Programme Specification for Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)
|
Final award |
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy |
|
Intermediate awards available |
BSc Applied Health Sciences Diploma of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education |
|
Mode of delivery |
UEL on campus, full time study only |
|
UCAS code |
B160 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
Health and Care Professions Council Chartered Society of Physiotherapists |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Benchmark Statement: Health care programmes Benchmark Statement for Physiotherapy |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
April 2013 |
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
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, and utilising placements within the NHS and private sectors the programme reflects the priorities and needs of contemporary clinical practice.
This is a fee paying programme and entry is via direct application to the University (entry is not available through UCAS)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- A Levels: 300 UCAS tariff points must be BBB (AS Levels not accepted) to include a B grade in Biology or Chemistry. (Admissions reserve the right not to recognise non appropriate A2-Levels such as General Studies and Critical Thinking, this list is not exhaustive and applicants should contact Physiotherapy Admissions for further information)
- Scottish Highers: 300 UCAS tariff points, BBC Advanced Highers / AABB/BBBBC Highers
- Irish Highers Leaving Certificate: 4 at A2 grade including Biology or Chemistry
- International Baccalaureate: 28 points – to include Biology
- Graduates: Science degree (minimum 2:2), Arts degree (minimum 2:2) + A2 level minimum grade B in Biology
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science: At least 60 credits overall with 45 credits at level 3 and with distinctions in all level 3 credits.
- UEL Extended Degree Health and Bioscience: 80% average for the year, 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, and then IELTs 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
Applicants (including mature students) must have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or equivalent qualifications
As part of the admissions process, all applicants will be interviewed and will be required to pass a numeracy and literacy test.
Students may be admitted through 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, as they may be deemed capable of study at degree level.
Full enrolment is subject to successful Occupational Health Clearance and Disclosure & Barring Service and Occupational Health screening.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession, which views human movement as central to the health and well being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventative healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. The core skills used by chartered physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrophysical modalities.
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at UEL
This well established honours degree programme in Physiotherapy is situated in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, which offers both undergraduate and post graduate programmes.
Located on a science based campus enables the programme to draw upon the expertise of a team of specialist lecturers in physiology, physical and behavioural sciences.
The programme has strong links with local NHS trusts and Private providers allowing for excellent placement opportunities
Programme structure
The programme comprises a single set of modules of study (six each at levels 1, 2 & 3) which will be completed via a full-time route over 3 years
Level one – is concerned with enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts informing practice. Rehabilitation and development and/or maintenance of clients` functional abilities are core aspects of the Physiotherapy programme.
Level two – explores the development of core skills in the specialist areas of practice.
Level three – focuses on decision making and patient management in complex problem solving situations.
Learning environment
Physiotherapy is a health care profession emphasising the use of physical approaches in the prevention and treatment of disease and disability. The ability to use physical approaches requires a scientific underpinning to facilitate appropriate selection and application of physiotherapy interventions.
The relevant scientific content is incorporated within each module in a way that enables students to see the relevance and application of the scientific principles involved.
The Physiotherapy programme aims to educate physiotherapists to have a reflective approach to practice, an ability to transfer skills and knowledge across specialities and a commitment to lifelong learning. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged and supported in taking responsibility for their own learning, given time to reflect upon their experiences and encouraged to develop the complex skills of clinical reasoning, and integration of theory and practice.
Interprofessional learning is incorporated at each level of study in the Physiotherapy programme
Assessment
The various methods of assessment used throughout the programme fulfil several purposes within the programme: Assessment is integral to the learning process, enabling students to identify personal learning needs and to improve their own performance
Assessment provides a focus for guided and independent study
Students have the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience gained through coursework assignments and presentations that involve working together in small groups
Assessment involves a variety of approaches that allows each student to make the most of their individual strengths and to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcome.
The final award classification is based upon the student’s achievements in levels two and three.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Supervised practice based learning forms a substantial portion (1/3rd) of the programme. This allows students to develop their practical, professional and reasoning skills in a natural health care environment. Students are placed in clinical sites throughout London and South East England and experience practice in a range of specialities and settings.
Students have five blocks of practice based learning, increasing from 3 to 6 weeks where they are involved in a clinical department on a full time (30-35 hours per week) basis.
Students have the opportunity to organise their own elective placement during the vacation period between levels two and three. Many students use this opportunity to experience physiotherapy in another country. Others may choose to spend time in a particular speciality or Trust.
Project work
Being an effective member of a team is an important skill for any member of the healthcare professions. The programme helps students to develop these skills through group activities and projects which students submit for assessment.
Added value
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Health and Care Professions Council Membership and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Honours Graduate Physiotherapists have opportunities for careers in various branches of the profession. Within the National health Services there are clinical posts in hospitals and in the community, management teaching and research. Outside the National Health Service graduates may become involved in industry, private practice or sports medicine.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
Science and want to work with people rather than in a laboratory, then physiotherapy may be the profession for you
If you enjoy...
Working closely with others
If you want...
To develop the knowledge and skills that will enable you to begin a career in the modern health service
Your future career
Honours graduate physiotherapists have opportunities for careers in various branches of the profession. Within the National Health Service there are clinical posts in hospitals and in the community, management, teaching and research. Outside the National Health Service, graduates may become involved in industry, private practice or sports medicine.
How we support you
When you first join the programme you will be allocated a personal tutor who is there to help you through the three years by offering pastoral and academic support. Your personal tutor can advise you about additional learning and support services available in the University.
