Overview
Our BSc Physiotherapy course is aimed at those who are committed to helping people promote, restore and maintain movement and function, whether this has been affected by injury, disability or illness, improving patients’ physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
The course prepares students in the areas of practice needed to work as a newly qualified physiotherapist. The key is patient focus, meaning students will be expected to exercise sound judgement in a variety of clinical situations, being able to evaluate and adapt their therapeutic skills to meet the needs of the individual patient.
Not only do physiotherapists treat physically, they are also involved with health promotion and illness prevention. As a science-based profession, practitioners aim to evaluate their practice continually and add to the current body of knowledge in order to provide the best possible care for patients.
The Division of Physiotherapy sits within the School of Health Sciences, which is a research active school and has its own dedicated Rehabilitation Research Group, led by Professor Avril Drummond. All of our teaching staff have expertise in the field, contributing to key module content, while many are also practicing physiotherapists.
Our physiotherapy course is ranked 3rd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2020.
Learning environments
The majority of teaching will take place in the Clinical Sciences Building at Nottingham City Hospital.
The Clinical Sciences Building is purpose-built and contains a 200-seat lecture theatre, a number of large lecture rooms, several smaller tutorial rooms and four practical rooms. These are stocked with all the equipment necessary for practical skills teaching, including:
- movement analysis equipment (e.g. cybex machine, force plates)
- electrotherapy (diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound and shortwave therapy)
- exercise based equipment including gym balls, weights and balance equipment
- manikins equipped for respiratory teaching (e.g. auscultation dolls, suction practice and CPR)
A human performance laboratory is also based on site and is used for the analysis of human movement and biomechanics. A smaller laboratory room can be used for nerve conduction studies, imaging ultrasound and upper limb movement analysis.
Location
Located approximately four miles from University Park Campus, Nottingham City Hospital is easily accessed by either the University hopper bus or the Medilink bus service from the Queen’s Medical Centre (adjacent to University Park Campus), so you will still be close to all the amenities on campus such as the Sports Centre and Students’ Union.
The City hospital has a wide range of regional and national centres, which contribute to both the academic and clinical teaching. These include:
- a burns and plastics unit
- a specialist renal unit
- cardiac/thoracic centre
Other campuses
Students also spend a portion of their time at the Queen’s Medical Centre hospital, Nottingham, where facilities include:
- a children’s hospital
- laboratories and dissection rooms in the School of Biomedical Sciences
- clinical skills suite
In addition, students make use of the Sports Village at our Jubilee Campus and the David Ross Sports Village on University Park, for teaching around exercise prescription and functional rehabilitation.
Sport at Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s leading universities for sport and is currently Sports University of the Year in the 2019 The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. We have one of the biggest portfolios of sports facilities in the country, including the brand new £40m David Ross Sports Village, which has seminar rooms, a sports injury clinic and a hydrotherapy pool to provide additional teaching and practical experience for physiotherapy students.
Find out more about the sporting facilities on offer in Nottingham.
Course Structure
Year one
The first year runs in conjunction with the University academic year. It consists of the welcome week, 24 weeks of timetabled theory and four assessment weeks.
This year provides the basis of the academic concepts and practical skills required for professional practice, including; anatomy, physiology, common musculoskeletal conditions, basic research skills and an introduction to professional development.
Two modules run throughout the course; one covers the basic principles of research, ending with a 6,500 word dissertation project, while the other includes aspects relating to personal and professional development, such as:
- skills for effective management of learning
- communication
- models of healthcare
- medical records/ethics
- personality
- behaviour
- life-long learning
There are no placements in year one, as the course focuses on skills training to equip students with the expertise necessary to undertake their first placement in year two.
Read more about our teaching methods, including a sample first year timetable.
Years two and three
Years two and three contain a total of 32 weeks of supervised clinical practice, split into eight four-week blocks in the core areas of physiotherapy. The first placement takes place in the November of year two.
The second year is about building on the basic knowledge and practical skills acquired in year one. Students start to consider more specialist areas, for instance, cardiorespiratory, neurology and long term complex conditions.
