Birmingham

The University of Birmingham offers a BSc Hons Physiotherapy (3 years full time) and an MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration - 2 years full time accelerated) programme

About the University

Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham has a long tradition of discovery, invention and original thinking across the major disciplines. With more than 26,000 students and more than 400 programmes of study, it is one of the UK's most popular universities.

Birmingham is at the forefront of national and international research and is currently ranked fifth in the UK for research excellence. For over a hundred years our research has contributed to the advancement and application of knowledge. Our groundbreaking investigation into the treatment of cancer and pioneering work on space exploration are just two examples of this. We also offer top quality teaching allowing you to achieve your full potential. Our intellectual community includes academics, recognised as global experts in their field, whose work pushes forward the boundaries of knowledge. Research at Birmingham enhances our teaching and your learning.

The University's location is outstanding. It is just far enough from the city centre to enjoy the benefits of campus life, and close enough to be within easy reach of all the amenities of one of the UK s largest cities. The University's 250-acre parkland campus in Edgbaston is one of our greatest assets. With its distinctive clock tower, striking architecture and open green spaces, the campus is a beautiful place to live and work.

About the faculty

Nursing & Physiotherapy (formerly The School of Health Sciences) was established in 1995, bringing together the professions of nursing and physiotherapy. Both professions have a long-standing reputation for excellence in their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

We have a long tradition of interdisciplinary learning, teaching and research. This is founded on a programme of health related research which underpins our established reputation for excellence in the nursing and physiotherapy based courses we provide.

The constant changes in health care delivery continually create new demands on health professionals and others working in health. This has informed the development of our portfolio of programmes.

If you join us you will be part of a friendly and growing community. You will also have access to excellent study and social facilities as part of a campus-based research-focused university.

We have a number of nursing and physiotherapy laboratories, which are used for learning and practicing clinical skills in a protected and supportive environment. Clinical partners provide a wide range of clinical placements with opportunities to learn and practice a wide range of clinical skills. Students have access to the Barnes medical library, and a large variety of electronic information resources. We have also been recognised for our forward thinking developments in IT in the inventive and innovative use of online assessment and examination.

BSc Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists play a significant part in most health care teams, being involved in the maintenance and/or restoration of movement and function in a range of client groups.

They are also pro-active in preventative medicine. Their extensive knowledge base, practical and interpersonal skills enable them to negotiate with their clients in the solving of clinical problems. Physiotherapists work in hospitals and health centres and are increasingly deployed in schools, the workplace, and leisure and sports facilities. A physiotherapist’s work is challenging and rewarding.

The core skills for the physiotherapist, including the application of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and electro-physical modalities, are learned within a framework which acknowledges psycho-social and cultural influences on health and illness and thus enables the appreciation of clients’ needs.

At Birmingham we support our students to become responsible professionals, who are questioning of both themselves and practice. Professional development is a strong component of the programme and you will develop a professional portfolio as evidence of your learning. Teaching throughout is by lectures, small group teaching sessions, tutorials, practical and seminar work. You are encouraged to take responsibility for you own learning through identification of your learning needs and development of self-directed study skills.

The programme is modular and comprises both university and clinically-based modules. Throughout all three years you will study certain aspects of the programme with students from the Bachelor of Nursing programme. This shared learning will facilitate your ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in clinical settings. You will complete a four-week clinical practice module in year one and optional modules such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and sports medicine are available in year three.

Successful completion of this popular three-year programme awards you an honours degree that is recognised by the professional body of physiotherapists, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the regulatory body, The Health Professions Council (HPC).

Entry requirements

• 7 GCSE subjects (grade C or above) to include English, Maths and Science. International students who do not have GCSE (A-C) in English are required to demonstrate an IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent qualification plus ABB offer 2008 intake:
• 3 A levels (excluding General Studies) to include Biology/Human Biology grade B. Sports Studies/PE are not acceptable in place of Biology. Key skills are noted but they are not a course requirement and are not counted in the total tariff points score.
• or AVCE (formerly GNVQ level 3) Health & Social Care you will also need ‘A’ level Biology/Human Biology grade B
• or AVCE Science you will also need 1 other ‘A’ level grade B excluding General Studies
• or BTEC National Diploma: Sport & Exercise Sciences or Health Studies. Profile needed DDD
• or International Baccalaureate · 34 points to include Biology at Higher Level
• or European Baccalaureate · 7.5 – 8.0 points
• or French Baccalaureate · Minimum 6+ subjects at 13+ marks overall to include Biology at 14+
• or German Arbitur (1.8 = ABB)
• or Scottish Certificate of Education (ABB/BBB at Advanced Higher level to include Biology/Human Biology)

