MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Brunel University

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Brunel University of London is a two-year, full-time programme designed for graduates with a suitable science-based degree who want to become qualified physiotherapists. The course combines scientific study, practical training, research and 1,000 hours of clinical experience, preparing students to assess, treat and rehabilitate patients across a range of healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds the scientific and clinical foundations needed for physiotherapy practice. Students study Anatomy 1: Lower Quadrant, Anatomy 2: Upper Quadrant and Musculoskeletal I Lower Quadrant, alongside Principles of Rehabilitation and Respiratory, developing their understanding of movement, rehabilitation and patient care. Students also complete Practice Placement 1 and Practice Placement 2, giving them the opportunity to put their learning into practice in clinical settings.

Year 2

The second year develops more advanced clinical knowledge and prepares students for greater professional responsibility. Modules include Cardiovascular Health, Critical Care, Musculoskeletal 2 Upper Quadrant and Neurorehabilitation, while Health Across the Lifespan explores physiotherapy needs at different stages of life. Students undertake three further practice placements and complete a Dissertation, allowing them to gain experience across different clinical areas and develop independent research skills.

Focus Areas

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, respiratory physiotherapy, cardiovascular health, critical care, rehabilitation, anatomy, physiology, clinical assessment, patient-centred care, clinical reasoning, leadership, research and evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the skills needed to assess, treat and rehabilitate patients with a wide range of conditions across different healthcare environments. They also build clinical reasoning, communication, teamwork, leadership, research and evidence-based practice skills, becoming increasingly confident and independent through their clinical placements.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Successful completion of the programme allows graduates to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). The qualification can also support applications for professional registration in other countries, subject to the requirements of the relevant regulatory body.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Brunel University of London was ranked 1st in London for Physiotherapy in the National Student Survey 2025. Brunel also reports that 100% of its MSc pre-registration Physiotherapy graduates were employed as physiotherapists within six months of completing the programme, demonstrating strong employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Brunel University of London places strong emphasis on hands-on learning, allowing students to build practical confidence alongside their academic knowledge. Students train in purpose-built physiotherapy facilities, practise clinical techniques in realistic settings and complete 1,000 hours of clinical education, giving them substantial experience in real healthcare environments. The university also provides specialist movement and research facilities where students can explore rehabilitation and human movement in greater depth.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Purpose-built physiotherapy clinical skills rooms: Students practise physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques in realistic clinical environments.
Physiotherapy gym: The specialist gym includes clinical and exercise equipment and space for group practice, exercise sessions and clinical simulation.
Clinical simulation: Students work through realistic clinical situations in a safe environment before applying their skills during placements.
1,000 hours of clinical education: The programme includes five six-week clinical placement blocks, giving students extensive experience across different healthcare settings.
London healthcare placements: Placement opportunities have included hospitals such as King’s College Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
International placement opportunities: Students may have the opportunity to undertake an approved placement in the UK, EU or overseas, subject to the university’s requirements and approval.
Human movement and research facilities: Brunel provides access to specialist equipment including motion capture systems, force plates, accelerometers and gaze trackers, as well as EEG, EMG and EOG equipment.
Virtual reality technology: Students can benefit from specialist virtual reality and neurophysiological equipment when exploring human movement and rehabilitation through research.
Group learning: The physiotherapy gym provides space for group practice, exercise classes and clinical simulation, helping students develop teamwork and communication skills.
Research experience: Students complete an independent Dissertation, allowing them to investigate a physiotherapy-related topic and develop research skills under academic supervision.
Patient and peer practice: Students can practise practical skills with patients visiting the university as well as with fellow students, helping them develop confidence before clinical placements.
Practical assessment: Students are assessed through practical examinations, practical vivas, written assignments and clinical placements, ensuring that both academic knowledge and practical competence are developed.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Brunel’s Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc is designed to prepare graduates to enter professional physiotherapy practice immediately after completing the programme, supported by 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Brunel reports near 100% employability for its physiotherapy graduates, with opportunities across hospitals, private practice, sports and rehabilitation settings.

Typical career paths include Hospital Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist and Rehabilitation Physiotherapist. Students are supported towards these careers through:

Career support: Brunel’s Student Professional Development team provides one-to-one careers advice, CV and LinkedIn support, application guidance, interview preparation and access to live vacancies. Career support remains available for up to three years after graduation.
Clinical and industry links: Students gain experience through Brunel’s links with major healthcare providers including King’s College Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Brunel states that 98% of students are rated excellent or very good by clinicians on their final clinical placement.
Employment outcomes: Brunel reports near 100% employability for physiotherapy graduates. The official MSc page does not currently publish a course-specific graduate salary figure.
Long-term professional recognition: Successful graduates are eligible to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Brunel also notes that graduates may pursue professional registration in countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the USA, Ireland and India, subject to each country’s regulatory requirements.
Graduation outcome: The programme is specifically designed to take graduates from a science-based first degree into becoming qualified physiotherapists, combining academic training with extensive real-world clinical experience.

Further Academic Progression:
After qualifying and gaining professional experience, graduates can continue developing specialist expertise through Brunel’s Advanced Clinical Practice and Advanced Professional Practice programmes, including areas such as musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. Those interested in research, academia or developing evidence-based physiotherapy practice can also progress to a PhD in Physiotherapy at Brunel.