BSc (Hons) PHYSIOTHERAPY

UK Fees

£9250

Int. Fees

£16900

Overview

Due to high demand, this course is closed to new applications for 2024 entry. You might instead be interested in Sport Rehabilitation, Chiropractic, Adult Nursing or Sport & Exercise Science.

Take the next step towards an exciting physiotherapy career. Make your mark on the competitive professional field by becoming a reflective, resourceful physiotherapist prepared for a fast-moving healthcare environment. You’ll learn in both theoretical and practical settings, with 30 weeks of clinical placement in a variety of health settings allowing you to put your skills to practice. This course is an excellent platform for a successful future in physiotherapy, following the best practices of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s vision.

At the end of your studies you will be ready to practice as a physiotherapist, or you can choose to continue your studies and accelerate your career by completing our studies and accelerate your career by completing our exciting Integrated Masters in Physiotherapy.

Why Physiotherapy at LSBU?

Ranked 4th amongst London modern competitors for Overall Score in Physiotherapy (Complete University Guide 2023).
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Exciting work experience opportunities – we work closely with many of London's internationally renowned teaching hospitals, Community Trusts and services, where you can gain clinical experience.
Our dedicated facilities include clinical skills labs and outstanding virtual learning environments on campus – as well as access to the gym facilities within the Academy of Sport.
Our excellent staff members are experts in their respective fields.
LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration3 years Start dateSeptember Application codeB160 Application method UCAS

Course Accreditations

  • HCPC

  • CSP

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

  • A Level ABB, including at  least 2 Science subjects or:
  • BTEC National Diploma DDM in Science, or:
  • Access to HE Diploma in Science with 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits or:
  • Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 128UCAS points
  • Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths, Science and English, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

English language

If your first language is not English you must have the following minimum International English Language Test Score (IELTS) results at the time of applying:

  • 7.0 overall or equivalent
  • 7.0 in the listening and reading sections
  • 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections

Interviews

If your initial application to a Health and Social Care course is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview.

The interview is an opportunity to explain face-to-face why you are the right student for the course. As a result of the ever-changing situation in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our selection interview days on campus will be replaced with telephone or virtual interviews.

The telephone interview will be used to assess your suitability for the course and to ensure that you meet the necessary academic and skills required for the course you have chosen. You will be asked to consider realistic scenarios related to elements of health care practice or the core NHS values.

Visit our interview page for information on preparing for the day and what to bring. Please note: there is no written component to the Physiotherapy interview.

Foundation Year

If you have been out of study for a considerable amount of time or have slightly missed the entry requirements this course, you can take your first steps to becoming a registered practitioner with our Health and Social Care Foundation year. Boost your qualifications and confidence for further study with this one-year introductory course and on completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry on to one of our 13 health BSc pre-registration health and social care degrees.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

United Kingdom

£9250

Tuition fees for home students

International

£16900

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Full-time

    full-time

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25
    UK fee: £9250 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 5005 Session code: 1FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £27750
    International: £50700

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25
    UK fee: £9250 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 5005 Session code: 2FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £27750
    International: £50700

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25
    UK fee: £9250 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 5005 Session code: 3FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £27750
    International: £50700

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

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Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 3 years Start date September Application code B160 Application method UCAS

Personal statement

See our top tips for writing your personal statement.

Please note: it is essential that Physiotherapy applicants document clearly that they have completed work experience as a physiotherapist.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.

The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.

DBS update service

If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

How to complete your DBS

Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.

Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.

You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.

When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.

Frequently asked questions

My Social Work friends said they need to pay. Do I need to pay?

Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.

What do I need to declare on my DBS?

Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.

I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.

Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?

Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.

Who reviews my DBS?

As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.

When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?

If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.

Which address do I use?

You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.

I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.

I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.

Document check

Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.

Document check on campus

Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm

Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm

Document check at the Post Office

If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

Occupational Health (OH)

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Questionnaire

Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.

GP appointment

The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.

Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)

Occupational Health appointment

After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.

The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be double vaccinated?

Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.

What if I can’t make my OH appointment?

Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.

I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?

Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.

If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?

The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.

Numeracy practice

Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.

Enrolment and Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.

Uniforms

Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?

Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.

Which uniforms will I receive?

Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.

How long do the uniforms need to last?

The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.

How do I know what size I am?

A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.

Am I able to request a longer tunic?

You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.

Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?

Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.

What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?

You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.

Can I order more uniforms?

You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.

Can I try on my uniforms?

You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.

What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?

They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.

Practice placements

Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Holidays

Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.

Prepare to start

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.

The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.

DBS update service

If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

How to complete your DBS

Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.

Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.

You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.

When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.

Frequently asked questions

My Social Work friends said they need to pay. Do I need to pay?

Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.

What do I need to declare on my DBS?

Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.

I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.

Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?

Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.

Who reviews my DBS?

As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.

When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?

If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.

Which address do I use?

You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.

I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.

I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.

Document check

Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.

Document check on campus

Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm

Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm

Document check at the Post Office

If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

Occupational Health (OH)

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Questionnaire

Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.

GP appointment

The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.

Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)

Occupational Health appointment

After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.

The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be double vaccinated?

Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.

What if I can’t make my OH appointment?

Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.

I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?

Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.

If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?

The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.

Numeracy practice

Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.

Enrolment and Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.

Uniforms

Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?

Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.

Which uniforms will I receive?

Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.

How long do the uniforms need to last?

The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.

How do I know what size I am?

A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.

Am I able to request a longer tunic?

You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.

Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?

Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.

What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?

You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.

Can I order more uniforms?

You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.

Can I try on my uniforms?

You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.

What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?

They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.

Practice placements

Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Holidays

Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.

Preparatory reading

These publicly available materials provide some excellent preparation for your course, giving insight into the physiotherapy profession and some key concepts for developing into a qualified healthcare professional.

  • Karen Middleton's Founders Lecture from Physiotherapy UK 2014 - Learning to Lead
  • Nina Paterson's articles on Leadership in Frontline in 2015
  • #hellomynameis campaign for truly person-centred, compassionate care
  • Barrett, K. E., Barman, S. M., Boitano, S., Brooks, H. L (2019) Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Education.
  • Dimon, T. and Qualter, J. (2008) Anatomy of the Moving Body: A Basic Course in Bones, Muscles and Joints. 2nd ed. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books.
  • Everett, T. and Kell, C. (2010) Human Movement: An Introductory Text. 6th Edition. Physiotherapy Essentials. Churchill Livingstone-Elsevier.
  • Muscolino, J. E. (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function. 3rd Edition. Elsevier.
  • Palastanga, N. and Soames, R. (2018) Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function. 7th Edition. Elsevier.
  • Schünke, M., Schulte, E. and Schumacher, U. (2014) Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System. 2nd Edition. New York, New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
  • Waugh, A., Grant, A., Chambers, G. and Ross, J. S. (2014) Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 12th Edition. Edinburgh:

The course modules are assessed using written exams, projects, coursework and practical examinations. During the course you’ll undertake 30 weeks of clinical placements in a range of health settings, giving you essential opportunities for you to put theory into practice. You must achieve the requisite academic credit and specified practice hours and competencies in order to be eligible for the appropriate academic award and professional registration as a Physiotherapist.

All academic modules will develop clinical reasoning and practical skills to the level where biopsychosocial assessment, treatment and management can be applied across a range of health and care settings in a variety of clinical teams and services.

Each module of study indicates the number of contact hours and the number of hours students should spend studying as self directed and blended learning activities. For each 20 credit module students should be expected to undertake 200 hours of learning.

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.

