This full time programme predominantly situates learning in an authentic clinical setting. Offered in collaboration with local NHS Trusts, the programme provides student interns with opportunity to learn in the practice environment three days a week and in the university two days a week,  throughout the three years of the programme. This programme equips new graduates with the skills and knowledge required to practice and learn as physiotherapists in the dynamic environment of health and social care.

• A Levels: 300 UCAS tariff points must be BBB to include an A₂ grade B in Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Psychology or Sociology.
  (Not acceptable: Art, History of Art, Fashion & Design, Home Economics, General Studies, Dancing, Textiles, Drama, Communications).
• Advanced GNVQ's - Science: Distinction + 1A2 Level at Grade C, (Not acceptable: as above).
  Scottish Highers: 300 UCAS tariff points, BBC - Advanced Highers, BBBBC / AABB - Highers
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points - 2 Highers at level 6 including a science.
• European Baccalaureate: 75%
• Irish Highers: Leaving Certificate: 4 at B grade - including a Science, 2 ordinary level at Grade B
• BTEC (National): Science: 8 Distinctions, the rest Merits (No Passes)
• HND: Science: Distinction level (65%) - NO merits or passes
• Graduates: Science degree, Arts degree  + 'A' level science.
• Access to science: Discuss Pass/Fail or Credit level + Science MCQ + Essay,
• Extended Degree: Students must achieve an average mark of at least 80% on the six modules and a minimum score of 80% in the Biology module to secure an interview.
• Overseas: International applicants must have permanent leave to remain in the UK as a condition of entry to this programme. Qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 7.0 is required.

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

Applications are welcomed from mature students, including those who do not fulfil the standard requirements. Applicants are expected to demonstrate ability to learn in the workplace and evidence of recent academic achievement, such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level.

Applications to this programme must be made directly to UEL, and not to UCAS.

All offers for entry to the situated learning programme are made subject to interview. All offers are conditional upon a contract of employment being established with a participating Trust, prior to the commencement of the programme. Contracts of employment are established subject to Criminal Records Bureau and Occupational Health clearance and the provision of satisfactory references.

• 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. It is not possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and remain on the programme. However, interns may transfer onto the traditional programme, with the agreement of programme leaders where this is deemed necessary.

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. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any 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.

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. The University offers subjects in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of university wide option across the University

In order to gain a BSc (Hon) Physiotherapy a student must pass all modules.

The minimum pass mark for each module shall be 40%. Where a student satisfies the Assessment Board in a module, he/she shall be awarded the appropriate credits at the specified level.

A student who has obtained at least 120 credits at Level One or higher shall be eligible for the award of a Certificate of Higher Education in Applied Health Sciences, which is an unclassified award.

A student who has obtained at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at Level One or higher; and a minimum of 120 credits at Level Two or higher, shall be eligible for the award of a Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Health Sciences, which is an unclassified 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

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures are used to both introduce new topics and explore the integration between theory and practice. However, interns will develop  the skills of clinical practice, through learning in the clinical environment supported by clinicians in their roles as clinical educators.

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 proportion of class time will involve practical sessions in which students analyse movement and practise 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 peers in classroom and clinical settings