Program Overview
The Physiotherapy programme at the University of Liverpool provides students with the skills and experience to excel as physiotherapists in modern healthcare settings. Through a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic study and practical experience, the programme emphasizes patient assessment, treatment, independent clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for HCPC and CSP membership, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in various healthcare environments, from NHS to private practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Our Physiotherapy programme is a modern, thought-provoking programme that enables students to develop the skills and experience to flourish as a physiotherapist in the modern healthcare environment. A broad range of learning opportunities ensures that learning is accessible to students expressing different learning styles and preferences. Alongside academic and professional skills you will gain an excellent range of practical experience in a wide range of settings. The programme at Liverpool will encourage you to become independent, resourceful and able to meet the exciting challenges of healthcare today. Alongside academic and professional skills you will gain an excellent range of practical experience in a wide range of settings. The programme at Liverpool will encourage you to become independent, resourceful and able to meet the exciting challenges of healthcare today. The programme adopts a modular approach to the delivery of content. It incorporates both university taught and practice-based components which have been designed together as an integrated whole. Key transferable skills are embedded into the curriculum at every level so that individuals are equipped to effectively manage their personal and professional development following graduation.
Outline:
Year One
First year studies provide a foundation to profession specific practical skills and core knowledge, primarily focussing on the structure and function of tissues found within the human body. During first year, we enable students to develop their independent learning strategies as well as their teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills. Key themes include:
- Principle mechanisms underlying healing and repair
- Physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological systems
- Movement analysis skills
- Evidence-based practice
- Scientific principles of research.
Compulsory Modules:
- Foundations of Anatomy and Clinical Practice (PHTY140): This 15 credit module (level 4) is designed to introduce some of the core knowledge and practical skills that underpin physiotherapy practice. Similarly, basic handling skills are fundamental to all fields of physiotherapy practice. The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of eLectures, tutorials and practical classes. Theoretical content will be delivered by eLectures but tutorials will support this material and assist the student with their understanding. Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen written examination to assess the theoretical components and continuous assessment during practical sessions will be used to assess competency.
- The Human Musculoskeletal System 1 (PHTY141): This 15 credit module is the first of two, level 4 modules that focus on musculoskeletal anatomy. The module is designed to equip students with detailed knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. The content of the module includes the normal structure and function of anatomy with a focus on the lower limb, lumbar spine and pelvis. The module uses a blended learning approach, utilising digital media and e-lectures prior to attending practical classes. Students will also have access to bones and digital resources during practical sessions to illustrate key anatomical features and consolidate learning. Essential physiotherapy practical skills will be developed including the skills of palpation and physical assessment. Achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen practical examination which tests practical skills and theoretical knowledge
- The Human Cardiorespiratory System (PHTY142): This 15 credit (level 4) module provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Students will work in tutorial groups to discuss aspects of cardiorespiratory structure and function and relate this to a patient scenario. There will also be a practical opportunity to learn core cardiorespiratory assessment skills relevant to physiotherapy practice. Achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen written examination consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.
- Shaping the Professional 1 (PHTY143): Shaping the Professional1 is the first of four personal professional development modules that you will complete within the programme which are part of Shaping the Professional Theme. Designed specifically for level 4, this 15-credit module spans both semesters within the first year of study. Semester 1 will focus on supporting the effective transition to university. The skills required for successful, self-directed, adult learning will be addressed. Through a series of interactive workshops, students will be guided to access and navigate the online resources and academic support available. Strategies for managing stress and for building resilience will be explored within interprofessional tutorial groups. This shared learning experience also provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of other healthcare professionals and introduce the importance of diversity and inclusion within practice. In semester 2 the concept of ‘professionalism’ will be explored with reference to professional standards and registration. A specific focus on professional communication incorporates practical opportunities to develop communication strategies through interactions with peers, actors and service users. A one-week “orientation to clinical practice” placement draws the themes of the module together, enabling students to engage in, observe and reflect on professional interactions within practice settings. Working in partnership, the tutor and student will periodically evaluate academic progress and devise personal development action plans. Using an E-Portfolio toolkit you will be shown how to: plan and prepare for learning, record and reflect on their learning experiences, collect and curate evidence of their development.
- Research and Development 1 (PHTY144): This is the first module in the Research and Development Theme. The 15 credit module will introduce the concepts underpinning evidence based practice and research methodologies and their practical application in physiotherapy practice. Students will be encouraged to discuss experimental and non experimental designs and the associated ethical considerations. This module is delivered by key note lectures introducing key concepts, e-lectures which will inform small group discussions. This module will be assessed by a group presentation at the end of semester one and a written assignment at the end of semester two. Formative opportunities will be available both semesters. On completion of the module, students will have the required knowledge to inform the Level 5 Research module.
