Shaping the Professional 3 is the third of four personal professional development modules within the programme. This 30-credit module at level 6 is a key component in semester 1 of the final undergraduate year.
The module combines learning in practice with university-based education. Ten weeks (300 hours) of assessed practice (typically organised into two distinct 5-week blocks) provides experiential learning across a broad range of contemporary NHS, non NHS and social care settings. This experience creates opportunities to further develop professional practice knowledge, skills and behaviours to enhance employability to meet the ongoing changes within physiotherapy practice. Placement attendance will be 4 days per week, and progression of learning will be facilitated by practice educators. Academic advisor will provide additional individualised support throughout the placement, with University-based tutorials that promote critical reflection.
The academic components of this module ensures that students can compete effectively for graduate-level employment. Ongoing contact with academic advisors is maintained, but in the final-year students are expected to take greater personal responsibility for advancing development in targeted ways. In seminars, students will learn how to clearly communicate your developing skill set and unique selling points to potential employers. Opportunities to actively engage with healthcare employers will also be provided.
Practice performance is assessed via a practice placement report for each 5 week placement and submission of a 1500word personal statement written in the style of an NHS job application, with links made to students’ e-portfolio. This allows students to concisely showcase their individual learning journey, indicates how they meet professional standards relevant to a band 5 physiotherapist and mirrors the NHS recruitment process.