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Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

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  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
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  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Related courses

There are twenty-three courses related to Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) that you might be interested in.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Gaining this qualification will promote your development as a physiotherapist. You will learn critical thinking skills, how to be resilient, resourceful and capable of providing outstanding patient care in the current and future healthcare system.

Introduction

This two year accelerated MSc Physiotherapy course will provide you with an excellent educational experience both in academic and clinical environments. It will support your development as a graduate with the ability and desire to make a meaningful contribution within the communities in which you live and work.

The programme has been divided into three key themes, clinical, professional and evidence based practice which run throughout the programme. These themes transition across the two years, ensuring that learning is applied and developed continuously to facilitate growth at each level of study. Within the themes individual modules have been developed in parallel to ensure that you benefit from a planned and coherent learning experience with an appropriate spread of workload across each year. Practice based learning is an essential part of this programme as it will allow you to experience a wide range of clinical settings and integrate theory and practice, developing clinical skills, professionalism and leadership.

Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to apply to become a professional member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Who is this course for?

This is a pre-registration course available to graduates wanting to study Physiotherapy for the first time and at master’s level.  It is not available to Physiotherapy graduates. The programme is also not a conversion course.

What you'll learn

  • An understanding of how multi-professional healthcare environments function
  • Communication skills
  • An ability to diagnose and manage a range of physical health problems
  • Leadership qualities
  • Research, report-writing and other transferrable professional skills.

Accreditation

Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to apply to become a professional member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

All of our modules have been developed together to ensure that you benefit from a planned and coherent learning experience.

In the first year, you will be introduced to the foundational teachings of physiotherapy practice. You will also develop a base knowledge of how best to manage and treat patients presenting with different musculoskeletal complaints or surgical needs.

Compulsory modules

Applied Sciences Physiotherapy (PHTY410)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

This 20 credit module is designed to provide students with the core knowledge and practical skills required in physiotherapy practice. Students will develop knowledge in relation to normal structure and function of bodily tissues, together with an understanding of the mechanisms of tissue healing, repair and aging, which are central to the assessment and management of all physiotherapy patients. Students will also have the opportunity to develop handling skills which are essential for providing safe and effective patient care and are fundamental to all fields of physiotherapy practice.

The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of self directed study, electures, tutorials and practical classes. Theoretical content will be delivered by electures and tutorials will support this material and assist the student with their understanding and application of the knowledge. Practical sessions will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists. Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by an unseen written examination to assess the theoretical components and continuous assessment during practical sessions will be used to assess competency in practical skills.

Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice (PHTY411)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

This 20-credit module is designed to introduce students to the the core knowledge and practical skills that are required to plan and conduct an assessment and implement a management plan for patients with conditions commonly encountered in contemporary physiotherapy practice such as reduced mobility, muscular injury or balance re-education. Students will develop skills and knowledge in relation to communicating with patients, subjective assessment, objective assessment and clinical reasoning. Students will also have the opportunity to develop assessment skills which are fundamental to all fields of physiotherapy practice and plan and implement management strategies for patients based on current evidence. The module addresses the four pillars of physiotherapy practice: Clinical, Education, Leadership and Research. The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of self-directed study, electures, tutorials and practical classes using blended learning ie. online and face-to-face teaching. Theoretical content will be delivered by eLectures and tutorials will support this material and assist you with their understanding. Practical sessions will give you the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists developing practical skills in relation to assessment and management. The theory and practical components will be utilised in a six week practice placement which will count towards the 1000 hours of practice placement mandated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for accreditation.

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by a 40-minute assessment, providing the opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and theoretical / evidenced based knowledge in relation to their practice, and a six week practice placement which is a pass/fail component and must be passed.

Evidenced based management of medical, surgical and rehabilitation patients (PHTY412)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

This 20-credit module is designed to advance students’ knowledge and practical skills required to plan and conduct an assessment and implement a management plan for patients with medical and surgical conditions encountered in contemporary cardiorespiratory and neurological physiotherapy practice. The module addresses all four pillars of physiotherapy practice: Clinical, Education, Leadership and Research. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the pathologies related to medical (including rehabilitation) and surgical practice and the supporting evidence based practice. They will develop specific skills and knowledge in relation to completing individually tailored subjective and objective assessment based on advancing clinical reasoning skills. Students will also have the opportunity to implement advanced, innovative management strategies for patients based on current evidence. The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of self-directed study, electures, case based scenarios, developed by service users, tutorials and practical classes and uses blended learning with both online and face-to-face teaching. Theoretical content will be delivered by eLectures but tutorials will support this material and assist the student with their understanding. Practical sessions will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists developing practical skills in relation to assessment and management.

Theory and practical skills will be put into practice by undertaking a 5 week practice placement which will count towards the 1000 hours of practice placement mandated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for accreditation.

