MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice

Program Overview

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This clinically focused MSc program in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice enhances physiotherapists' clinical reasoning, assessment, and treatment skills in cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy. It emphasizes hands-on learning, evidence-based practice, and leadership development, preparing graduates for advanced clinical roles, research, or entrepreneurial ventures in the physiotherapy field.

Program Outline

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Extracted Information from MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• This clinically focused course aims to help qualified physiotherapists develop their reasoning skills to a higher level for their practice.
• It provides opportunities to develop assessment, clinical reasoning, and treatment skills in the three core areas of physiotherapy: cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy.
• It aims to improve graduates' employability by enhancing clinical reasoning, management, and leadership skills.
• It offers opportunities to develop and practice clinical skills in an environment that closely resembles real-life clinical practice.
• The course is designed to help students achieve the key features of expertise, such as having a well-founded theoretical base, understanding the complexity of human response, and possessing clinical problem-solving skills.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Enhance knowledge and skills in specific areas of physiotherapy practice.
• Promote evidence-based practice through critical appraisal of research and literature.
• Advance communication, leadership, and management skills.
• Prepare graduates for further research and/or clinical practice at an advanced level.

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Description:

• This program focuses on developing graduates' ability to analyze complex clinical situations, make sound decisions, and implement effective interventions for patients with a wide range of conditions.
• It emphasizes hands-on learning in clinical skills labs, simulation suites, and real-world clinical placements.
• Students are taught by experienced and qualified physiotherapists who are actively involved in research and clinical practice.
• The program also fosters self-directed learning and encourages students to take ownership of their professional development.

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Other:

• This course was ranked 1st in the UK for Physiotherapy in the 2023 National Student Survey.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics related to advanced physiotherapy practice, including:
• Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Neurological physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
• Research methods and design
• Evidence-based practice
• Professional and ethical issues
• Leadership and management

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Program Structure:

• The program is offered as a full-time course over one year.
• It is comprised of a combination of taught modules and a dissertation project.
• Students typically attend three to six hours of face-to-face teaching per week, supplemented by online learning resources and self-directed study.

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Course Schedule:

• The program runs from May to May each year.
• The taught modules are typically delivered in blocks of two to three weeks, with each block focusing on a specific topic area.
• Students complete their dissertation project during the final semester of the program.

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Individual Modules:

• Advancing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on the theoretical and clinical aspects of manual therapy, assessment, and management of musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• Research, Methodology, Design, and Methods (20 credits): This module provides an overview of research design and methodology in healthcare, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice.
• Evidence-based Practice (20 credits): This module explores the principles and application of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy.
• Developing Expertise in Professional Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on the concept of expertise in physiotherapy and how it can be developed through reflective practice and lifelong learning.
• Advancing Neurological Physiotherapy Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on the assessment and management of patients with neurological conditions, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
• Advancing Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on the assessment and management of patients with cardiorespiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.
• Entrepreneurial Practice (10 credits): This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to become effective leaders and entrepreneurs in their chosen field.
• Master's Dissertation Physiotherapy (50 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a topic of their choice related to physiotherapy practice.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Essays
• Presentations
• Reports
• Critical appraisals
• Dissertation
• Vivas

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are graded based on criteria that are specific to each module.
These criteria typically focus on students' ability to:
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter
• Apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form
• Critically analyze research and evidence
• Reflect on their own practice and identify areas for improvement

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practical workshops
• Clinical placements

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified physiotherapists who are active researchers and clinicians.
• The faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and supporting them in achieving their academic and professional goals.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with online learning resources.
• Students have access to clinical skills labs, simulation suites, and real-world clinical placements, allowing them to practice their skills in a realistic setting.
• The program emphasizes self-directed learning and encourages students to take ownership of their professional development.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
• Advanced clinical physiotherapy
• Research and academia
• Teaching
• Leadership and management positions in healthcare settings
• Independent practice

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Opportunities:

• This program prepares graduates for a variety of opportunities in the physiotherapy field.
• Graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced clinical roles, conduct research, or pursue careers in education or leadership.
• The program also helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful entrepreneurs in the physiotherapy field.

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Other:

• Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
• The program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring that graduates meet the required professional standards.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £11,200 per year
• £18,600 per year without EU support bursary
• International: £18,600 per year
• Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services.
There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees: Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.