BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

This year provides a grounding in the basic assessment of a patient across core areas in which physiotherapists work. It includes an introduction to professionalism, communication, clinical practice in the form of a placement and research. You will be learning along side Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science and Operating Department Practice Students.

MODULES

• Building Physiotherapy Practice 1: This module lays the foundations of musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning using case scenarios and a ‘whole-person’, patient centered approach.
• Foundations in Research: This module is taught as an interprofessional (IPE) module where the basics of critical appraisal of literature and academic writing are developed.
• Building Physiotherapy Practice 2 and Placement 1: This module lays the foundations of neurological physiotherapy assessment along with public health using case study scenarios to apply to clinical practice. This module also includes a 4-week placement.
• Foundations of Professional Practice: This module is taught as an IPE module where Professional standards and values are discussed and explored in preparation for clinical placement.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

This year builds upon knowledge and understanding in Level 4 to move towards management in core areas of physiotherapy including complex conditions and the development of evidence in practice.

MODULES

• Evidence in Practice: This module is taught as an IPE module where you apply your knowledge of the research process to create a research study proposal that will be carried out at Level 6.
• Care of People with Complex Conditions: This module draws together a range of specialist conditions and complex conditions in new contexts and environments that the student will encounter in practice and will equip the you with the skills necessary to critically evaluate conditions they may not have practically encountered previously.
• Developing Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice: This module builds upon basic knowledge of cardiorespiratory practice to further enhance assessment and management of patients with MSK conditions.
• Developing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice: This module builds upon basic knowledge of musculoskeletal practice to further enhance assessment and management of patients with MSK conditions.
• Developing Neurological Physiotherapy Practice: This module builds upon basic knowledge of neurological practice to further enhance assessment and management of patients with MSK conditions.
• Professional Placement 2: This 7-week placement aims to develop your skills in clinical practice whilst on placement. The placement is marked on a CSP created scoring system.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

This year culminates in a dissertation research project alongside applying knowledge in two large clinical placements and a transition to practice module.

MODULES

• Research for Practice: This module is the application of the Level 5 research proposal; a dissertation written in journal publication format in combination with a reflective piece.
• Professional Placement 3: This 6-week placement aims to develop your skills in clinical practice whilst on placement. The placement is marked on a CSP created scoring system.
• Professional Placement 4: This 10-week placement aims to develop your skills in clinical practice whilst on placement. The placement is marked on a CSP created scoring system.
• Transition into Professional Practice: This module will provide health care students with the necessary skills and knowledge of how to improve, reflect on the way they and the teams in which they work and deliver services; allowing innovation and transformation at every stage of their career. This is an IPE module.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Applications for this course are now closed for 24/25 entry

The academic requirements for the course are 120 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level with a minimum of grade B in Biological Science or Physical Education.

Qualifications equivalent to A Level will be taken into account, including (for example) 120 UCAS tariff points from an Access to HE Diploma or level 3 BTECs (Science or Health Studies).

We will expect applicants to normally have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSE passes (A*-C, or 9-4) to include Maths, Biological Science and English/Welsh (First Language).

Applications are considered individually and on merit, however, you must have:

• Recent (last 5 years) A Level or equivalent study.
• 120 UCAS tariff points (if you are a school leaver. Other qualifications that do not carry UCAS points can be taken into account for mature applicants).
• Experience of a health/social care/third sector settings whether in a voluntary or paid role.
• Attendance at Wrexham University Open Day or Physiotherapy taster session.

All post interview offers of a place on this degree will be conditional on a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In addition, any acceptance onto the course is subject to Occupational Health Clearance. 

Teaching & Assessment

The Physiotherapy degree is a full-time course (5 days a week needed for a combination of independent learning and lecturer-led sessions) and it is expected that you attend all sessions and complete all pre and post sessional preparation work and self-directed study. This allows you to gain the most possible from face-to-face teaching. 

Assessment is varied and is undertaken in the form of written academic work, practical objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), placement pass/fail and VIVA – verbal examinations. 

Teaching and learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Wrexham University utilises the Active Learning Framework (ALF) which allows students to access learning and teaching more flexibly at times that suit them. 

Practical Sessions

Practical sessions form an important part of the teaching and learning for physiotherapists, and develop the skills of how to do the job by putting the theory into practice.

You will usually work in pairs and will be encouraged to work with different student physiotherapists throughout their three years so that the skills and knowledge can be applied to different body types and genders.

You will take it in turn to be the physiotherapist and the service user. The student that is taking the role of service user will be required to undress down to shorts/underwear so the student that is in the role of physiotherapist can see, feel and move the service user’s body and apply a variety of physiotherapy techniques of assessment and treatment. 

You will be expected to give feedback to one another during practical sessions.

There is a consent process in place for practical sessions that will be provided at the commencement of study and each year thereafter.

Professionalism in all aspect of the course are extremely important and you will learn about what it is to be a professional early on in the learning and teaching.

Professionalism during practical sessions is pivotal as the clinical environment is being replicated and therefore consideration of themes such as health and safety and infection control will be adhered to. You will be expected to adhere to uniform policy and for example; wear your hair up, be bare below the elbows and wear your practical uniforms.

Career prospects

Our Careers and employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for initial registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Graduates will find employment in the NHS, social services and third sectors and will also have the opportunity to explore employment in the private sector, sport and overseas. 

Eligibility to practice as a Physiotherapist

On successful completion of the Physiotherapy degree programme, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 is on the HCPC Register, for more information, please see the HCPC website at www.hcpc-uk.org.

On successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Students that do not complete the approved programme or exit with any aegrotat do not have eligibility to apply to the HCPC register and cannot practice as a physiotherapist. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our Accommodation to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

Applications

Due to the high number of applications, this course is now closed for 2024/25 entry. If you wish to apply for 2025/26 entry, please apply through UCAS for 2025/26 entry when applications reopen in September 2024.

In the meantime, you may wish to consider our short courses.