Overview
This course is now closed for September 2024/5 entry.
Are you looking for a rewarding career in physiotherapy? Do you have a science-based degree? This course allows you to progress from your undergraduate degree to becoming a fully-qualified physiotherapist.
The course is designed to be hands-on and practical. Our Mary Seacole Building is purpose-built for physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The rooms reflect the type of clinical environments that you'll work in as a physiotherapist and you’ll learn your practical skills here as you’ll have the opportunity to practice on patients visiting the university and on your fellow students. This means that you’ll be confident and experienced in time for your first placement.
On this course, you’ll learn how to evaluate data and to apply research knowledge and skills to clinical practice. You’ll be taught to design your own research and how to use this research to advance clinical practice.
At Brunel we understand the value of making the most of your 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Your placements begin at the end of the first year. All our academic staff have worked or still work clinically within the London area so you will benefit from their excellent links with prestigious London hospitals.
There’s also a strong focus on professional development throughout the course. Study areas include managing and improving health services, self-management and team working so you’ll be fully equipped with a strong scientific foundation and the practical and professional skills to progress your career. This is reflected in our employment figures with 100 per cent of MSc pre-registration graduates employed as physiotherapists within six months of completing the programme.
The NHS Values are shaped by patients, public and staff have helped develop this expression of values that inspire passion in the NHS and that should underpin everything it does. Individual organisations will develop and build upon these values, tailoring them to their local needs. The NHS values provide common ground for co-operation to achieve shared aspirations, at all levels of the NHS.
Financial Support
Studying at University can be financially challenging so here at Brunel, we want to draw your attention to the UK Government support scheme – NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) aimed to reduce this cost burden.
This scheme is aimed primarily at British Nationals and British residents. There are some eligibility criteria to be met but basically UK students are eligible for a non-means tested grant of £5,000 for each academic year of study. More info can be found here.
This grant does not need to be paid back. Neither are you committed to working in the NHS on graduating and registering.
Please note that the application process and awarding of this grant is totally independent of the University. We are unable to advise or intervene on your behalf. Further information including a short video can be found here.
It’s likely that all students going on clinical placements will incur some travel expenses in excess of their normal travel to and from the University. Very occasionally students may have a travel journey in excess of 2 hours each way to and from placement in which case they would be eligible to stay local to their placement during the working week which would naturally incur extra expenditure for accommodation too.
So, it’s great that UK students are eligible for reimbursement of excess travel or accommodation costs incurred due to undertaking practical training on a clinical placement. This money does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
In addition to the basic Training Grant - UK students who have parental responsibility for a child may be eligible for an additional grant of £2000 for each academic year. This grant does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
UK students may apply for an additional exceptional support grant of up to £3000 for each academic year. This grant does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
To register for an NHS Training Grant you will need to set up a Learning Support Fund Account – which takes around 5 minutes. Click here to start the process.
And remember too that you can still apply for a re-payable student loan in addition to the NHS Training Grant.
Dean’s International Scholarship: This course is eligible for a £2,000 fee waiver, per academic year, subject to availability. This Scholarship is for full-time international students only. Find out more.
Got a question about this course? Check out our FAQ's page.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The programme is delivered 46 weeks per year and incorporates 1,000 hours of clinical practice, ensuring you’re ready to step into a career in physiotherapy as soon as you graduate.
Compulsory
- Musculoskeletal: Lower Quadrant IThis module is the first of two practically oriented modules related to musculoskeletal examination and treatment. The module aims to teach the student common pathologies and conditions relating to the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb (the lower quadrant), and how to assess and manage patients with such conditions. The module aims to enable students to relate the theory of musculoskeletal dysfunction to clinical practice and to integrate information from previous modules such as anatomy, pathophysiology and rehabilitation.
- RespiratoryThis module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge of normal respiratory physiology and the pathophysiology underpinning common respiratory disease. In addition, students will develop analytical assessment skills, plus theoretical knowledge and physiotherapeutic skills to treat patients presenting with a wide variety of symptoms associated with acute and chronic respiratory disease. Students will develop critical awareness of the research evidence underpinning the physiotherapy management of patient with a range of respiratory conditions.
- Research Methods for Health SciencesThis module aims to develop students’ knowledge and critical awareness of a variety of research methods and approaches. Critically explore, reflect upon and develop quantitative and qualitative research skills and knowledge in health and develop the skills to critically appraise a range of published health research to inform evidence based practice.
- Anatomy 1: Lower QuadrantThis module will introduce the student to the normal structure and function of the human body. The student will be introduced to the structural and functional anatomy of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb. Foundation knowledge gained in this module aims to underpin the students understanding for all other modules. Parallel and subsequent modules will incorporate and build on the core subjects introduced.
- Anatomy 2: Upper QuadrantThis module will introduce the student to the normal structure and function of the human body. The student will be introduced to the structural and functional anatomy of the cervical spine, thorax and upper limb. Foundation knowledge gained in this module aims to underpin the students understanding for all other modules. Parallel and subsequent modules will incorporate and build on the core subjects introduced.
- Mandatory Training
- Principles of Rehabilitation
- Person Centred Healthcare and Leadership 1
- Systems of Physiology and Pathophysiology
Compulsory
- Musculoskeletal II Upper QuadrantThis module is the second of two practically oriented modules related to musculoskeletal examination and treatment. The module aims to teach the student about common pathologies and conditions relating to the cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder girdle and upper limb and how to assess and manage patients with them, The module aims to enable students to relate the theory of musculoskeletal dysfunction to the practice and to integrate information from previous modules such as anatomy, pathophysiology and rehabilitation.
