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Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc (PGDip)

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Intro

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc – previously called the Rehabilitation Science (Physiotherapy) MSc – allows you to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This course is also approved by the professional body, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

It is ideal for graduates with related first degrees who wish to gain both a professional and academic qualification and start a career in this challenging and highly rewarding field.

This accelerated course follows an innovative problem-based learning approach with an emphasis on students active learning, engagement and practical application of skills and knowledge in the context of real-life situations. Through this balance of theory and practice experience you will graduate a capable and confident physiotherapist. 

Recognising that patients are at the heart of everything the NHS does, we have embedded the core values of the NHS Constitution — respect, dignity, compassion and collaboration — into our curriculum.

Our high quality teaching and research are renowned and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location 91¶¶Òõ: Falmer

Full-time 2 years

Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council, and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

This course is full for 2025

This means we are not accepting applications for September 2025.

Your next opportunity to start this course is September 2026 – online applications will open in October.

  • 3rd in the UK for physiotherapy courses – Guardian University Guide 2025

  • 8th in the UK and 2nd in the South East for physiotherapy courses – Complete University Guide 2025

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer and should be used as a general guide.

Degree and experience
Applicants are normally required to hold a first degree, or equivalent, gained in the last 10 years with a minimum of 2:1 classification in a related subject such as biological, biomedical, behavioural, sports, exercise or health sciences or health professional education other than physiotherapy.

Knowledge of the physiotherapy profession and experience of health or social care-related professional practice will be an advantage.

EU and International students must have equivalent qualifications and English language qualification in line with university regulations for postgraduate studies and HCPC requirements.

Entry to the course is conditional upon satisfactory clearance; enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. 

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no element below 6.5; or equivalent qualification. 

Interviews
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an online interview. 

We have limited places so it is advisable to apply early to be considered. If you receive an offer you will have four weeks to accept it. After this point we may offer your place to another candidate.

Make sure that you submit your final transcript, evidence of any physiotherapy work experience and two references.

Occupational health screening and vaccinations
You will need to complete an occupational health screening and we strongly encourage that you get all of the required vaccinations. Particular vaccinations are a requirement of certain NHS placement providers and are in place to protect you and the patients. Without the appropriate vaccinations you will not be able to undertake some placements – and this may impact on your ability to complete your course. The list of required vaccinations is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your studies.

Deferred applications
We are not able to accept applications for deferred entry onto this course. If you wish to apply for a later year of entry, we recommend waiting until the admissions cycle for that year opens – this is usually in October of each year.

We embrace diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who form part of minority groups.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

In allied health professions, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy, 100% of our research environment is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Course content

Course structure

This intensive programme runs over 45 weeks per year for two years. Your time on the course will be balanced between campus-based study and clinical practice.

The course begins in September and consists of five campus-based modules and five practice modules. Year 1 is mainly campus-based and year 2 predominantly involves practice placements alongside the campus-based Research Dissertation Studies.

The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via problem-based tutorials, subject specialist resource sessions, skills workshops and simulation in our Clinical Skills and Simulation Rooms.

Completion of the Project Studies module and the submission of a dissertation lead to the masters award.

As a student on this course you’ll also get to participate in – hour-long sessions where students come together to listen to stories and share reflections in a supportive and confidential environment. The sessions offer the opportunity to reflect on the emotional aspects of clinical practice and are designed to support students and recent graduates working in complex settings.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through .

Physio students with lecturer

Syllabus

Your study will focus on real-life situations, integrating subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutic skills, behavioural sciences and research methods.

Modules

  • Practice Placement 1

    This placement module consists of six weeks practical experience and focuses on the development of your knowledge, skills and attitudes in a diverse range of practice settings. During the placement, you will have the opportunity to apply your previous learning, taking into consideration the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Physiotherapy in Health and Rehabilitation

    In this module you will develop high standards of clinical professionalism and behaviour and explore your role in health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation in health and social care across the four pillars of practice: clinical practice, education, leadership and research. You will also learn general fundamental assessment and treatment skills in preparation for your clinical placement.