We pride ourselves on the flexible approach that we offer in year three, enabling you to select a course of study based on your interests. The choice available in the academic modules in year three also extends into one of the four clinical placements, where you can choose from a variety of special interests, including:
- paediatrics
- women's health
- adult learning disabilities
- mental health
- burns and plastics
- oncology
- rheumatology
Students also complete a dissertation in year three, which is particularly beneficial for those wishing to continue to postgraduate study.
Entry requirements
Whilst the majority of applicants offer traditional qualifications we are happy to consider non-traditional qualifications on an individual basis. These must be taken in relevant subjects and passed at an equivalent standard.
For individual advice, please make an enquiry.
Minimum requirements
GCSEs
Minimum of six subjects at grade 9-5 (A*-B) to include maths, English language and either biology or integrated/combined sciences.
Plus one of the following:
- A levels
- or BTEC National or Higher National Diploma
Understand how we show GCSE grades
A levels
AAB in three A levels, one of which must be in biology or physical education, or acceptable biological science (i.e. human biology). Applicants are required to pass the practical element of assessment in biology, chemistry and/or physics if assessed separately. General studies is not accepted.
Alternative qualifications
BTEC Higher National Diploma
- 16 units, majority in biology and the life sciences (please contact the division for guidance on acceptable HND qualifications)
- Merit > distinction profile (DDM)
BTEC National Diploma
- Sport and exercise science pathway only
- 18 units, distinction profile (DDD)
- Other BTEC diplomas are accepted at (DD profile) if accompanied by A level biology or physical education at grade B
Irish Leaving Certificate
- Five papers at Higher Level, taken at one sitting
- Minimum of AAABB
- to include maths, English and biology
Scottish Advanced
- AA to include biology/PE
- plus AABBB at Highers
International Baccalaureate
- 34 points, with 6 in biology
- Minimum of three subjects at Higher level, including biology
Qualifications for applicants considering a career change or return to academic study
Applicants who have had a break from education or are looking at a change in career are welcomed. Academic requirements are as follows:
Previous degree
2:1 in a relevant subject within the last three years (if in a non-relevant subject, or outside the three-year limit, contact us for advice).
Other previous academic suitability
Applicants who have not studied for three or more years but who would otherwise have been considered academically suitable must show evidence of recent study, usually one A level. This should be biology or physical education, unless previously achieved in which case we recommend sociology or psychology.
No previous academic suitability
Applicants who have no relevant academic qualifications, or failed to achieve the required grades, are expected to have a GCSE grade 4 (C) in maths and English language or equivalent, plus one of the following:
- A levels: two academic A levels (to include biology or physical education) at B grades.
- Access Diploma: science or health based; with a minimum of 24 credits in biology. Total of 60 credits are required with 45 passed at level 3. A minimum of 30 level 3 credits must be at distinction. For further information please contact the division.
- Open University qualifications: 30 points at Level 2, accrued within one year at Pass Grade 2. SK299 Human Biology is usually the accepted module. For further information please contact the division.
English language requirements
Physiotherapy students need to be fluent in the English language in order to both understand and complete the course and to communicate effectively with patients and members of the multidisciplinary team. For students whose first language is not English we require an IELTS score of 7.5 with no less than 7 in any element. Please note that a pass at GCSE English language with a grade 5 (B) or above will normally be regarded as meeting this requirement.
If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you can attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education (CELE), which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English. Successful students can progress onto their chosen degree course without taking IELTS again.
For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.
Flexible admissions policy
In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, The University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We consider applicants’ circumstances and broader achievements as part of the assessment process, but do not vary the offer from the grades advertised as a result of these. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.
Completing a UCAS form
All applications must be made through UCAS.
We do not normally consider late applications, after the mid-January deadline.
An excellent UCAS form includes:
- A strong academic profile with either traditional or non-traditional qualifications on offer
- A highly supportive reference (normally an academic reference)
- A personal statement which tells us all about the applicant
The personal statement is paramount in deciding who will be chosen to go forward for interview. We look for the applicant who knows what the profession involves in terms of actual work and has the traits and characteristics necessary in a physiotherapist.
Find out more about the admissions and offers process.
Work experience
Physiotherapy is a vocational degree and applicants need to be enthusiastic about the profession and sure in their own minds that they really want to be a physiotherapist.
We require you to undertake as much physiotherapy work experience as possible primarily within the NHS hospital and community settings before applying. Experience in other areas, such as special schools, private practice, sports clinics, and centres for the elderly will strengthen your application.
