BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy - Wrexham Univers

The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy program at Wrexham University is a 3-year course accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. It equips students with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional development necessary to work as qualified physiotherapists. Through a combination of teaching, clinical placements, and research, students learn to assess, manage, and promote physical, social, and psychological well-being. Graduates are eligible for initial registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy program at Wrexham University is a 3-year full-time course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work as a qualified physiotherapist. The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Objectives:

The program aims to prepare students to:

Work with individuals to identify and maximize their ability to move and function.
Promote, maintain, and restore physical, social, and psychological well-being.
Assess and manage individuals with a variety of clinical problems.

Description:

The program focuses on developing practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional development. Students will benefit from:

Teaching by skilled staff who are all registered Physiotherapists with specialist clinical interests.
Joint teaching sessions with Allied Health professional students.
Development of excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Professional and personal development through a combination of academic study and 1000 clinical hours on placement.

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4):

Building Physiotherapy Practice 1: Focuses on musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning using case scenarios and a patient-centered approach.
Foundations in Research: An interprofessional module that introduces critical appraisal of literature and academic writing.
Building Physiotherapy Practice 2 and Placement 1: Covers neurological physiotherapy assessment, public health, and includes a 4-week placement.
Foundations of Professional Practice: An interprofessional module exploring professional standards and values in preparation for clinical placement.

Year 2 (Level 5):

Evidence in Practice: An interprofessional module applying research process to create a research study proposal for Level 6.
Care of People with Complex Conditions: Covers a range of specialist conditions in various contexts and environments.
Developing Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice: Builds upon basic knowledge of cardiorespiratory practice to enhance assessment and management of patients with MSK conditions.
Developing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice: Builds upon basic knowledge of musculoskeletal practice to enhance assessment and management of patients with MSK conditions.
Developing Neurological Physiotherapy Practice: Builds upon basic knowledge of neurological practice to enhance assessment and management of patients with neurological conditions.
Professional Placement 2: A 7-week placement aimed at developing clinical skills.

Year 3 (Level 6):

Research for Practice: Applies the Level 5 research proposal through a dissertation written in journal publication format with a reflective piece.
Professional Placement 3: A 6-week placement focused on developing clinical skills.
Professional Placement 4: A 10-week placement focused on developing clinical skills.
Transition into Professional Practice: An interprofessional module equipping students with skills and knowledge to improve, reflect on their practice, and contribute to service delivery innovation and transformation.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary and include:

Written academic work.
Practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).
Placement pass/fail.
VIVA – verbal examinations.

Teaching:

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lecturer-led sessions, independent learning, and practical sessions.
Students are encouraged to attend all sessions and complete pre and post-sessional preparation work and self-directed study.
Wrexham University utilizes the Active Learning Framework (ALF) for flexible learning access.
Practical sessions are a key component of the program, allowing students to develop skills by applying theory in practice.
Students work in pairs, rotating roles as physiotherapist and service user.
Practical sessions include a consent process for undressing to shorts/underwear to facilitate assessment and treatment techniques.
Professionalism is emphasized in all aspects of the course, including adherence to uniform policy and safety procedures.

Careers:

Graduates are eligible to apply for initial registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Graduates find employment in the NHS, social services, third sector, private sector, sport, and overseas.

Other:

The main delivery site is the Wrexham campus with occasional interprofessional education sessions at the St Asaph campus.
Practical self-directed study can be accessed at both sites.
Students are encouraged to attend Wrexham University Open Day or Physiotherapy taster sessions.
All post-interview offers are conditional on a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Occupational Health Clearance.
The university offers workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-taking, and preparing for assignments.
The Inclusion team provides guidance and support for students requiring reasonable adjustments.
The Careers and Employability service assists students in finding work, further study, and exploring career interests.
Students that do not complete the approved program or exit with any aegrotat are not eligible to apply to the HCPC register and cannot practice as a physiotherapist.