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by a 1,500 evaluation of a patient case study and a 30 minute practical assessment providing the opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and theoretical / evidenced based knowledge in relation to their practice. The practice placement is a pass / fail component and must be passed.

Evidenced based management of musculoskeletal patients (PHTY413)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

This 20-credit module is designed to advance students knowledge and practical skills required to plan and conduct an assessment and implement a management plan for patients with musculoskeletal conditions encountered in contemporary physiotherapy practice. The module addresses the four pillars of physiotherapy practice: Clinical, Education, Leadership and Research. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the pathologies related to musculoskeletal practice and the supporting evidence based practice. They will develop specific skills and knowledge in relation to completing individually tailored subjective and objective assessment based on advancing clinical reasoning skills. Students will also have the opportunity implement advanced, innovative management strategies for patients based on current evidence. The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of self-directed study, electures, case based scenarios developed by service users, tutorials and practical classes employing a blended learning approach with a mix of online and face-to-face teaching. Theoretical content will be delivered by electures but tutorials will support this material and assist the student with their understanding. Practical sessions will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists developing practical skills in relation to assessment and management. Theory and practical skills will be put into practice by undertaking a 5 week practice placement which will count towards the 1000 hours of practice placement mandated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for accreditation.

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by a 1,500 evaluation of a patient case study and a 30 minute practical assessment providing the opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and theoretical / evidenced based knowledge in relation to their practice. The practice placement is a pass/fail component and must be passed.

Research Methods in Healthcare Practice (HEAL417)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will enable students to develop a research proposal for either a review of evidence, empirical project, clinical audit or service evaluation that will contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare practice.

The module is aimed at graduates from a range of different disciplines/subjects who have a range of knowledge and experience of research methods at undergraduate level and are looking to develop their research knowledge and skills further and prepare for a masters level research project in their own area of clinical practice e.g. diagnostic radiography, mental health nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy. The likely range of research skills in students from different undergraduate programmes is recognised and this module is designed to raise them all to the appropriate master level in the subject.
At the end of this module, students will be able to understand and appropriately critique the elements of ‘the research journey’ from conception of research question, through development of a proposal. They will be both consumers and producers of research who will meet the requirements of the standard of proficiency, for each profession, as laid down by the Health and Care Professions Council and the requirements of each professional body for evidence based practice.
The proposal produced in this module will then be undertaken as the students’ dissertation in the final year of their pre-registration master programme.

The syllabus for this module is aligned to the Curriculum 2021 Hallmarks and demonstrates active learning and authentic assessment, designed to create students with greater confidence to understand research evidence, contribute to that evidence and be able to develop research in their own area of professional practice.

The module delivery will use a blended approach with face to face and online delivery supported with synchronous and asynchronous lectures, quizzes and profession specific interactive discussion boards and tutorials.

The assessments for this module will be a Research Proposal. The assessments can be tailored to focus on the student’s area of interest and area of speciality and will include consideration of the ethical requirements of the selected project.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Placement opportunity

This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.

Explore more about Careers and Employability at Liverpool.

Your experience

The highly-esteemed School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has been at the forefront of healthcare education for over 100 years and our Physiotherapy department is particularly well-respected, recently placing fourth in the 2023 Complete University Guide’s subject league table.

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study

  • Major centre for education and research in health sciences
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
  • Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
  • Active research environment
  • Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.

Careers and employability

Graduate physiotherapists are a vital part of modern health care and employment opportunities are available in the UK and abroad. With an MSc qualification, graduates can fill senior leadership positions across a wide array of physiotherapy settings, for private or national healthcare providers.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Physiotherapists can explore a range of career paths, which venture into different aspects of the industry, including:

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • NHS
  • Sports therapy
  • Orthopaedics
  • Occupational therapy.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
International fees
Full-time place, per year £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Achievement

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your prior academic achievement, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Country

  • International students
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your nationality, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in biological sciences, health sciences or sports-based disciplines. As Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc is a conversion course, an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy isn’t suitable.

GCSEs in Mathematics, English Language and a Science at a minimum of grade 5 or C or above are required. (Equivalents will not be considered).

You should demonstrate a good understanding of the scope of physiotherapy practice, including an awareness of the various settings a physiotherapist might work in. This could preferably be indicated by observation experience of physiotherapists working in a variety of clinical areas, or by other experience which can be related to the skills and qualities required to work in a physiotherapy environment.

Experience in a paid or voluntary capacity working with the general public, children, older persons or people with special needs will also help to strengthen your application.

You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional.

An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required to work as a physiotherapist.

Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application.

Declaration of Criminal Background

You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.

If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.

Health Screening

The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. Please visit the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners website for further information.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

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Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

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Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.

18 April 2023: International qualifications update

English language requirements have been updated – IELTS.