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Physiotherapists use physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore wellbeing. As a student on this course, you will complete a range of modules and periods of practice placement. You will learn how to synthesise evidence from current practice and research to develop an in-depth critical knowledge and understanding of the physiotherapy profession. Furthermore, you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues within the provision of health and social care, and will be capable of demonstrating leadership in both personal and professional development.

Structure and exit awards

Currently 120 M-level credits, plus a further 240 credits at SCQF levels 9 and 10 but this is subject to change following revalidation.

You must complete the full MSc to be eligible to register with the .

Specific course structure and credit levels will be subject to change pending course revalidation which is to occur in the Spring of 2025. Completion of the new course will still result in a Masters in Physiotherapy and eligibility to register with the Health Care Professions Council. 

Teaching, learning and assessment

We use various innovative and creative methods of teaching throughout the modules to suit different learning styles and preferences some of these include bodypainting to consolidate anatomical knowledge and use of the simulation suite to practice ‘real-life’ scenarios before attending placement. A variety of assessment methods are used including written assignments, practical viva exams, presentations and reflective portfolios. Practice-based learning is a major component of the course, comprising more than 1,000 hours.

Placements

In your first semester you will complete a two-week introductory placement. At the end of Year One you will undertake a further two six-week placements. A third six-week placement will take place in semester 2 of Year Two. In the final semester, you will undertake a six-week placement and a five-week elective placement. Any additional travel and accommodation costs associated with placements will be borne by the student.

Placements will take place at various types of practice sites across Scotland and will be allocated by QMU with the exception of the five-week elective placement, which is arranged by the student.

Teaching hours and attendance

This is a full-time course and students are expected to be available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Students should expect to study for an average of 40 hours per week. Timetabled class contact is approximately 15-20 hours per week.

Specialist facilities

QMU offers a variety of modern spaces for use by both our Master of Physiotherapy (MPhys) and MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) courses. Two large practical rooms are utilized for teaching and development of clinical skills. Students have access to numerous anatomy models which are incorporated into their learning during practical sessions and can be used during self-directed study sessions.  Our physiotherapy students also utilize QMU's clinical simulation suite which is equipped to practice both hands-on skills and communication in a simulated real-life environment. The courses also have access to a motion analysis lab and human performance lab.

Class sizes

Normally there are around 60-75 students enrolling on the course each year across the two intakes.

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 are a combination of M-level and UG-level.

Year One:

• Foundations for Physiotherapy (40 credits): This module aims to apply your knowledge of anatomy and physiology as a foundation to physiotherapy practice and introduce basic physiotherapy observation and assessment skills. Students will develop problem solving and transferable skills to inform and to evaluate physiotherapy practice
• Preparing for Practice as an AHP (20 credits): This module aims to explore factors that shape and influence the provision of health and social care by the allied health professions.
• Rehabilitation Principles (20 credits): This module aims to develop understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required for physiotherapy in a rehabilitation context.  
• Neurological Physiotherapy (20 credits): This module aims to develop knowledge, clinical skills, practical skills and the ability to apply evidence for the safe, effective and evidence-based assessment and management of people living with neurological conditions in acute, rehabilitation and long-term management settings.  It also aims to explore the role and skills of the physiotherapist within the multidisciplinary team and selected environments outwith the hospital setting, in the management and rehabilitation of people with neurological disease.
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1 (20 credits): This module aims to develop your knowledge base and clinical skills necessary for effective assessment and management of people with neuro musculoskeletal health conditions of the upper and lower limbs, and neuro musculoskeletal spinal conditions. It also aims to develop your ability to assess and manage individuals with these health conditions, utilising an approach which is critically reasoned, reflective, person-centred and evidence-based.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (20 credits): The aims of this module are to develop your knowledge base and clinical skills for the safe, effective and evidence-based assessment and management of an individual with a cardiorespiratory condition/s in both the acute and rehabilitation setting. To develop a critical understanding of some of the psychosocial issues that influences the multi-disciplinary management of individuals with cardiorespiratory condition/s.  

Year Two:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2 (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop and enhance the student's ability to assess, clinically reason and plan management approaches for people with complex presentations of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice (20 credits): The aim of the module is to support  the learner to develop an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and to form reasoned conclusions and to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project., 
• Advancement of Clinical Management (20 credits): This module aims to provide learners with the opportunity to advance their knowledge, skills and practices in the multi-system assessment and management of different clinical populations within a biopsychosocial context.
• Public Health Practice for Physiotherapists (20 credits): The aim of the module is to develop a critical understanding of public health principles and theory and to integrate those principles into physiotherapy practice OR Leadership and Enterprise (20 credits): This module aims to critically evaluate the concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within the health and social care sector and explore opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and well-being.
• Masters' Research Project (40 credits)

Across the two years, you will complete 31 weeks of practice-based learning placements comprising over 1050 hours.

Please note that the modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change pending revalidation. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please check back here for updates.

The majority of graduates work as physiotherapists within the National Health Service, either in major hospitals or in the community. With further post-registration experience, graduates can choose to specialise in a particular area, which may include: sports, neurology, paediatrics, respiratory, orthopaedics or private practice. Some graduates choose to follow a research career path. A percentage of students on graduation will apply for overseas accreditation in countries such as Canada, Ireland and Australia.

Entry requirements

A second class honours degree in any discipline. However, where the undergraduate degree is not science or engineering based, applicants should be able to be able to demonstrate research skills. This may have been achieved through completion of a research project as part of the undergraduate degree.

This course is not suitable for those already holding a physiotherapy qualification. Applicants from North America will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum GPA equivalent to 60% in their undergraduate degree.

Demonstration of understanding of the scope of the physiotherapy profession is essential.

International: You will be required to take an IELTS test receiving an overall score of 7.0 and no individual component score below 6.5.

Other requirements

A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.

Other costs

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is the responsibility of the student. For more information on this, visit the PG 2025 fees page on our website.
• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs – please see PG 2025 fees page on our website.

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 QMU. 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

Home students: 31st January 2025 for both the September 2025 and January 2026 intake

International students: 31st January 2025 for both the September 2025 and January 2026 intake 

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).

Contact Anne Wysock (Programme Leader) or contact Admissions 

More information on our forthcoming open events

Information regarding whether the Scottish Government will continue funding for new places on the NHS Scotland Physiotherapy Funded Places Scheme 2025/26 has not yet been determined.

This course has been used to support Scottish students commencing the MSc (Pre-Registration) Physiotherapy courses at QMU and other Scottish universities.

More information regarding this course will be available closer to the 2025/2026 academic year. 

for more information. If you have any queries, you should contact the NHS directly.