  • Practice Placement 2

    This placement module enables you to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ve gained in the course to work with service users and professional colleagues in a wide range of contemporary practice settings, considering the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research. You will also be able to reflect on and evaluate your practice in a health and social care setting.

  • Neurological Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy Practice

    In this module you will develop and integrate your knowledge and understanding of the four pillars of physiotherapy practice – clinical, leadership, education and research – in the context of neurological rehabilitation. You will learn to discuss, plan, implement and evaluate assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion options for the health and wellbeing of people with neurological conditions in a range of health and social care contexts.

  • Musculoskeletal Management in Physiotherapy Practice

    In this module you will develop, integrate and synthesise knowledge, skills, understanding and critical evaluation of physiotherapy practice for people with musculoskeletal dysfunction and concerns across the four pillars of practice: clinical practice, education, leadership and research. It will prepare you to provide collaborative, personalised care across the life span and in a variety of health and social contexts.

  • Cardiorespiratory Management in Physiotherapy Practice

    This module prepares you to plan and develop assessment and management skills for people with acute and chronic cardiorespiratory symptoms using evidence-based clinical reasoning. You will employ your knowledge and understanding of physiotherapy practice in cardiorespiratory management across the lifespan and the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Practice Placement 3

    This is a six-week placement which will enhance your knowledge, skills and attitudes within a diverse range of practice settings. It will give you the chance to develop flexible interpersonal skills and to approach working with service users, patients and colleagues in a holistic way. You will draw on your prior learning and consider the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Practice Placement 4

    This six-week placement will enable you to focus on developing your knowledge, skills and attitudes in a diverse range of practice settings. You will get the opportunity to apply your prior learning to practice, taking into consideration the four pillars of practice, and to reflect on and evaluate your practice and that of others in an ever changing health and social care environment.

  • Practice Placement 5

    This module gives you six weeks of practical experience in a diverse range of practice settings and focuses the development of your knowledge, skills and attitudes. Drawing on your previous learning, you will consider the four pillars of practice – clinical, education, leadership and research – and develop flexible interpersonal skills to work holistically with service users, patients and colleagues.

  • Research

    This module offers you the opportunity to undertake an extended and in-depth piece of independent research focusing on contemporary physiotherapy theory and practice. It aims to further develop the reflection, original thinking and problem-solving skills required to develop new procedures and integrate knowledge from different fields.

students practising physio on shoulders

Facilities

As a physiotherapy student you will use specialist facilities which will include:

  • a physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation gym with the latest technology to measure and assess all aspects of human movement, joints, muscles, soft tissue structure and nerves
  • physiotherapy suites with consultation and physio rooms so you can hone your practical physiotherapy skills alongside other students
  • a virtual anatomy lab that houses our 3D anatomy visualisation table.

You can view our facilities when you visit us. You can also get a feel for them by taking a tour, watching the short video and checking out our Falmer campus information.

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Problem-based learning

Our educational philosophy mirrors the philosophy of physiotherapy. We believe that an individual's positive engagement in learning activity leads to advanced productivity, increased perception of self-worth, improved quality of life and enjoyment of the course.

Our courses use problem-based learning (PBL), a technique recommended by authorities around the world. All subjects covered are integrated around problem-solving within a real life situation. We find that learning in this way significantly increases our students’ engagement with the subjects.

Advantages of the problem-based learning approach are:

  • Students report that they feel more motivated to learn theoretical knowledge as they can see where they can apply it to real-world situations

  • Teamwork and improved communication skills are developed, as students share their expertise and rationale behind their potential solutions

  • Students find they are more confidently able to search for information from a wider range of sources, such as journals, textbooks and the internet, and take more responsibility for learning independently

  • It encourages deeper learning, as it focuses on activities and activating knowledge in practice contexts, rather than traditional rote memory recall in a predominantly classroom-based context.