Year 1

  • Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice (20 credits)
    This module introduces the place and value of interprofessional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of interprofessional health and social care delivery. You’ll work collaboratively online to explore and develop understanding of the purpose, scope and range of interprofessional and collaborative working.
  • Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (20 credits)
    The module enables you to gain an understanding of the structure and function of normal human anatomy while providing a basis for the understanding and analysis of posture and normal human movement. It encourages you to apply your knowledge of anatomy in a practical setting through the use of manual therapy and palpation skills. It explores the concepts and terminology surrounding the study of kinesiology and its relevance to physiotherapy practice in practical settings.The module introduces clinical reasoning skills to enable the inclusion of normal and abnormal functional anatomy and kinesiology to inform clinical practice and intervention
  • Human Structure and Function (40 credits)
    This module is designed to provide the foundation knowledge of the structure and function of human body and changes resulting from the development of illness and disease. The principles of pathological change and of healing are considered alongside a consideration of the effects of development of common illnesses and disease and their impact on the normal physiological processes and the function of the body.An understanding of the impact of pathophysiology on the structure and function of the human body is developed in relation to physiotherapeutic interventions and patient-centred management.
  • Core Physiotherapy Skills (20 credits)
    This module explores the role of the physiotherapist across a range of environments. Different models of health and wellbeing are considered in relation to the four pillars of physiotherapy practice.
    Students will gain an understanding of how biological, physical, psychological, and social factors impacts on the health and wellbeing in individuals and populations.
    Students will explore the role of the subjective assessment / clinical interview and learn the importance of person-centred assessment in physiotherapy care.
  • Physical Activity and Health Improvement (20 credits)
    This module will develop an understanding of key knowledge underpinning physical activity and exercise-based interventions.This module will develop the practical skills to undertake health-related fitness assessment, including heart rate, blood pressure, body composition and submaximal exercise evaluation. It will develop knowledge of responses and adaptations to aerobic exercise, as well as activities involving strength, speed, flexibility and power. Through the awareness of key concepts of training principles, this module additionally aims to develop an understanding of the basic design of training programmes in line with expected physiological adaptations. Models of health and wellbeing, and their importance to core physiotherapy practice are considered, discussed and practised, such as making every contact count, exercise prescription and the value of exercise in maintenance of general health.

Year 2

  • Appraising Evidence for Research Informed Practice (20 credits)
    This module extends your understanding of the concept of evidence based practice and research in practice. The module equips you with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice. The steps in conducting research, main research methods, approaches to data analysis and presentation are explored. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and core skills that are pre-requisite for critical appraisal and evidence synthesis.
  • Patient-centred Physiotherapy through the Lifecycle (60 credits)
    This module introduces students to concepts underpinning the treatment and management of individuals as they present for physiotherapy across the life cycle. Students will also explore the role of physiotherapy in promoting health and wellbeing and develop the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals in meeting their therapeutic and rehabilitation goals whilst on placements.
  • Integrated Care for Physiotherapy Practice (20 credits)
    This module explores integrated care in its widest sense across patient care models, frameworks and pathways in order to facilitate an understanding of the implications of working in different ways, whilst developing the knowledge and skills necessary for this area of practice. The legal and policy frameworks governing physiotherapy practice are identified and applied, supported by evidence across the field, in relation the concept of patient-centred care and emergent physiotherapy practice. 
  • Physiotherapy in Practice 1 (20 credits)
    This module affords students the opportunity to apply their learning in the practice setting. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, in the practice environment in one of the 4 pillars of physiotherapy practice (Leadership, Education, Research and Clinical).

Year 3

  • Improving Quality, Change Management and Leadership (20 credits)
    This module is the final interprofessional learning module that will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an interprofessional perspective. The module looks at a strategic, evidence based approach to change management in a range of environments, and will integrate the perspectives of service users.
  • Optimising Clinical and Therapeutic Outcomes (20 credits)
    This module focuses on wider determinant of health and key opportunities that exist in contemporary physiotherapy and health care practice to optimise clinical and therapeutic outcomes. It develops an understanding of pharmacology, nutrition, and homeostasis in relation to impact on human performance, function and recovery. Models and frameworks supporting patient management are explored alongside the development of specific knowledge and skills that support the effectiveness of interventions for individual service users.
  • Contemporary Issues in Physiotherapy (20 credits)
    This module will provide an understanding of the current healthcare policies and their impact upon the provision of health and social care. It will build on knowledge achieved on practice placements and other areas within the course, looking formally at existing and emerging government initiatives. The legal and policy frameworks governing physiotherapy practice are identified and applied, supported by evidence across the field, in relation to the provision of patient-centred care and emergent physiotherapy practice.
  • Advancing Physiotherapy Practice (20 credits)
    This module builds on the learning in previous modules to support the development of knowledge and clinical skills at a more advanced level across a range of physiotherapy practice areas. It will focus on developing clinical reasoning skills at a higher level, incorporating a greater complexity of knowledge. The module will promote the integration between theory and practice learning.
  • Physiotherapy in Practice 2 (40 credits)
    This module affords students the opportunity to apply their learning in the practice setting. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, in the practice environment in one of the 4 pillars of physiotherapy practice (Leadership, Education, Research and Clinical). Students will develop their critical thinking skills and application of evidence-based principles to their practice in preparation for working as an autonomous practitioner by the end of year 3.

