Skip navigation

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

CLOSE

APPLY NOW

This course is for people who want to help others to improve their movement – despite physical difficulties caused by illness, injury, disability or ageing.

In the UK all physiotherapists must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our course has been approved by HCPC and enables you to fulfil HCPC requirements. Employability rates following the course are excellent.

The course lasts for two years so that there is sufficient time for you to undertake four placements. In total you will accrue 1,000 hours of experience in a range of settings and contexts. 

The advantages of this course include the breadth of our healthcare expertise, the variety of our placement opportunities, and the strong commitment to our values-based philosophy. Student satisfaction rates are exceptionally high.

Personal Statement Guidelines

When writing your physiotherapy personal statement please consider the following areas:

  • Justification for wanting to enter profession – what attracts you to this profession? Is it the values, characteristics, behaviours &/or variety of roles and responsibilities?
  • Why does this profession stand out for you compared to other health and social care professions?
  • Investigation of Physiotherapy as a career – to be able to make an informed career choice you must investigate some of the diversity of the profession ideally through direct observation of physiotherapists in diverse areas of practice
  • Evidence of additional skills, knowledge, experience – Transferable skills – how do your personal attributes, values, characteristics, behaviours and experiences relate to or prepare you for this challenging academic programme and a future career as a physiotherapist.
  • Evidence of engagement with research process/enquiry based learning (EBL) – you need to describe your personal understanding of the research process and experience undertaking research or your engagement with EBL

  • The word limit for the personal statement is 1000 words

Structured Personal Statement

1. Tell us the reason you have chosen to study Physiotherapy. Within this answer you can tell us what motivated you to become a physiotherapist, and what you find interesting or inspiring about the profession. We would like you to show that you understand the role of the physiotherapist in different areas of clinical practice and the skills, values and qualities that are needed. Additionally, describe why this health care profession suits you personally. We expect you to give examples that show you have a caring attitude.

2. Describe the roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists. In this section you should tell us about your investigation into the physiotherapy profession, particularly discussing experiences you have had of physiotherapy. Although receiving physiotherapy yourself might have been your introduction to the profession we expect applicants to explore further than this. This must include work experience or placements within a physiotherapy setting, the opportunity to talk to physiotherapists about their role and evidence of reading around the subject or accessing information on the internet. Rather than simply providing a list, please expand on what the experience taught you about the profession. Physiotherapy is very varied profession, working with different populations in different settings; you should demonstrate an awareness of this.

3. Tell us about skills, knowledge and experience you have and explain why this is relevant to a future career in Physiotherapy. Please use experiences from previous learning, work, volunteering, hobbies, sport, music and any other activities you think relevant. Again, rather than a list of achievements please explain the specific skills or values demonstrated and how this has helped prepare you for study and a future career as a Physiotherapist. It may be useful to look at the NHS Constitution Values as this discusses the values and behaviours important for working in health care in the UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

4. Tell us about your engagement with research. Please describe any opportunities you have had of being involved in or using research, this might range from your ability to critically appraise research, learning about research methods to carrying out or being part of a research study. Research is integral to the MSc programme so this allows you to show us how you are prepared for that aspect of the programme.

This course is for people who want to help others to improve their movement – despite physical difficulties caused by illness, injury, disability or ageing.

In the UK all physiotherapists must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our course has been approved by HCPC and enables you to fulfil HCPC requirements. Employability rates following the course are excellent.

The course lasts for two years so that there is sufficient time for you to undertake four placements. In total you will accrue 1,000 hours of experience in a range of settings and contexts. 

The advantages of this course include the breadth of our healthcare expertise, the variety of our placement opportunities, and the strong commitment to our values-based philosophy. Student satisfaction rates are exceptionally high.

Personal Statement Guidelines

When writing your physiotherapy personal statement please consider the following areas:

  • Justification for wanting to enter profession – what attracts you to this profession? Is it the values, characteristics, behaviours &/or variety of roles and responsibilities?
  • Why does this profession stand out for you compared to other health and social care professions?
  • Investigation of Physiotherapy as a career – to be able to make an informed career choice you must investigate some of the diversity of the profession ideally through direct observation of physiotherapists in diverse areas of practice
  • Evidence of additional skills, knowledge, experience – Transferable skills – how do your personal attributes, values, characteristics, behaviours and experiences relate to or prepare you for this challenging academic programme and a future career as a physiotherapist.
  • Evidence of engagement with research process/enquiry based learning (EBL) – you need to describe your personal understanding of the research process and experience undertaking research or your engagement with EBL

  • The word limit for the personal statement is 1000 words

Structured Personal Statement

1. Tell us the reason you have chosen to study Physiotherapy. Within this answer you can tell us what motivated you to become a physiotherapist, and what you find interesting or inspiring about the profession. We would like you to show that you understand the role of the physiotherapist in different areas of clinical practice and the skills, values and qualities that are needed. Additionally, describe why this health care profession suits you personally. We expect you to give examples that show you have a caring attitude.

