Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy* programme equips students with the comprehensive level of knowledge and skills required for a successful career in physiotherapy. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world practical experiences. Students engage in active-blended learning, research projects, and diverse practice placements preparing them for the diverse role of physiotherapy within current and future healthcare practice.

  Students who successfully complete all components of the programme will be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) registration.

  Stage One

  The first year focuses on developing professional skills and a comprehensive foundational knowledge-base. This will include exploring anatomy and functional human movement, understanding population health needs and how physiotherapists can lead in prevention and management. Students will concentrate on the core areas of physiotherapy practice (Cardiorespiratory, Neurological and Neuromusculoskeletal).

  Students engage extensively with service users to understand working with diverse population groups and allowing early exposure to the concepts of holistic, person-centred care and respecting each individual.

  The year includes an observational practice placement within the first semester to introduce students to real-world physiotherapy and healthcare practice.

  Stage Two

  The second year begins with a simulated placement experience to facilitate transition into the first practice placement. Students will undertake three different placement experiences that are interspersed with academic modules to build upon knowledge gained in the first year and develop your skills as physiotherapy students within the workplace. The focus of the academic modules are on rehabilitation and exercise prescription. Students will also gain understanding into research methodologies, which will result in their research proposal ready to implement in the third year.

  Stage Three

  In the third year, students will complete two further practice placements to further develop their physiotherapy skills in the practice environment. The curriculum will focus on expanding key skills required to meet the CSP pillars of practice:- leadership skills, the completion of a research project self-reflection, and developing autonomy as a practitioner, which will all ensure readiness for employment. Specific employability workshops are included.

  *Subject to validation

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• Entry Requirements

  The following criteria are considered:

  • Five GCSEs including Maths and English at Grade C and 128 UCAS points, which could comprise of (but not restricted to)
  • A Level – ABB (must include a biology or human biology focus and excludes general studies)
  • IB – 32 points (include health or science based)
  • BTEC – DDM (include health or science based)
  • Access to HE Diploma: 45 credits at level 3 (with a health or biology focus. To include 30 credits at distinction level)

  English language requirements:

  Applicants must demonstrate a command of the English Language to allow them to succeed on their programme of study. Where English is not the first language, or the applicant has not been educated mainly in English, they should possess a certificate showing:

  • a minimum overall achievement in IELTS (or equivalent) of 7.0, with 6.5 in each component.

  Applicants will be interviewed to further determine their ability to communicate in English.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Applicants should also be able to evidence:

  • Commitment and motivation to undertake academic study and upholding professional values.
  • Knowledge of their awareness of the scope of physiotherapy practice and motivation to complete all requirements of the course.

  Both aspects should be evidenced within the personal statement and interview process.

  Additional Entry Requirements:

  • All candidates should be approved following an interview where the academic interests, required maturity, moral values and ethics of the individual is assessed.
  • Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report and successful occupational health screening.

  International students must be eligible for a UK student VISA where applicable.

  Application and Interview Process

  Each application is considered by its own merit and we promote applications from prospective students with varied and diverse backgrounds and experiences. Following the initial application, which includes a personal statement, those applicants which meet these criteria will be invited for an interview with members of the Programme Team (this may also include members of the service user and carer group and our practice partners).

  Following a successful interview, students will be sent a pre-enrolment form to complete. Following completion of the pre-enrolment form, students will be enrolled onto the modules and given access to the University systems.

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• Fees and Funding

  2025/26 Tuition Fees

  Fees relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 will be published soon.

   

  The NHS Learning Support Fund

  If you’re eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, you can get:

  • A training grant of £5,000 per academic year.
  • Parental support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
  • Money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you’re on your practice placement.
  • Exceptional Support Fund for students experiencing financial hardship.

  International students can visit our dedicated International Student page for relevant information. More information on Student Finance, including Postgraduate Master’s loans and bursaries can be found on the gov.uk website.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Physiotherapy degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your occupational therapy course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

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• FAQs

  What kind of practice placement experience can I expect during the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme?

  The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme has strong links with clinical practice and provides students with an opportunity for experience within a variety of settings, sectors, and specialisms. This will include the NHS, private, voluntary and charity organisations, and will vary in length from 5-7 weeks for each placement block. The expected working week is 37.5 hrs. This is to ensure that every student completes the required 1000 hrs of practice, which is stipulated by our professional body. Practice placement experience is an important aspect of the qualifying programme, to allow the transference and application of theory into practice.

  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in role-emerging placements, those aimed at social innovation in collaboration with local organisations, and others with a specific leadership or research focus. They are completed under the supervision of registered physiotherapists and supported by the academic team.

  What facilities are there to support my learning?

  The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme has purpose-built facilities with specialist equipment for teaching and learning to enable practical and simulated sessions. All students are fully provided with the technological support required to study in an active-blended learning format.

  How is evidence-based research integrated into our teaching approach in the curriculum?

  The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme emphasises evidence-based research and practice. Students will learn to analyse research studies, assess their findings for clinical applications, and conduct their research projects. The programme employs an active learning approach, integrating classroom and online learning, and practical skills sessions, where students work collaboratively to enhance their problem-solving skills. Students engage in interactive online activities and practical skills sessions to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, preparing them for the challenges of the profession.

  How does the programme ensure that all material is contemporary and relevant to current service needs?

  The academic team are specialists within their field and have strong links with practice, which ensures that all teaching and learning is informed by the latest research and best practice. The academic team are all registered physiotherapists who maintain their own continuing professional development and are actively engaged in conferences, research and clinical practice. There is also an emphasis on external and guest lecturers from practice/specialist fields as well as active involvement from our Service User and Carer Group, to ensure diversity and enhance the teaching and learning process. The programme is regularly reviewed through internal and external quality assurance processes, which also take into consideration the student voice, to ensure it remains contemporary, facilitates the learning process and is relevant to the changing needs of the profession.

  How do we teach?

  We aim to ensure a ‘community of enquiry’ is facilitated within the classroom. Working with diverse student groups, due to varied previous background experiences and education, allows for a more in-depth exploration of the contemporary physiotherapy profession and facilitates the opportunity for interesting debates and conversations within the classroom.

  How will I be assessed on the Physiotherapy course?

  The programme utilises a variety of assessment strategies, including practical assessments, presentations, essays, reflections, producing digital medium, discussions and reports. Methods of peer feedback and assessment, group and individual work will all be utilised. All methods of assessment are aligned to the requirements of physiotherapy practice and what you will be expected to complete as a registered physiotherapist to drive the profession forward. Our practice partners agree that our assessments are replicable to that required as a physiotherapist and will prepare you well for employment.

  What career prospects are available upon completion of the programme?

  Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme will be eligible to apply for registration with both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This will allow them to work as qualified physiotherapists in a range of settings, including the NHS, private, sports, voluntary and charity organisations. We host an Employability Fair annually, with large representation from local and national networks of employers which also includes workshops for preparation for applications and interviews for our newly qualified physiotherapists. There is also information on the UON website on Employability and the support schemes available.

  What financial or otherwise support is available to students?

  Please see the Fees & Funding section above. In addition, our Student Life webpage has a host of information on Fees & Funding as well as Academic Support, Wellbeing Support, Accommodation, Bursaries and Scholarships, Student Perks and a lot more.

  For International students, please see the dedicated International Student page.

  How to contact?

  If you need further information, please contact our MSc Physiotherapy academic team

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