Without work experience it is likely that your application will be rejected.
Health and Criminal Records screening
All applicants are subject to satisfactory health screening, by Occupational Health, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before they can commence the course.
Deferred applications
We welcome applications from students wishing to take a gap year and encourage them to use the year creatively. Gap year students form 10-15% of each cohort.
Additional information
Study abroad
All students have the opportunity to spend three weeks on an international clinical elective placement. Students arrange their own placement and have the potential to go anywhere in the world, provided the country is deemed safe and you are supervised by a physiotherapist whose qualifications are recognised by a relevant Statutory Body, or Competent Authority.
Previous students have undertaken placements in India, Malaysia, Malawi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Uganda and the USA.
As the elective placement takes place in June during the third year, many students choose to do some travelling, or take a holiday at the end of their placement.
Further information about physiotherapy placements can be found on the placements section of the school website. We also have a Fees and Finance page.
Placements
Students gain a variety of clinical experience through eight four-week placements. These are designed to reinforce the academic course content, meaning our students are well prepared for the workplace with a whole range of skills.
Placement locations and areas of practice could include:
- outpatients (clinic or gym based)
- neurology (may include stroke rehabilitation)
- cardio respiratory (experience on intensive or high dependency units, community cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation)
- paediatrics
- oncology
- community
- inpatient elective
- trauma orthopaedics (either elective, trauma, or spinal)
Three out of four placements are local, and students are reimbursed for their travel costs. There is some flexibility with placement choices, as students complete a questionnaire detailing their preferences, though these cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that students are also required to self-fund any additional accommodation whilst on placement. At present this cost can be claimed back.
We work with certain trusts, including the fixed ones at:
- Queen’s Medical Centre
- City Hospital
- Royal Derby Hospital
- Kings Mill Hospital
There are also hospital trusts offering expertise further afield in Chesterfield, Lincoln and Leicester.
We have a clinical placements team who organise all placements for students and visit them whilst on placement, providing pastoral and clinical support. Visits generally take place midway and at the end of the placement, to coincide with the clinical educator mid/final assessment, though are available as often as required if a student needs further support.
Elective placement
Towards the end of the third year you are given the opportunity to undertake a three week elective placement.
Find out more under 'Study abroad'.
Year one
Modules are studied at level one during this teaching period and comprise:
Compulsory
Developing Evidence-Based Practice (research)
This module includes:
- introduction to the process of evidence based practice in a logical sequence and over the course of the year
- basic principles underpinning evidence-based practice
- development of skills and ability to use evidence to inform clinical decision making
- development of basic search strategies including; literature search, literature critique and application of literature to clinical practice
Teaching and learning delivery includes lectures, tutorials, library sessions, directed activities and a mini conference.
Pathophysiology 1 and 2
The module aims to prepare you with the underpinning knowledge of:
- basic tissue structures, specifically nerve and muscle tissue
- physiology of muscle contraction
- control of movement
- mechanisms of sensation (including pain)
Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, and laboratory-based sessions.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Disease
This module includes:
- mechanism of injuries to the musculoskeletal system
- pathology of disease e.g. developmental conditions, tumours, bone diseases
- healing and management of fractures
- healing and management of soft tissue injuries e.g. ligament, tendon and muscle injury
- pathology and management of rheumatological conditions e.g. osteoarthritis
This module teaching includes direct teacher contact, lectures and tutorials, directed study, clinical skills sessions and independent learning.
Neuromusculoskeletal Studies 1 and 2
This module will develop:
- a solid foundation of knowledge that relates to human structure, function and movement
- basic physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills
- promote an awareness of core physiotherapeutic concepts
- the focus is on the cervical spine and upper limb in semester one
- the focus is on the lumbar spine, hip, knee, foot and ankle in semester two
Teaching includes a variety of lecture and practical-based sessions, anatomy dissection and gym-based practical work.