- HH5606 - NeurorehabilitationThis module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to develop neurological physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills, and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills to support effective practice. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinning of practice as well as key concepts in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and the pathological processes underlying a range of neurological conditions. The module aims to introduce the scope of neurological physiotherapy practice and to develop a critical understanding of the role of the physiotherapist with reference to the physical, psychological and social implications of neurological dysfunction and the role of the physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary team.
- HH5607 - Cardiovascular HealthThis module will provide the students with knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and common pathologies of the heart and peripheral circulation (including atherosclerosis and diabetes). They will develop the therapeutic skills necessary to manage and rehabilitate cardiac patients including those who have undergone cardiac surgery and those who have undergone lower limb amputation. This module will also focus on health promotion with specific reference to cardiovascular health.
- PH5601 - Critical CareThis module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge of the pathophysiology underpinning the critically ill patient. In addition, students will develop analytical assessment skills, plus theoretical knowledge and physiotherapeutic skills to treat problems associated with critical illness. The module aims to develop students critical awareness of clinical evidence related to the physiotherapy management of the critically ill patient.
- Person Centred Healthcare and Leadership 2
- Health Across the Lifespan
- Practice Placement 3
Learners will spend a final 12 weeks in a contrasting professional occupational therapy setting from placement 2, again with supervision from a registered occupational therapist. The placement allows them opportunities to particpate in occupational therapy services showing the responsibilities and skills they will need as registered practitioners. They will apply and evaluate the theory they have learnt in practice when working alongside people using the service, their carers and colleagues. They will be responsble for a small service development project in liason with the setting and engage with professional reflection, supervision and feedback.
- Practice Placement 4
- Practice Placement 5
- HH5716 - DissertationThe dissertation aims for students to learn about research by working with an academic supervisor on a topic relevant to the students’ disciplinary major that generally falls within the current areas of research and expertise of the supervisor. Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate conceptual and theoretical issues within their disciplinary major, and will learn how to design and conduct an original piece of research in an area relevant to their clinical or disciplinary practice.
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Career Prospects for Physiotherapy Graduates
With increasing demand across healthcare sectors worldwide, our graduates enjoy near 100% employability and opportunities for career advancement. From government hospitals to private practice, sports organisations, and major corporations, our programmes prepare you for success. Designed to meet international regulators' standards, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and for global mobility, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
Professional Registration
Successful completion of the programme provides eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Successful completion of the programme also provides eligibility to apply for professional registration with regulatory bodies in other countries, for example: Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, USA, Ireland and India and many others. For current information on the specific requirements and registration process for each country we recommend that you consult the webpages of the relevant regulatory body.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges. Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
UK entry requirements
A UK first or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in biomedical science or a relevant subject such as Psychology or Sports Science. Applicants with degrees in other science subjects will be assessed on their merits.
Applicants will be required to attend a full day selection day which includes an interview. Applicants will be able to choose whether to attend an online or on-campus interview. Applicants in the UK are encourage to attend an on-campus interview.
Please note this programme is not suitable for qualified physiotherapists. Please contact the HCPC for further information if you wish to acquire UK state registration rights.
Applicants can apply for the next entry point only. If you receive an offer and would like to defer your offer to the following entry point to the one you have applied for, you should put your request in writing to the Admission Office. They will then liaise with the Admissions Tutors for the course and let you know the outcome. You should have a strong reason for wanting to defer and we regret that we are not able to guarantee that we can accommodate this request.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
International
£23,615 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
The course will be delivered using a variety of methods that have been chosen to optimise your learning of clinical theories and skills. All methods have been designed to maximise the level of interaction and engagement with tutors and fellow students.
All modules will be delivered on campus via in-person teaching. You'll therefore be required to attend campus for all modules. Each module will be supported by the provision of additional online learning.
Campus-based teaching will be delivered in small group tutorials within our purpose-built clinical skills rooms.
Support
A member of the academic team will act as your personal tutor throughout your time at university. They'll be a source of support and will help you to make the most of your studies and time at university. You'll have scheduled tutor meetings and be able to access your tutor as required either online or via face-to-face meetings on campus.
Assessments
A variety of assessment formats will be used to support your learning. This will include campus-based clinical assessments and online exams.
Clinical Placements
You'll be supported by our dedicated clinical placements team, and allocated placements within the NHS and other healthcare organisations within the UK.
The schedule of teaching and assessment has been developed to maximise your enjoyment and support during the programme. Through the provision of campus-based teaching we will provide an engaging and stimulating programme that helps you to maximise your learning and professional development in preparation for clinical practice.
When undertaking MSc research dissertations you'll be supported by a dedicated research supervisor. Depending on the nature of your project your research may be based within our dedicated research facilities or with a partner organisation.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Our academic team has specialists in every area of physiotherapy. Most of our academics currently work in hospitals and other clinical settings so they will be teaching you up-to-date scientific knowledge and patient-assessment skills.
Our lecturers are also active in research and often contribute to the development of professional guidelines so you know you’re being taught by practising physiotherapists with a high profile in the sector.
Our teaching approaches are diverse and you’ll benefit from lectures, tutorials, practical sessions (small groups), study guides and our computer-based learning packages.
By studying your postgraduate degree with us you'll be taught the most up-to-date clinical methods in a fast-moving field. Our team will teach you leading-edge research through practical experience.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
You will be assessed in a variety of different ways including written exams, practical vivas, practical exams, written assignments and your clinical placements.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