2. Describe the roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists. In this section you should tell us about your investigation into the physiotherapy profession, particularly discussing experiences you have had of physiotherapy. Although receiving physiotherapy yourself might have been your introduction to the profession we expect applicants to explore further than this. This must include work experience or placements within a physiotherapy setting, the opportunity to talk to physiotherapists about their role and evidence of reading around the subject or accessing information on the internet. Rather than simply providing a list, please expand on what the experience taught you about the profession. Physiotherapy is very varied profession, working with different populations in different settings; you should demonstrate an awareness of this.

3. Tell us about skills, knowledge and experience you have and explain why this is relevant to a future career in Physiotherapy. Please use experiences from previous learning, work, volunteering, hobbies, sport, music and any other activities you think relevant. Again, rather than a list of achievements please explain the specific skills or values demonstrated and how this has helped prepare you for study and a future career as a Physiotherapist. It may be useful to look at the NHS Constitution Values as this discusses the values and behaviours important for working in health care in the UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

4. Tell us about your engagement with research. Please describe any opportunities you have had of being involved in or using research, this might range from your ability to critically appraise research, learning about research methods to carrying out or being part of a research study. Research is integral to the MSc programme so this allows you to show us how you are prepared for that aspect of the programme.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years full-time

Department
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location
Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
January 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Discover More / Sport at Northumbria

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

Entry Requirements Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships

Entry Requirements 2023/24

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a related subject area (such as Sports Science, Health Science, Physiology, Psychology)

Applicants will be required to attend an interview. Admission is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate and a satisfactory health check. Applicants must meet the Health and Care Professions Council's suitability for registration requirements.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in the written section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a related subject area (such as Sports Science, Health Science, Physiology, Psychology)

Applicants will be required to attend an interview. Admission is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate and a satisfactory health check. Applicants must meet the Health and Care Professions Council's suitability for registration requirements.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in the written section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2023/24 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

EU Fee in Year 1: £17,500

International Fee in Year 1: £17,500



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.


ADDITIONAL COSTS

You will be provided with uniform needed for placement at the start of the course, any additional or replacement uniform will have to purchased yourself. You will be required to purchase suitable footwear for use in placement, which will cost approximately £50. You will need to pay for your own travel costs, which may be approximately £800 per year depending on your placement location. You may be eligible to claim reimbursement of travel costs from the NHS Business Authority. Up to date information relating to this can be found at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/student-services. If using a car to attend placement, you may also need to pay parking charges of approximately £200 per year.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

EU Fee in Year 1: £18,250

International Fee in Year 1: £18,250



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK, EU and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2023/24

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

PT6004 -

Foundation Skills for Physiotherapy Practice (20 Credits)

This module will develop knowledge and skills in a range of professional and clinical skills including the study of normal anatomy, physiology and movement. The study of normal anatomy is applied to movement scenarios and the analysis of key functional tasks and how these relate to common clinical presentations. A series of case studies explore some of these common clinical presentations and drive learning through an enquiry-based approach, designed to foster collaborative learning amongst learners. Student led presentations help demonstrate knowledge gained around these case studies and drive the clinical skills that apply to clinical settings. Further skills in moving and handling are delivered through practical workshops and help develop a skillset to support safe and effective practice of foundation Physiotherapy skills that transfer to clinical environments, from the very beginning of the programme.

The module assessment strategy will provide you with the opportunity to recontextualise your prior learning and life experience, directly apply to clinical practice through a rigorous, highly practical and enjoyable enquiry-based learning approach.

This module also houses your first periods of clinical placement and you will be encouraged to consider the HCPC and CSP standards and use reflective skills to identify your learning needs in relation to these. You will have the opportunity to practice Physiotherapy therapeutic skills in a “real” environment in a variety of practice placement areas with the support of University and Clinically based supervisors. This experience will consolidate the skills that you have developed within the University and enable you to understand the links between theory and practice.

More information

PT7000 -

Management skills for physiotherapy 1 (20 Credits)

This module aims to develop your knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills in the assessment and treatment of clients with disordered movement
and function.

You will explore aspects of assessment, planning and prioritising of physiotherapy management strategies. This will include the principles underpinning the safe and effective assessment and management of clients, to justify and use physiotherapy skills to enhance movement and function, according to the individual needs of clients.

