A' level Biology grade B minimum..

Access to Higher Education Diploma: science: At least 60 credits overall, 45 at level 3 with distinctions in at least 21 level 3 credits (to include biology)

UEL Extended Degree Health and Bioscience: 80% overall and a minimum of 80% in Biology.

Foundation Degree, Science: 80% overall with a minimum of 80% in Biology

Overseas: In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7.0 is required with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent). International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes

Students may be admitted though Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.

Applications are welcomed from mature students. Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement, such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level.

All successful applications are required to have Criminal Records Bureau and Occupational Health screening.

As part of the admissions process, all applicants that meet the entry requirements will be asked to attend for interview.

• develop the ability to practice effectively and independently within the clinical setting
• take up the role of an independent and autonomous practitioner

Knowledge

• Practise in accordance with the HCP Standards and CSP Rules of Professional Conduct , working with patients with a broad range of conditions affecting human function, in a manner that reflects different approaches to practice; co-operative decision making and that respects the rights, dignity, autonomy and beliefs of the patient;
• Apply and adapt assessment procedures in order to identify and prioritise the needs of the patient and negotiate with the patient to develop a management programme that is appropriate for their physical, psychological and social context;
• Practise in a manner that respects and upholds the rights, dignity and autonomy of every patient including their role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process;
• Safely and effectively implement a management programme designed to maximise the patient’s functional ability and potential; based on key concepts of biological, physical, social, psychological and clinical sciences; taking account of the potential risks and hazards of intervention and adapting procedures appropriately; applying the principles of informed consent; and exercising a professional duty of care;

Thinking skills

• Evaluate the potential and/or actual outcomes of intervention and the evidence base supporting these and through effective clinical reasoning, institute changes or adaptations in response to perceived effects;
• Be accountable for their actions, basing their clinical reasoning on the evaluation of best available evidence; taking responsibility for their decisions and actions; and effectively managing their own case load;

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Work collaboratively both within and across professional boundaries to effect non-discriminatory practice, informed by an understanding of relevant policy and legislation, demonstrating effective communication, cultural sensitivity and ensuring that the rights of the patient are upheld;
• Practise across a range of health care settings; ensuring a safe practice environment; demonstrating an awareness of the availability and limitations of resources inherent within the setting; an understanding of the health and social policies relevant to the sector; and practise within a structure of evidence based rehabilitation recognising its contextual nature;

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Maintain full, accurate, legible records of their interaction with patients, in a format that complies with legal and professional guidelines and/or requirements; ensures confidentiality of personal information; and communicates clearly and effectively to professional and non professional audiences;
• Be a responsible member of the healthcare team, managing time and resources through effective communication, co-ordinated planning and priority setting and in response to changing and unpredictable circumstances;
• Identify their own level of competence and limitations in their personal scope of practice, be prepared to openly acknowledge these, and be proactive in seeking advice and alternative sources of information and in moving their own skills and knowledge forward in order to maintain their fitness to practise;
• Acknowledge and value the significance of continuing professional development and their responsibility to maintain fitness to practise; and be proactive in their own progress, utilising strategies of reflective practice and participating in peer and other learning activities;
• Recognise and accept their responsibility for contributing to the development of the healthcare team; and be prepared to participate in the education of assistant practitioners, students and junior members of staff.

The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year.  An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher.

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher

Physiotherapy is a protected title. To be able to register as a Physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council, use the title Physiotherapist or apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy students must gain a honours degree in Physiotherapy

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures are used to both introduce new topics and explore the integration between theory and practice. However, in preparation for the skills of clinical practice, a large proportion of the programme is studied through practical classes and laboratory sessions.

Thinking skills are developed through

• Seminars and tutorials are used to develop student's thinking skills and to provide an opportunity to explore alternative views and ideas.

Practical skills are developed through

• A significant proportion of class time will involve practical sessions in which students analyse movement and practise treatment skills using each other as models. This enables students to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to enhance their development of physiotherapy handling and treatment skills.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Private study may be facilitated by guidance or work sheets and follow up tutorials and discussions in which the student will be given the opportunity to examine and extend their understanding of the concepts covered. Initially students are likely to require greater direction and structure within the learning strategies which, as students become more adept in taking responsibility for and directing their own learning, will decrease

Knowledge is assessed by

• Coursework assignments
• Unseen written examinations
• Oral examinations

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Analytical assignments related to practice based learning
• Presentations to other students and tutors
• Problem solving activities

Practical skills are assessed by

• Practical examinations in the University setting
• Practice within the clinical setting

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Practice within the clinical setting
• Presentations to other students