Ιntroduction to Physiology of the Human Body (20 credits)

The course introduces students to the basic knowledge of the structure and function of the cell as well as the organization of the human body as a whole. The aim of the course is to understand human physiology, focusing on the basic systems of the human body (muscular, skeletal, nervous and cardiovascular-respiratory).
Introduction to Human Anatomy (20 credits)

The course introduces students to the basic knowledge of anatomy of the human body, focusing on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Introduction to Human Body & Physical Activity (20 credit)
This section aims to enable students to know and understand the various stages of development and aging throughout a person's life. In addition, the module helps students understand how the body reacts to the onset and continuation of physical activity / exercise.

Introduction to Academic Skills & Research Methodology (40 credits)

The course aims to develop all the necessary skills of academic writing, oral and written communication, the ability to analyze ideas and evaluate them individually and in groups. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of research methods and design and will be able to use general and specific computer software.

English for Health Professionals

The English modules aim to raise students’ general English level by improving students’ accuracy and fluency when writing and speaking and developing their listening and reading comprehension skills. These modules also provide an introduction to academic writing skills as well as to discipline specific terminology and literature in preparation for study in English for Academic Purposes.

Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Practice (40 credits)

This module will cover the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and handling skills required to be able to assess any patient, in any setting within the health care system. This will be delivered using patient cases, covering the most common patient presentations in clinical practice (MSK, Respiratory and Neurology). Each case will explore the key anatomical underpinning knowledge, physiology related to that condition, key assessment skills for that case, key handling skills for that case and consideration of both the short term and long-term rehabilitation required. You will be expected to utilise the latest research evidence and clinical guidelines relevant to the case, reviewing these critically to inform your management.

Professional Skills and Practice 1 (20 credit)

This module will introduce the importance of critical thinking to inform clinical reasoning. It will consider the wider aspects of what it is to be a professional working in a health care setting including working within multi-disciplinary teams and across systems and pathways. It will explore the components of safe and effective practice through consideration of legislation or policy to inform practice such as health and safety at work, mental health first aid, safeguarding, manual handling, infection control, information governance, prevent training, equality, inclusion and diversity and basic emergency care. The communication skills required for effective history taking and physical examination skills will be practiced – with emphasis on dignity and sensitivity to the needs of the individual patient. Cultural competence, inclusivity, accessibility and enablement will be explored. This will enhance your ability to communicate effectively with patients.

Introduction to Primary and Community Care (40 credits)

This module will use patient/service user scenarios that will need to be managed in both primary/community and secondary services, but the focus of this module will be on the GP and community provision. You will explore the role of the Physiotherapist in a GP practice and the role of a physiotherapist in the many different community care settings. You will consider the physical, social, and mental determinants of health including the potential impacts on health care access. You will consider cases that span from cradle to grave and every sector of society. You will consider the physical, social, and mental determinants of health including the potential impacts on health care access.

Introduction to Secondary Care (20 credits)

This module will use patient/service user scenarios that will need to be managed in both primary/community and secondary services, but the focus of this module will be on the hospital provision and the role of the physiotherapist. You will explore the role of physiotherapist in the many different hospital settings. You will consider cases that span from cradle to grave and every sector of society. You will consider the physical, social, and mental determinants of health including the potential impacts on health care access.

Practice Placement 1 (0 credits)

The course of clinical practice takes place in specialized healthcare units, giving students the opportunity to gain many months of practical experience in more complex areas of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. Students actively participate in rehabilitation programs with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility, demonstrating and developing their therapeutic and professional skills both in relation to complex client groups and at the level of collaboration with the members of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.

Academic English 1 & 2

The English modules aim to raise students’ general English level by improving students’ accuracy and fluency when writing and speaking and developing their listening and reading comprehension skills. These modules also provide an introduction to academic writing skills as well as to discipline specific terminology and literature in preparation for study in English for Academic Purposes.

Professional Skills and Practice 2 (40 credits)

This module will build on the knowledge from year 1 of the Physiotherapy programme focusing on safe and effective practice. It will explore the concepts of safeguarding in a broader sense looking at all age groups. It will introduce the concept of leadership in health care and your role as a Physiotherapist in this. You will further explore interprofessional practice and roles of the multi-disciplinary team. This module will also focus on health inequalities and global health. You will consider epidemiology and ‘big data’ relative to demographics and social determinants of health. This will form the basis of your analysis and critical discussion assignment. There will be consideration of sustainability of practice in relation to preventing burn-out, commissioning and change management within practice. The concept of continuous professional development will be revisited looking at continuous improvement of self and practice, quality assurance and service enhancement.