Meet the team 

Dr Nicola Allen, Course Leader

Dr Nicola Allen is the course leader for the Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) MSc/PGDip course. She completed her MSc in Physiotherapy at the 91¶¶Òõ and her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Sussex. She has experience working as a physiotherapist in the NHS in community teams and in amputee rehabilitation.

Nicola has worked as a lecturer in physiotherapy at the 91¶¶Òõ since 2019. She teaches across a range of courses including Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc/PGDip, Physiotherapy BSc, Physiotherapist Degree Apprenticeship and post-registration modules.

Nicola also leads pre-registration modules in anatomy and physiology. Nicola is an advocate for interactive learning and problem-based learning (PBL) which underpins the Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) MSc/PGDip course. Nicola has various research interests which include neurological rehabilitation, amputee rehabilitation and interprofessional education.

Other key members of the team

  •  

  • (placement lead)

Nicola Allen

More about this subject at 91¶¶Òõ

Careers

This professional course prepares you to work as a chartered physiotherapist in the UK, with professional and portfolio development running from course start to finish.

Graduates are equipped for careers in the NHS and the private health sector, both in the UK and abroad.

Many graduates secure employment in the local area by developing networks through their placements.

After a period of work experience, you will also be given the opportunity to progress to PhD research programmes and contribute to the evidence base of the profession.

Want to know more about being an allied health professional?

The Springpod virtual work experience programme offers the opportunity for anyone aged 14-25 to learn more about a career as an allied health professional. You’ll develop key skills for the profession, hear from NHS professionals about their day-to-day work, complete assignments and join live workshops. Find out more about the .

male lecturer doing a demo in the physiotherapy suite

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK full-time) 9,535 GBP

International (full-time) 18,900 GBP

Additional funding support

UK students studying nursing, midwifery and some allied health professions subjects receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year. Find out more on the .

Funding information

This course is eligible for funding via the Student Loans Company under the same terms and conditions as undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans.

Where your course includes a placement, travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund. Additional financial support may available from the NHS.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

  • Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international postgraduate students
  • Student finance and budgeting while studying
  • About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and (pdf).

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our allied health professions students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What's included in your tuition fee

  • An initial set of specialist uniforms where appropriate.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks.
  • Where health course includes a placement: UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by .
  • Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies. See the for an up-to-date list of key subject journals and databases.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.

Additional course costs

  • Where health course includes a placement: Overseas students are not covered by the NHS learning support fund. This means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.   
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.   
  • Many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from 91¶¶Òõ city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects including education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. 91¶¶Òõ & Hove Albion’s Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the Students’ Union shop and bar.

The campus has extensive sport and leisure facilities including a fitness suite, swimming pool, outdoor grass football and rugby pitches, sports hall, tennis and badminton courts, and dance and spin studios.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students, and labs and a strength and conditioning suite used by sport students. We’ve recently redeveloped the Falmer campus – learn more about the many facilities our students have access to.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine-minute journey to central 91¶¶Òõ.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you apply for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

91¶¶Òõ: Falmer

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

student outside the sport and health complex at Falmer

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“91¶¶Òõ has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About 91¶¶Òõ

The 91¶¶Òõ is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. 91¶¶Òõ is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the 91¶¶Òõ Festival, the Fringe, 91¶¶Òõ Digital Festival, 91¶¶Òõ Science Festival, the London to 91¶¶Òõ bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the 91¶¶Òõ Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in 91¶¶Òõ enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from 91¶¶Òõ to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from 91¶¶Òõ
91¶¶Òõ Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our 91¶¶Òõ Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at 91¶¶Òõ

Sport 91¶¶Òõ

Sport 91¶¶Òõ brings together our sport and recreation services. As a 91¶¶Òõ student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

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Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

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Take a tour of sport facilities on our Falmer campus

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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