Facilities

You’ll benefit from an array of outstanding facilities, providing the perfect environments for you to practice and develop your skills. Some of the facilities you’ll have access to include:

Clinical skills labs

We have a variety of skills labs which replicate real-life work environments, and provide an ideal setting for simulation learning using the latest technologies. Facilities include adult wards, physiotherapy suite, and critical skills lab.

Human Performance Centre

Equipped with modern technology, the Human Performance Centre enables world class research in the fields of sport, health, physical activity and exercise science.

Academy of Sport 

You'll have access to a range of facilities and equipment within the Academy of Sport, including a fully equipped fitness suite with SMART Centre Technology, a Functional Training Zone, Free Weights Room and Sports Hall.

You can explore these facilities further, including viewing virtual tours of some of the areas, by selecting the links above.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

As a physiotherapist, you could play an important role in helping people improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life – using a broad range of treatment approaches focused on restoring movement and function, often following illness or injury. Physiotherapists often work within a multidisciplinary team and may do this in a variety of clinical environments such as outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, in the patient's home or in a sport or performance setting. Graduates of this course go on to work in a variety of NHS and private practice settings, including specialists in stroke care, weight management services, elite sport and private practice settings.

We have strong partnerships with NHS Trusts across the London region, and with other key healthcare providers in the independent sector. This includes community, acute and specialist settings, reflecting the diverse nature of physiotherapy practice.

Placements

This course is planned to ensure that students complete the requisite number of hours in both theory and practice which builds knowledge across complex and. Academic and clinical practice blocks are structure to help you link effective theory to practice. Throughout your assessed clinical placements, you will complete a minimum of 1,000 hours in local NHS organisations as well as community, private and voluntary sectors agencies. The LSBU Physiotherapy Practice Placement team take responsibility for allocating practice placements. As we believe in supplying well-rounded experiences, we will always try but can't always guarantee to allocate placements within 2 hours of your registered term time home address.

Placements include comprehensive contemporary experience across this range of sectors and settings can include acute, long term, inpatient and community environments. At least one of your placements will be in a speciality area such as respiratory, neurology, musculoskeletal systems, orthopaedics, medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, or working with elderly, amputee or paediatric patients.

Year 1: 2 x 6 week clinical placements (max 450 hours combined)

Year 2: 3 x 6 week clinical placements (max 675 hours combined)

Teaching and Assessment

This course takes a blended approach to learning. It provides a range of learning formats and teaching delivery styles – and allows an individual approach, providing you with some flexibility in your preferred learning style.

Interactive lectures will introduce key subject matter. Practical sessions, small group teaching and demonstrations will be used to facilitate skills development.

A range of other approaches will be incorporated into students’ learning which can include online worksheets, guided independent study, e-learning, peer group learning, and group discussions.

When it comes to assessment, we use a variety of approaches to promote different skills and abilities while reflecting the nature of the module of learning. The main rationale for choosing the assessment method is helping students in the development of a wide range of professional knowledge and skills. The types of assignments demonstrate progression of skills and abilities as students’ progress on the course. Typical assessments include written examinations, written assignments, verbal (case study) presentation, practical examination and clinical assessments.

Personal tutoring

As a Health and Social Care student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least once a semester for 45 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or phone.

People profiles

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Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

Key Information Set Data

Full-time