Scientific and Digital Skills (20 credits)

Digital practice within the scope of Physiotherapy practice is ever evolving as the evidence base grows. In this module you will develop critical appraisal skills of how evidence informs clinical practice. Through a practical approach, your knowledge of digital and scientific innovations will grow to support your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning principles of research. The Physiotherapy profession is based on evidence-based practice and this module will support you in applying knowledge of evidence-based care to understand the application to practice. You will be supported to appraise research, research ethics, and develop understanding. Within the context of how digital practice is advancing, you will explore research themes around the latest advances in Physiotherapy practice including artificial intelligence (AI), digital behaviour changes interventions and the latest technological advances.

Health Promotion, Illness Prevention and Wellbeing (20 credits)

Physiotherapists work in every aspect of health care and across all sectors of society. Therefore, Physiotherapists must understand the societal influences that impact on health. In this module you will study the importance of demographics on health care, the impact of socioeconomic status and the influence of lifestyle choices on determinants of health. You will also consider the institutional biases that influence accessibility and acceptability of health care to some demographic groups. Physiotherapists are well placed to promote healthier lifestyles to every individual they encounter and should have an excellent understanding of physical activity guidelines, as well as how these can be adapted to meet individual needs. You will explore the latest physical activity guidelines and critically evaluate their acceptability and adaptability across different patient groups, taking into account religion, ethnicity, culture, disability, gender, age, and baseline levels of physical activity.

Applied Physiotherapy Practice (40 credits)

This module will build upon the knowledge of year 1 of the programme. You will consider cases from practice that are more complex and require more Physiotherapy integrated critical thinking skills to consider the multi-modal management of patients in clinical practice. There is an expectation that you build on the knowledge and skills already covered in the year 1 modules to revise key anatomy, physiology concepts, therapeutic handling and exercise applying them more efficiently into the holistic management of the patient. This module will use case studies of patients with pathologies that will need to be managed in both primary/community and secondary services, they will range from all age groups and all demographics. You will consider co-morbidities that influence the management of the patient that need to be considered when successfully managing a patient’s care.

Practice placement 2 (20 credits)

The course of clinical practice takes place in specialized healthcare units, giving students the opportunity to gain many months of practical experience in more complex areas of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. Students actively participate in rehabilitation programs with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility, demonstrating and developing their therapeutic and professional skills both in relation to complex client groups and at the level of collaboration with the members of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. This course requires the demonstration of the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in previous years at the academic level of their teaching, increased responsibility as well as management of the high workload.

Preparation for Graduate Practice (20 credits)

Choosing a professional practice degree can provide a smooth transition into work but graduates still need to understand where and how to become employed. In this module you will work through all the aspects required to transition into employment at the end of the programme.

Ageing and Long-Term Conditions (40 credits)

The population is ageing and although as a population we are living longer we are living longer in poor health. This is placing excess burden on the healthcare services available. Ageing well is important for public health and Physiotherapists are well placed to assist with the prevention and management of long-term health conditions.

Specialisms and Advanced Practice (20 credits)
Physiotherapists work across all aspects of healthcare. Post qualification you may wish to explore some of the more discrete or advanced specialisms. This module will expose you to the less common or more advanced areas of clinical practice that you may wish to explore post qualification such as Education, Research and Advance Clinical Practice.

Practice placement 3 (0 credits)

The course of clinical practice takes place in specialized healthcare units, giving students the opportunity to gain many months of practical experience in more complex areas of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. Students actively participate in rehabilitation programs with increasing levels of autonomy and responsibility, demonstrating and developing their therapeutic and professional skills both in relation to complex client groups and at the level of collaboration with the members of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. This course requires the demonstration of the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in previous years at the academic level of their teaching, increased responsibility as well as management of the high workload.

Dissertation (40 credits)

This module will take you through the skills required to be able to write for publication. You will be able to choose between completing a literature review using systematic methods, a service evaluation, service improvement plan, audit, or a business case for service development. You will work with your dissertation supervisor to write up this project for publication or submission to relevant committee using the guidance for a publication in the Physiotherapy Journal or equivalent Trust committee requirements.