Non-Standard entry

Access courses

Access to Higher Education (bias towards science content), Access to Science, Access to Health Studies, Access to Nursing/Physiotherapy: the course must be QAA approved. Please ensure that biology/physiology is a core component. You will need to obtain 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. If you do not hold Maths and English at GCSE grade A-C you will require 12 credits at level 2 in both Maths and English in order to meet minimum university requirements. See the UCAS website for more information. First degree Preferably 2:1 in a relevant subject

Admissions details

Admissions Tutor Helen Frank, tel: 0121 415 8588, email: h.l.frank@bham.ac.uk
Admissions Officer Jane Plant, tel: 0121 415 8603, email: j.l.plant@bham.ac.uk

How to apply

Applications for BSc Physiotherapy degree courses are processed by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications may be made from mid-September of the year prior to the intended year of entry. To apply for these degree courses please contact UCAS:

Application process

All candidates offered a place will have been interviewed. The interview process consists of a group interview and an individual interview. A CRB check is requested as a condition of your offer if your chosen programme includes a placement(s) in which you may come in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. The University has a duty to protect vulnerable members of society with whom our students may come into contact during their studies. A satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisations, is required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme. All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practice Code of Conduct on entry.

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

Choose Physiotherapy at Birmingham and take the opportunity to develop into a qualified competent practitioner of physiotherapy with the ability to play a significant part in most health care teams. The MSc in Physiotherapy is a qualifying programme for graduates with a suitable and relevant first degree. It spans two years full-time, starting in January and finishing in December and gives a second opportunity for those graduates who wish to become physiotherapists.

The aim of the programme is to develop students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to design, specify and implement wide-ranging, evidence-based physiotherapy programmes for a variety of patients. You will be able to evaluate progress, respond flexibly and promptly to advances in practice and implement research and audit programmes. Successful completion of this programme awards you with a Masters degree that is recognised by the professional body of physiotherapists - the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council. The programme is modular and equally divided between university and clinical settings. Clinical education is spread across both years in equal proportions.

Year 1

The first year aims to develop physiotherapy practice and clinical reasoning in the core areas of practice in the University and clinical settings. An important aspect throughout the programme is the critical analysis and evaluation of physiotherapeutic concepts, skills and treatment approaches. Contexts of Physiotherapy Practice introduces the professional and practice aspects of physiotherapy. During the first year the project module (an important aspect of Masters study) is launched and you will complete 540 hours of clinical education.

Modules

• Developing Evidence-based Cardio-Respiratory Practice
• Developing Evidence-based Neurological Practice
• Developing Evidence-based Neuromusculoskeletal Practice 1
• Contexts of Physiotherapy Practice
• Clinical Education (540 hours)
• Project

Year 2

The second year sees the completion of the clinical education modules and the project. Advancing Physiotherapy Practice continues the theme of preparation for professional practice. A second Neuromusculoskeletal Practice module covers different approaches to physiotherapeutic management in this speciality.

Modules

• Advancing Physiotherapy Practice
• Developing Evidence-based Neuromusculoskeletal Practice 2
• Project
• Clinical Education (540 hours)

Clinical education

The clinical education modules are an important aspect of the education of a physiotherapist and are continued throughout the two years of the programme. Each student will gain experience of physiotherapy within various clinical settings. A total of 1080 hours are spent in the clinical environment. With the support of clinical educators, students will treat patients, observe experienced clinicians and participate in all aspects of care including case conferences, ward rounds and home visits.

Entry requirements

Prospective candidates should have evidence of study in a relevant discipline and will normally be expected to possess an honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Physiology, Psychology) at 1st or 2:1 classification. An important part of our admission process is that candidates will also need to provide evidence of physiotherapy work experience (at least in the form of visits and observation). All shortlisted applicants are invited for interview.

Admissions details

Please contact the Postgraduate Team via email: hs-pgadmissions@bham.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)121 414 3126

How to apply

Please contact the Postgraduate Team for information about how to apply. Application process All candidates offered a place will have been interviewed. A CRB check is requested as a condition of your offer if your chosen programme includes a placement(s) in which you may come in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. The University has a duty to protect vulnerable members of society with whom our students may come into contact during their studies. A satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisations, is required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme. All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practice Code of Conduct on entry.