More information

PT7001 -

Management skills for physiotherapy 2 (20 Credits)

This module critically explores the physiotherapy role in the early management of patients presenting with an acute episode of ill health with a particular emphasis on assessment and intervention in the acute hospital setting. The module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide therapeutic interventions safely and to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to provide collaborative care throughout a patient’s early management. We will explore the role of the physiotherapist in the management of patients presenting with acute respiratory, cardiovascular, medical and neurological ill health and consider the impact of an episode of ill health on longer term recovery.

More information

PT7002 -

Physiotherapy for Health and Wellbeing (20 Credits)

This module will critically explore and promote physical and mental wellbeing in the context of long term conditions. There are an increasing number of people living with long term conditions, which impact both physical and mental health. Physical and mental health are intertwined, and this module will consider the biopsychosocial needs of individuals and the influence of living with multiple comorbidities. The consideration of long-term condition development will be deliberated and the role of physiotherapy in their management will be explored and developed. Models and theories of behaviour change will be critically explored and applied to the management. Exploration of current research will be a central tenet of this module and continuing development of a critical approach to literature appraisal will be integrated alongside the management approaches.

More information

Year two

PT7003 -

Innovation, leadership and preparation for working life (20 Credits)

Innovation, leadership and preparation for working life will enable you to critically review the physiotherapy decision-making processes that inform user/carer focused health and social care provision across a range of settings of your own choosing. You will be provided with the opportunity to identify and explore contemporary issues within physiotherapy and reflect on your own learning and development in relation to the development of a self-selected (small group) project.

The module will ‘bookend’ the programme, completing learning and development from a position of identifiable transferrable skills to that of the contextual insights required to be proficient at an entry level as a registered physiotherapist. The module will provide the opportunity to explore issues critical to the processes of decision-making, service development, and personal and professional development, in ‘preparation for work’. As a group, you will identify learning outcomes for the module, demonstrating insight into your development needs relevant to transition to working life.

You will have the opportunity to reflect on the decision-making, communication, interpersonal and CPD skills developed across the programme along with the integration of core areas of physiotherapy practice to consider:

Autonomous practice, learning and development
Employment and employability
Contemporary and emerging areas of physiotherapy practice and delivery
Service/quality improvement
Leadership and management of change
Contemporary Health and Social Care Policy
Innovation and entrepreneurialism

More information

PT7004 -

Physiotherapy in complex contexts (20 Credits)

In this module you will critically explore how physiotherapy can support changing needs across the life course to promote health and well-being. The life course approach to health encourages us to consider not only what is impacting on a person at a particular point in time, but also the need to consider past experience and plan for future needs. The focus will be on inclusive, person centred practice and our role in advocating for the people we work with. Person centred care is central to contemporary health policy and in this module, you will critically consider how we achieve this in different contexts. You will be encouraged to engage with theoretical frameworks of person centred, life course approach to health and consider their application to physiotherapy. You will integrate this theoretical understanding with application to specific areas of physiotherapy practice, including mental health, learning disability, paediatrics and care of older adults.

This module also houses your final year placement and you will be encouraged to consider the HCPC and CSP standards and use reflective skills to identify your learning needs for this final year of study. You will be aware of the complex and evolving contexts of Physiotherapy practice and through this module you will demonstrate your developing confidence, initiative and resilience in adapting your practice. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice Physiotherapy therapeutic skills in a “real” environment in a variety of practice placement areas with the support of University and Clinically based supervisors. This experience will consolidate the skills that you have developed within the University and enable you to understand the links between theory and practice.

More information

SP7006 -

SER PG Project (Core,60 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to your degree. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

More information

Modules Overview 2024/25

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

PT6004 -

Foundation Skills for Physiotherapy Practice (20 Credits)

This module will develop knowledge and skills in a range of professional and clinical skills including the study of normal anatomy, physiology and movement. The study of normal anatomy is applied to movement scenarios and the analysis of key functional tasks and how these relate to common clinical presentations. A series of case studies explore some of these common clinical presentations and drive learning through an enquiry-based approach, designed to foster collaborative learning amongst learners. Student led presentations help demonstrate knowledge gained around these case studies and drive the clinical skills that apply to clinical settings. Further skills in moving and handling are delivered through practical workshops and help develop a skillset to support safe and effective practice of foundation Physiotherapy skills that transfer to clinical environments, from the very beginning of the programme.

The module assessment strategy will provide you with the opportunity to recontextualise your prior learning and life experience, directly apply to clinical practice through a rigorous, highly practical and enjoyable enquiry-based learning approach.

