Advancing Practice in Physiotherapy - MSc/PgDip
Are you a qualified practicing physiotherapist who wants to advance your practice? As part of our Advancing Practice in Health Framework, the fully online MSc/PgDip in Advancing Practice in Physiotherapy pathway aims to facilitate the knowledge and skills required for the development of advanced physiotherapy practice.
There are learning opportunities in areas such as fundamentals of advancing practice, critical analysis, evaluation and research methodologies, as well as clinical competency workplace modules.
This is a part-time course that is delivered fully online. As the online teaching is asynchronous (ie not delivered in real time), it is suited to you whatever time zone you live in and whatever your working hours.
A full-time in-person MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice course is also available to study.
Please note that this course is going through a routine re-validation process over the next year and that any changes to course content arising will be reflected on this web page.
Why ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ?
- Educationally and practice-relevant postgraduate framework: This award will enable those working as a physiotherapist to develop their knowledge and skills and advance their practice.
- Flexible study options: The course offers flexibility that is responsive to individual needs and today’s culture of work and learning. Single module study is also available.
- Multi-professional learning and cross institutional input: Based on a model of collaborative multi-professional learning and housed in ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ's Division of Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Radiography, the Framework also offers opportunities to draw on expertise across the University on subjects such as leadership, social science and education.
- Make a difference to people’s lives: Framework modules will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and contribute to the health of our nation and beyond.
- Theoretical and practically focused: Learning and teaching is underpinned by research, evidence and scholarship against the background of the current and evolving political and social landscape for health and wellbeing.
Advancing Practice in Physiotherapy (MSc/PgDip ): More information and what you will achieve
This course will allow you to advance your practice in your chosen field. The learner-centred approach enables individuals to tailor their learning to their interest, requirements and career pathway aspirations.
How will I be taught?
Structure and exit awards
You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits).
You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Lyndsey Ackerman for further information on single module study.
Teaching, learning and assessment
All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.
There are a variety of assessment methods including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.
Teaching hours and attendance
No on-campus attendance is required at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate with approximately 200 hours of study, which will include regular online contact and independent experiential learning.
Class sizes
You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.
Teaching staff
You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.
Modules
You will study the following modules:
- Advanced Competencies I & II (20/40 credits)*:These modules enable you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work.
- Demonstrating Impact in Practice (20 credits)*:This module will enable learners to advance their practice by demonstrating sustainable impact in practice at a service, project or community level.
- Enquiry-based Practice (20 credits):This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
- Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice.
- plus an optional module (20 credits) from any approved Framework modules.
For the MSc, you will also complete a Dissertation (60 credits).
*These modules require individuals to be working in the specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).
NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change pending revalidation. In the event that modules change, ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.
Careers
All modules will provide learners with enhanced career progression opportunities in leadership roles or within their specialist field of practice.
Advancing Practice in Physiotherapy (MSc/PgDip ): Entry requirements and application information
Entry requirements
Honours degree and professional registration or equivalent in physiotherapy.
International students:
- You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
- Please note as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on Student visa.
Other requirements
Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or have access to a suitable work place setting along with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.
For applicants thinking of studying full-time we strongly recommend you contact the Pathway Lead for an initial discussion.
Disability/health conditions
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.
Applying for this course
For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.
Application deadline
Typically December for a January start and August for a September start.
Terms and Conditions
The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
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