This year provides the basis of the academic and practical skills required for professional practice, including:
- anatomy
- physiology
- common musculoskeletal conditions
- basic research skills
- personal and professional development
There are no placements in year one, as we focus on equipping you with the skills to undertake your first placement in year two.
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.
Continuing 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 we offer 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. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 04 May 2022.
The second year builds on the basic knowledge and practical skills acquired in year one.
You will start to consider more specialist areas, for instance:
- cardiorespiratory
- neurology
- long term complex conditions.
You will begin your supervised clinical practice. The first placement takes place in mid October/November of year two.
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.
Continuing 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 Development (spring)
This is a compulsory module for all students studying an MSc in the Department of Civil Engineering. The module facilitates the development of skills that can be applied within a research project, including a literature review and writing skills, development of technical research skills, initiating a review of literature generally relating to the design/research project which they will undertake in the summer research project, and developing a proposal for the activities to be conducted in the summer research project.
The module will incorporate a mixture of learning environments/resources, including a Nottingham Open Online Course (NOOC) relating to technical writing and literature review techniques, formative feedback provided by academic staff and other students, 2-week technical workshops organised within the Department of Civil Engineering which will provide technical training in areas of interest to the student or of specific benefit to the proposed project (two workshops to be completed, selected from a number of options), and interaction with an individual supervisor who will be a member of staff specialising in an area related to the student’s project.
- The form of assessment includes a report containing a literature review related to the subject area chosen by the student and a reflective commentary on how formative feedback was used in developing their writing
- submissions required as part of the technical workshops
- a presentation and viva which details the preliminary aims, objectives, methodology, programme of activities, resource plan, and project-level risk assessment for their summer project
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 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.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer 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. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
We offer a flexible approach to learning in year three, enabling you to select modules based on your study interests.
This choice also extends into one of the four clinical placements, where you can choose from a variety of special interests, which could include the following:
- paediatrics
- pelvic health
- adult learning disabilities
- mental health
- sports
- oncology
- rheumatology
Compulsory
Continuing 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 Dissertation
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 choose two optional modules undertaking one in each semester. As these modules are currently being redesigned and improved, we are unable to confirm exact details of titles and content. However, content will reflect staff expertise which includes population health, pre-hospital care, sport and exercise science, manual therapy, neurology and motor control, spinal rehabilitation and leadership. We will update this prospectus once these exciting new modules are confirmed.
The below list is not exhaustive but provides examples of optional modules:
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.
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 you with an understanding of human movement analysis. The module also aims to provide practical experience in measuring and analysing human movement using data collection equipment, while building on existing skills to evaluate critically the output of these tools and methods. The module aims to demonstrate the relevance of movement analysis to current clinical practice and explore it's use in a clinical or research setting.
The module will:
- 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.
Mental Health
During this module you will develop a broad based understanding of mental health disorders including issues relating to personal, social, cultural, ethical and legislative implications in healthcare. The module considers the aetiology, pathology and management of mental health/challenges related to anxiety, depression and dissociation, psychosis, dementia, substance dependency, suicide, eating disorders and self-harm.
Paediatric Care
The module aims to develop your understanding of specific concepts of the physiotherapeutic management of conditions encountered during childhood. It will build on the physiological and psychological aspects of orthopaedic, neurological and respiratory pathologies covered earlier in the programme, and consider both therapy management, alongside other healthcare professionals, and interdisciplinary working.
Rheumatology
This module further develops your understanding and knowledge of a range of rheumatological conditions. The nature, presentation and underlying pathophysiology is reviewed and the impact of rheumatological disease is discussed from a biopsychosocial viewpoint. The role of the multi-disciplinary team in the education and management of the patient is explored and physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment skills are developed.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer 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. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on