This module also houses your first periods of clinical placement and you will be encouraged to consider the HCPC and CSP standards and use reflective skills to identify your learning needs in relation to these. You will have the opportunity to practice Physiotherapy therapeutic skills in a “real” environment in a variety of practice placement areas with the support of University and Clinically based supervisors. This experience will consolidate the skills that you have developed within the University and enable you to understand the links between theory and practice.

More information

PT7000 -

Management skills for physiotherapy 1 (20 Credits)

This module aims to develop your knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills in the assessment and treatment of clients with disordered movement
and function.

You will explore aspects of assessment, planning and prioritising of physiotherapy management strategies. This will include the principles underpinning the safe and effective assessment and management of clients, to justify and use physiotherapy skills to enhance movement and function, according to the individual needs of clients.

More information

PT7001 -

Management skills for physiotherapy 2 (20 Credits)

This module critically explores the physiotherapy role in the early management of patients presenting with an acute episode of ill health with a particular emphasis on assessment and intervention in the acute hospital setting. The module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide therapeutic interventions safely and to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to provide collaborative care throughout a patient’s early management. We will explore the role of the physiotherapist in the management of patients presenting with acute respiratory, cardiovascular, medical and neurological ill health and consider the impact of an episode of ill health on longer term recovery.

More information

PT7002 -

Physiotherapy for Health and Wellbeing (20 Credits)

This module will critically explore and promote physical and mental wellbeing in the context of long term conditions. There are an increasing number of people living with long term conditions, which impact both physical and mental health. Physical and mental health are intertwined, and this module will consider the biopsychosocial needs of individuals and the influence of living with multiple comorbidities. The consideration of long-term condition development will be deliberated and the role of physiotherapy in their management will be explored and developed. Models and theories of behaviour change will be critically explored and applied to the management. Exploration of current research will be a central tenet of this module and continuing development of a critical approach to literature appraisal will be integrated alongside the management approaches.

More information

Year two

PT7003 -

Innovation, leadership and preparation for working life (20 Credits)

Innovation, leadership and preparation for working life will enable you to critically review the physiotherapy decision-making processes that inform user/carer focused health and social care provision across a range of settings of your own choosing. You will be provided with the opportunity to identify and explore contemporary issues within physiotherapy and reflect on your own learning and development in relation to the development of a self-selected (small group) project.

The module will ‘bookend’ the programme, completing learning and development from a position of identifiable transferrable skills to that of the contextual insights required to be proficient at an entry level as a registered physiotherapist. The module will provide the opportunity to explore issues critical to the processes of decision-making, service development, and personal and professional development, in ‘preparation for work’. As a group, you will identify learning outcomes for the module, demonstrating insight into your development needs relevant to transition to working life.

You will have the opportunity to reflect on the decision-making, communication, interpersonal and CPD skills developed across the programme along with the integration of core areas of physiotherapy practice to consider:

Autonomous practice, learning and development
Employment and employability
Contemporary and emerging areas of physiotherapy practice and delivery
Service/quality improvement
Leadership and management of change
Contemporary Health and Social Care Policy
Innovation and entrepreneurialism

More information

PT7004 -

Physiotherapy in complex contexts (20 Credits)

In this module you will critically explore how physiotherapy can support changing needs across the life course to promote health and well-being. The life course approach to health encourages us to consider not only what is impacting on a person at a particular point in time, but also the need to consider past experience and plan for future needs. The focus will be on inclusive, person centred practice and our role in advocating for the people we work with. Person centred care is central to contemporary health policy and in this module, you will critically consider how we achieve this in different contexts. You will be encouraged to engage with theoretical frameworks of person centred, life course approach to health and consider their application to physiotherapy. You will integrate this theoretical understanding with application to specific areas of physiotherapy practice, including mental health, learning disability, paediatrics and care of older adults.

This module also houses your final year placement and you will be encouraged to consider the HCPC and CSP standards and use reflective skills to identify your learning needs for this final year of study. You will be aware of the complex and evolving contexts of Physiotherapy practice and through this module you will demonstrate your developing confidence, initiative and resilience in adapting your practice. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice Physiotherapy therapeutic skills in a “real” environment in a variety of practice placement areas with the support of University and Clinically based supervisors. This experience will consolidate the skills that you have developed within the University and enable you to understand the links between theory and practice.

More information

SP7006 -

SER PG Project (Core,60 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to your degree. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints


If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

a sign in front of a crowd
+

Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

a person sitting at a table using a laptop
+
NU World Virtual Tours
+

Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

Back to top