- The Human Musculoskeletal System 2 (PHTY145): This 15 credit module is the second of two, level 4 modules that focus on musculoskeletal anatomy. The module is designed to equip students with detailed knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. The content of the module includes the normal structure and function of anatomy with a focus on the upper limb, cervical and thoracic spine. The module uses a blended learning approach, utilising digital media and e-lectures prior to attending practical classes. Students will also have access to bones and digital resources during practical sessions to illustrate key anatomical features and consolidate learning. Essential physiotherapy practical skills will be developed including the skills of palpation and physical assessment. Achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen practical examination which tests practical skills and theoretical knowledge
- The Human Central Nervous System (PHTY146): This 15 credit (level 4) module provides an introduction to the functional neuroanatomy and physiology of the human nervous system. Working in facilitated tutorial groups students will learn about the normal structure and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, focusing specifically on sensory-motor control of human movement. Students will agree weekly learning objectives to direct further enquiry. In addition, there will be a practical opportunity to learn basic neurological assessment skills relevant to practice. Achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen written examination consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.
- Exercise for Health 1 (PHTY147): Exercise for health is the first of three exercise focused modules within the physiotherapy programme. This 15 credit module is designed for year 1 and occurs during semester 2. A range of different types of exercise and activity will be discussed including exercising in water. The students will have the opportunity to consider the theoretical concepts of strengthening and conditioning as well as practical techniques by experiencing the applied theory to situation involving exercise and activity. This will link with the university sport centre and the gym equipment available. An introduction and awareness of public health agenda and the role of activity and exercise will be included to provide the wider context of activity related to health across the lifespan and in various patient groups. The students will be able to understand and describing pain and the relationship of pain to activity. This will ensure that they understand one of the key barriers to activity and exercise. The neuroanatomy of pain and role of pain modulation will be introduced. Therefore providing the link between this key area of physiotherapy management and the core patient clinical areas. This module will use scenario-based teaching and delivered through a combination of face-to-face activities and online learning: Case based learning, E-lectures/lectures, Small group tutorials, Practical classes. The assessment will focus on both the theoretical understand as well as the practical application of exercise prescription via an OSPE using patient-focused scenario’s.
Year Two
In year two, you will continue to grow your skills and knowledge through academic study and practical experience with a particular emphasis placed on pathology. Key themes include:
- Patient assessments
- Patient treatment and management
- The development of an independent approach to clinical reasoning, problem solving and reflective practice in the modern healthcare setting.
Year Three
Your final year will be dedicated to the development of advanced skills and techniques, and the ability needed to apply them in practice. In third year, we will:
- Promote greater responsibility of self-management, clinical reasoning and decision making in relation to patient management
- Promote a critical awareness of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy
- Enhance your awareness of the scope and limits of physiotherapy practice
- Provide opportunities for in-depth, independent study of a specific area of practice.
Assessment:
Using a mixture of coursework and examinations, a range of assessment methods are used across this programme. These include seen and unseen written examinations, essay assignments with specific word lengths, multiple choice questions, case study presentations, video analysis and interactive practical examinations. Assessment of the work-based learning element of all programmes is an important aspect. You will be required to communicate your views orally and in written form; analyse, implement and evaluate your practice; and to extend the research and evidence base of your chosen profession. Learning is promoted through a wide variety of activities that enable students to become autonomous and continuous learners, using a broad range of learning opportunities to allow students to expressing different learning styles and preferences. Interactive lectures, practical and clinical skills group work, simulation, directed study, role play, problem based learning, small group work, student-led seminars, collaborative project work and interactive tutorials will all prove to be key components of your learning experience. Face-to-face interactions between all students will occur at shared lectures, tutorials and group work and online interaction will be encouraged and facilitated. We also encourage inter-professional learning opportunities which mirror the modern, collaborative environments of the modern healthcare industry.
Careers:
A Physiotherapy degree from the University of Liverpool can set you up for a rewarding and challenging career in a diverse range of professional environments. Physiotherapy graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Many graduates find employment in the NHS, in industry, private practice, sport, research or teaching. There are many employment opportunities for physiotherapists to work in a wide range of clinical settings, from paediatrics to older persons’ care. Your UK qualification also provides an opportunity to work abroad in many countries. You’ll be taught a curriculum that is developed and assessed by leading healthcare providers, such as:
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Rosemere Cancer Centre
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
- Whiston Hospital
- Aintree and Walton Centre for Neurology
- Arrowe Park Hospital, Royal Preston Hospital
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust. Many such partners across the North West provide you with exciting placement opportunities. 99% of School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing’s students find their main activity after graduation meaningful. Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Other:
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens. Physiotherapy students benefit from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing‘s experience in delivering over 100 years of dynamic, research-led teaching. From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year abroad fee £13,600