As well as having a personal tutor, there are level tutors whose role is to monitor the students’ experience of education at each level of study. They provide a resource for students to express their concerns relating to study or expectations of the programme.
The clinical education manager organises placements for individual students and is available to provide advice and support to students going on placement. While on placement, you will be visited by an academic tutor who will help you make the most of your clinical experience.
Bonus factors
- One of the clinical placements (that takes place between levels 2 and 3) is organised by the students themselves. Many students choose to travel overseas to experience health care within other cultures while others choose to gain experience within a particular speciality or hospital of their choice.
- The Clinical Education Centre providing a modern state of the art training facility
- Campus within walking distance of Stratford international railway station
- You also have the right to be members of the University of East London Students’ Union and on request to access such facilities, services, and functions as the Union makes available
- Sports facilities are available at the £21 million sports facility- SportsDock on the Docklands Campus
- Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Westfield Stratford City – a major new site of development in East London.
- Central London is only 20 minutes away by underground, and Stratford offers extensive transport links with all parts of London
- The University of East London is situated in close proximity to the 2012 Olympic games site.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- develop the ability to practice effectively and independently within the clinical setting
- take up the role of an independent and autonomous practitioner
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Be equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to ensure competence at the point of qualification and the capability to continue to meet the Health and Care Professions Council regulatory standards and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy professional standards throughout their professional careers
Thinking skills
- Inform a professional judgement with the best available evidence and adopt a critical stance in relation to quality/best practice and engage in systematic inquiry to develop knowledge and promote change in order to benefit a range of health care providers and those who access them
- Participate fully in multidisciplinary and interagency working for the benefit of the client/service and demonstrate ethical person-centred practice and collaborative decision-making
- Explore the opportunity for innovative practice at both patient and service level, whilst exercising a professional duty of care and recognising limitations of practice
- Demonstrate an ability to translate an understanding of foundational and professional knowledge to augment practice knowledge within a variety of contexts
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Apply and adapt assessment procedures in order to identify and prioritise the needs of the client/service user and negotiate with the client/service user to develop a management programme that is appropriate for their physical, psychological and sociological context
- Implement, manage and monitor therapeutic interventions safely and effectively, demonstrating clinical reasoning and justification of appropriate adaptations
- Maintain full, accurate, legible records of their interaction with client / service users, 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.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Practise in a manner that respects the dignity and autonomy of clients at all stages of the therapeutic process, upholding the values and behaviours required of a registered health professional in public/private service
- Apply a range of approaches to teaching and learning with individuals and groups and in a variety of contexts in order to educate service users, public and professional colleagues, to facilitate change behaviour, health and well being and health promotion throughout period of care
- Be a responsible and self-governed member of the healthcare team. Demonstrate leadership through managing time and resources effectively, problem-solving, planning, priority setting, innovative service delivery, health informatics and evaluation of practice, in response to changing, novel and unpredictable circumstances
- Participate in the health and social care practice community as a lifelong learner, reflexively monitoring development needs of self/team, service in relation to evolving models of practice, in a variety of contexts
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years full-time.
It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
The maximum duration of this programme is 8 years, and the maximum time for any one module is 3 years.
How the teaching year is divided
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.
In addition there are periods of external clinical placements in each academic year.
What you will study when
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.
All modules in this programme are core
|
Level |
Module Code |
Module Title |
Skills Module |
Credits |
Status single |
|
1 |
PT1411 |
Foundations to Practice |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
1 |
PT1412 |
Human Body – Locomotor 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1413 |
Applied Healthcare Science 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1414 |
Applied Healthcare Science 2 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1421 |
Human Body – Locomotor 2 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1481 |
Work Integrated Learning 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2511 |
Research Methods |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
2 |
PT2521 |
Cardiopulmonary Health |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2522 |
Neurological Rehabilitation |
40 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2524 |
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2581 |
Work Integrated Learning 2 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2582 |
Work Integrated Learning 3 |
0 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3611 |
Process and Conduct of Research |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3612 |
Social Enterprise and Professional practice |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
3 |
PT3621 |
Physiotherapy Practice in Systemic or Long Term Conditions |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3622 |
Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3681 |
Work Integrated Learning 4 (Elective) |
0 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3682 |
Work Integrated Learning 5 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3683 |
Work Integrated Learning 6 |
|
20 |
Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
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
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
x |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
x |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures are used both to 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 students 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.
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework assignments
- Unseen written examinations
- Oral examinations
- MCQ examinations
Thinking skills are assessed by
- 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
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times per year)
- Polls and Surveys online
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme noticeboard
- Individual responses to students as required
- Postings on our online discussion forums
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Feedback from former students
- Discussions with The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists
- Regular meetings with physiotherapy staff in the area
- Questionnaires to clinical departments taking students on placement
- Placements Officer
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Students on the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy are registered as Student members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. This provides access to additional learning resources, allows students to contribute to the development and management of the Society, provides a forum for students in different parts of the country to share experiences.
Further information about physiotherapy is available from:
The Health Professions Council web site www.hpc-uk.org/
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy web site www.csp.org.uk/
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (www.uel.ac.uk)
- The programme handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of General Regulations and Policies www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes www.uel.ac.uk/courses/index
- School web pages www.uel.ac.uk/health-sciences/index
- QAA Benchmark Statements for Physiotherapy www.qaa.ac.uk
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
