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group of students being shown physio skills

Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc (PGDip)

  • Intro
  • Entry
    criteria
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Intro

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc – previously called the Rehabilitation Science (Physiotherapy) MSc – allows you to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This course is also approved by the professional body, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

It is ideal for graduates with related first degrees who wish to gain both a professional and academic qualification and start a career in this challenging and highly rewarding field.

This accelerated course follows an innovative problem-based learning approach with an emphasis on students active learning, engagement and practical application of skills and knowledge in the context of real-life situations. Through this balance of theory and practice experience you will graduate a capable and confident physiotherapist. 

Recognising that patients are at the heart of everything the NHS does, we have embedded the core values of the NHS Constitution — respect, dignity, compassion and collaboration — into our curriculum.

Our high quality teaching and research are renowned and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

Full-time 2 years

Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council, and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

This course is full for 2025

This means we are not accepting applications for September 2025.

Your next opportunity to start this course is September 2026 – online applications will open in October.

  • 3rd in the UK for physiotherapy courses – Guardian University Guide 2025

  • 8th in the UK and 2nd in the South East for physiotherapy courses – Complete University Guide 2025

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer and should be used as a general guide.

Degree and experience
Applicants are normally required to hold a first degree, or equivalent, gained in the last 10 years with a minimum of 2:1 classification in a related subject such as biological, biomedical, behavioural, sports, exercise or health sciences or health professional education other than physiotherapy.

Knowledge of the physiotherapy profession and experience of health or social care-related professional practice will be an advantage.

EU and International students must have equivalent qualifications and English language qualification in line with university regulations for postgraduate studies and HCPC requirements.

Entry to the course is conditional upon satisfactory clearance; enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. 

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no element below 6.5; or equivalent qualification. 

Interviews
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an online interview. 

We have limited places so it is advisable to apply early to be considered. If you receive an offer you will have four weeks to accept it. After this point we may offer your place to another candidate.

Make sure that you submit your final transcript, evidence of any physiotherapy work experience and two references.

Occupational health screening and vaccinations
You will need to complete an occupational health screening and we strongly encourage that you get all of the required vaccinations. Particular vaccinations are a requirement of certain NHS placement providers and are in place to protect you and the patients. Without the appropriate vaccinations you will not be able to undertake some placements – and this may impact on your ability to complete your course. The list of required vaccinations is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your studies.

Deferred applications
We are not able to accept applications for deferred entry onto this course. If you wish to apply for a later year of entry, we recommend waiting until the admissions cycle for that year opens – this is usually in October of each year.

We embrace diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who form part of minority groups.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

In allied health professions, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy, 100% of our research environment is rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Course content

Course structure

This intensive programme runs over 45 weeks per year for two years. Your time on the course will be balanced between campus-based study and clinical practice.

The course begins in September and consists of five campus-based modules and five practice modules. Year 1 is mainly campus-based and year 2 predominantly involves practice placements alongside the campus-based Research Dissertation Studies.

The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via problem-based tutorials, subject specialist resource sessions, skills workshops and simulation in our Clinical Skills and Simulation Rooms.

Completion of the Project Studies module and the submission of a dissertation lead to the masters award.

As a student on this course you’ll also get to participate in – hour-long sessions where students come together to listen to stories and share reflections in a supportive and confidential environment. The sessions offer the opportunity to reflect on the emotional aspects of clinical practice and are designed to support students and recent graduates working in complex settings.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through .

Physio students with lecturer

Syllabus

Your study will focus on real-life situations, integrating subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutic skills, behavioural sciences and research methods.

Modules

  • Practice Placement 1

    This placement module consists of six weeks practical experience and focuses on the development of your knowledge, skills and attitudes in a diverse range of practice settings. During the placement, you will have the opportunity to apply your previous learning, taking into consideration the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Physiotherapy in Health and Rehabilitation

    In this module you will develop high standards of clinical professionalism and behaviour and explore your role in health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation in health and social care across the four pillars of practice: clinical practice, education, leadership and research. You will also learn general fundamental assessment and treatment skills in preparation for your clinical placement.

  • Practice Placement 2

    This placement module enables you to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ve gained in the course to work with service users and professional colleagues in a wide range of contemporary practice settings, considering the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research. You will also be able to reflect on and evaluate your practice in a health and social care setting.

  • Neurological Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy Practice

    In this module you will develop and integrate your knowledge and understanding of the four pillars of physiotherapy practice – clinical, leadership, education and research – in the context of neurological rehabilitation. You will learn to discuss, plan, implement and evaluate assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion options for the health and wellbeing of people with neurological conditions in a range of health and social care contexts.

  • Musculoskeletal Management in Physiotherapy Practice

    In this module you will develop, integrate and synthesise knowledge, skills, understanding and critical evaluation of physiotherapy practice for people with musculoskeletal dysfunction and concerns across the four pillars of practice: clinical practice, education, leadership and research. It will prepare you to provide collaborative, personalised care across the life span and in a variety of health and social contexts.

  • Cardiorespiratory Management in Physiotherapy Practice

    This module prepares you to plan and develop assessment and management skills for people with acute and chronic cardiorespiratory symptoms using evidence-based clinical reasoning. You will employ your knowledge and understanding of physiotherapy practice in cardiorespiratory management across the lifespan and the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Practice Placement 3

    This is a six-week placement which will enhance your knowledge, skills and attitudes within a diverse range of practice settings. It will give you the chance to develop flexible interpersonal skills and to approach working with service users, patients and colleagues in a holistic way. You will draw on your prior learning and consider the four pillars of practice: clinical, education, leadership and research.

  • Practice Placement 4

    This six-week placement will enable you to focus on developing your knowledge, skills and attitudes in a diverse range of practice settings. You will get the opportunity to apply your prior learning to practice, taking into consideration the four pillars of practice, and to reflect on and evaluate your practice and that of others in an ever changing health and social care environment.

  • Practice Placement 5

    This module gives you six weeks of practical experience in a diverse range of practice settings and focuses the development of your knowledge, skills and attitudes. Drawing on your previous learning, you will consider