Personal and Professional Development 1
This module will develop:
- effective study skills and management of your own learning
- the ability to integrate knowledge gained in different subject areas to assist future learning
- learning styles, reflection and development of strategies to facilitate independent learning
- topics include the physiological effects of illness or injury on an individual and the family, including quality of life
Teaching includes a variety of lecture and seminar-based sessions, interprofessional learning and independent study.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year two
Compulsory
Management of Cardiorespiratory Conditions (semester three only)
This module aims to:
- prepare you to manage patients with acute or chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease
- increase your knowledge of predisposing factors and the pathological processes of disease
- consider current management, treatment programmes and medication
- enable identification of a patients’ problem and select appropriate treatment methods
Teaching and learning delivery is through a variety of lecture and practical-based sessions.
Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions (semester three only)
This module will:
- develop your critical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills and concepts within assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions relevant to physiotherapy
- consider the use of therapeutic techniques such electrotherapy (TENS, ultrasound) in the management of soft tissue injuries and associated pain
- introduce hydrotherapy in the management of soft tissue injuries & associated pain
- promote professional conduct and the clinical responsibilities of the physiotherapist
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, seminars and practical classes.
Management of Neurological Conditions (year-long)
This module aims to:
- provide an insight into the natural ageing process
- consider the manner in which society regards the elderly both when in good health and when they are not
- focus on the pathology, progression and effects of neurological diseases and the possible strategies of care available to the elderly. Eg stroke, falls, Parkinson's disease
- identify patient problems and discuss how these might be addressed
Teaching includes the use of case studies, clinical reasoning and practical skills. The delivery is through a variety of lectures, seminars and practical clinic-based sessions.
Management of Long Term and Complex Conditions (year-long)
This module aims to:
- introduce the treatment and management of patients and carers with more complex conditions and problems
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical-based sessions, clinical sessions and independent learning. The module adopts a case study approach in the final semester.
Personal and Professional Development 2
This module aims to:
- build upon the theme of personal and professional communication and management introduced in year one
- focus on communication, specifically written medical records in advance of clinical placement
- consider professionalism and the development of personality
- identify the individual and consequence of behaviour
- promotes team work, leadership and management
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, group-based activities, interprofessional and independent learning.
Research Methods and Planning
This module aims to:
- promote interest and ability to identify potential areas and topics for research
- supports students in developing a particular research question
- consider how to select appropriate design and analysis in relation to research questions
- develop skills around the concept of statistical significance and hypothesis testing
- builds upon the data analysis and interpretation skills introduced in year one
Teaching is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminar and computer-based sessions.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Year three
Compulsory
Personal and Professional Development 3
This module aims to:
- continue to develop self-management which is established throughout the previous two years
- focus on independent learning and reflection to enable effective self-evaluation on academic and clinical performance
- consider and discuss historical and contemporary professional issues and how these might impact the role and responsibility of physiotherapists
- cover the construction of curriculum vitae, personal statements, application forms and interview skills in detail
Teaching delivery and learning includes both lecture and group seminar-based sessions. Case studies, inter-professional learning, and mock interviews are widely included.
Physiotherapy Project
Over the course of your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to produce a self-directed piece of work, supported by an academic supervisor throughout. You’ll chose an area of research worthy of investigation in the field of physiotherapy and perform a thorough examination through a long essay and a presentation of your project. This module is 100% self-directed although you will have scheduled progress meetings with your supervisor to keep you on track.
Optional
Students have the opportunity to select four optional modules throughout the third year of the programme. Option modules are delivered over six full days over a six week period.
Please note the below list is not exhaustive.
Exercise Science and Therapy
This module aims to:
- introduce the theoretical and practical elements of exercise physiology and biochemistry
- promote an understanding of the response of the human body to exercise
- promote an understanding of specific adaptations in the body to various forms of training
- focuses on a range of nutritional, psychological and exercise-based strategies used to improve human physical performance and health will be examined
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
Physical Activity for Health
This module aims to:
- develop effectiveness in health promotion and care provision
- increase awareness of the psychological and sociological perspectives of exercise and activity participation
- consider the definitions and descriptions of models of physical activity for health
- explore the benefits and barriers of exercise models for different target populations
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
Burns and Plastic Medicine
This module aims to:
- introduce the specialist area of burns and plastic surgery from a physiotherapy perspective
- include a specific emphasis on hand trauma
- consider the acute medical, surgical and therapeutic management of the patient
- consider the long-term rehabilitation with a focus on the prevention/reduction of deformities and contractures
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, group-based seminars, practical sessions and one clinic-based practice day.
