Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our BSc 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.

  Stage One

  The first year of this BSc physiotherapy course 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 a physiotherapy university student 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 physiotherapist training 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.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

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• Placements

  Practice placements are a core component of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme. Students’ will undertake 5 placement opportunities designed to develop physiotherapy knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning. Students’ professional confidence will also be developed in diverse placement experiences across NHS, private, voluntary and community settings. Within these settings, students will have an opportunity to experience a range of clinical specialities which may include:

  • Musculoskeletal
  • Neurological
  • Cardiorespiratory
  • Paediatrics
  • Community
  • Leadership
  • Research based
  • Student led clinics
  • Mental Health
  • Sports
  • Occupational Health

  Our placement provision is designed to support individual students’ preferences whilst also allowing students to develop a breadth of experience across specialities. Continual support is provided throughout placements via clinical educators and visiting academic tutors. Students are encouraged to feedback on their learning experiences of placement to support their own reflection. This feedback also informs future placement developments and will enhance the students journey to qualification.

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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 BSc 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 physiotherapy 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 Physiotherapy degree?

  The BSc 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.

  Physiotherapist 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?

  We have 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 Physiotherapy course 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 physio degree 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?

  Our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme employs a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure students develop the essential skills required for professional practice. These assessments are designed to be inclusive, authentic, and directly applicable to real-world physiotherapy scenarios. Examples include:

  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
  • Case Scenario Clinical Reasoning Vivas
  • Infographic Design Projects
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Portfolios
  • Research Proposals and Literature Reviews
  • Group-Based Peer Teaching Sessions
  • Simulated Patient Interactions.

  These varied assessment strategies ensure that our graduates are well-prepared, competent, and confident to excel in the dynamic field of physiotherapy.

  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 can I contact the team?

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

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