Cardio-Respiratory
This module aims to:
- build on the knowledge and understanding of problems, presentation and therapeutic management of patients with cardio-respiratory disease
- consider the role of the physiotherapist as part of a multi-professional team in a variety of speciality areas such as burns, palliative care, cystic fibrosis and others
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, group-based seminars, practical sessions and clinic-based practice visits in the hospital and community.
Sports Medicine and Injuries
This module aims to:
- introduce the discipline of Sports Medicine
- promote an understanding of the role of the physiotherapist within the context of sport
- consider the roles and perspectives of various other members of the multidisciplinary team
- focus on the injuries and medical conditions in sport
- incorporate an evening visit to a professional sports facility to observe sports physiotherapy in practice
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
Analysis of Human Movement
This module aims to:
- provide an understanding of human movement analysis
- develop practical experience in measuring and analysing human movement
- utilise data collection equipment (force plates, muscle strength) and develop skills to critically evaluate these tools and methods
- consider the relevance of movement analysis to current physiotherapy practice
- explore the use of movement analysis in both the clinical and research settings
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
A Combined Approach to Rehabilitation of the Spine 1 and 2
This module aims to:
- focus on the lumbar spine and pelvis
- develop skills in the application and reasoning of anatomical, biomechanical and practical clinical approaches to the assessment and treatment of the spine
- explore the rationale, philosophy and practical techniques behind different treatment approaches
- utilise current evidence to underpin current practice within the field
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
Women's Health
This module aims to:
- introduce the discipline of women’s health
- develop an understanding of the changes that occur at various stages throughout a woman’s life
- develop an understanding of how changes may affect physical and psychological health
- explore issues around sexual health, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and inequalities in healthcare
- develop knowledge and understanding of current physiotherapeutic management of musculoskeletal problems associated with childbirth
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.
Neurorehabilitation
This module aims to:
- develop a greater insight into the problems and presentations of patients with disorders of the nervous system
- focus particularly on the areas of posture and balance
- build upon previous knowledge gained from both academic and clinical study in year two
- consider the physiological bases behind major concepts of treatment
- gain greater awareness of physiotherapeutic practice with patients with neurological conditions/disease
Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical and clinical based sessions.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer at the date of publication but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This prospectus may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Careers
By the end of the course you will have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of physiotherapy and will have extensive experience of relating theories to practice in your clinical placements. You will have developed skills in research, and spent considerable time on personal development.
In the UK, most physiotherapists work within the wide variety of specialities offered by the NHS, including:
- burns and plastics
- healthcare of the elderly
- maternity
- mental health
- neurology
- orthopaedics
- out-patients
- paediatrics
- respiratory
- women's health
However, there are many other settings open to you including research and academia, charitable organisations, industry, special schools, sports centres, the armed forces, social services and veterinary practices.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Average starting salary and career progression
A newly qualified physiotherapist working in the NHS can expect to be employed at Band 5 with a salary ranging from £23,023 up to £29,608*. With career progression and development there is the prospect of applying for senior clinical posts, for example, Band 6 specialist physiotherapist, Band 7 specialist physiotherapist/team leader, and Band 8 clinical specialist physiotherapist/advanced practitioner.
In 2017, 98.6% of undergraduates from the School of Health Sciences who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £22,000**.
* Correct as of 1 April 2018
** Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for work, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2019, High Fliers Research).
Fees and funding
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes around £30 for skeleton hire (please note skeleton hire is optional) and the costs of purchasing suitable sport clothing, such as trainers and swimwear, for practical sessions. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. Travel to your placements is self-funded and costs will vary depending on location.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Supporting promising athletes
Our range of sports scholarships are aimed at providing an unrivalled level of support to the brightest and best talents in the sporting world. We have four current sports scholarship packages as well as a range of specialist options. For full details, please see the sports scholarships webpage.
Additional course costs
Please visit our fees and finance page for physiotherapy for details of additional course costs (i.e. equipment).
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £2,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
International/EU students
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Excellence Scholarship is available for select students paying overseas fees who achieve 38 points or above in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. We also offer a range of High Achiever Prizes for students from selected countries, schools and colleges to help with the cost of tuition fees. Find out more about scholarships, fees and finance for international students.
Related courses
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.