Pre-Registration Physiotherapy (MSc)

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at Cardiff University has a strong focus on practical learning, helping students develop clinical skills through hands-on practice, simulation, patient interaction and supervised placements. Students can practise in realistic healthcare environments before applying their skills during clinical placements, while research activities and digital learning tools help them connect practical experience with evidence-based physiotherapy.

Students gain practical and clinical experience through:

• Practice-based learning: Students complete 12 weeks of practice-based learning in Year 1 and 16 weeks in Year 2, gaining experience in different physiotherapy settings and working with real patients.
• Hands-on peer practice: Students practise physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques with their peers before applying these skills in clinical settings.
• Simulation facilities: Skills laboratories and simulation facilities allow students to practise clinical procedures safely in realistic healthcare environments.
• Y Fflat simulated home: This specialist facility includes a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom where students can practise patient transfers, wheelchair transfers and the use of dressing aids. The facility also includes the Scotia Medical Observation and Training System (SMOTS), which allows students to review their practice.
• Acute simulation areas: Students can practise in hospital-style environments equipped with hospital beds and patient-handling equipment, supporting preparation for acute-care situations.
• Interprofessional learning: Students take part in interprofessional study groups and simulated case activities alongside students from other healthcare disciplines, helping them develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Patient and service-user engagement: Students have opportunities to interact with patients, families and carers, helping them develop person-centred communication and clinical decision-making skills.
• Research experience: Students develop research skills through healthcare research methods and complete an independent research project with academic supervision.
• Digital learning tools: Learning Central, Cardiff University’s virtual learning environment, provides access to presentations, videos, lecture recordings, electronic exercises, bibliographies and discussion activities.
• Healthcare Library and study facilities: Students have access to the Healthcare Library, computer laboratories, study rooms, Wi-Fi and other academic resources to support learning and research.
• Clinical supervision: During placements, students receive support from a mentor or clinical educator, while personal tutors provide ongoing academic and personal support.
• Welsh-language clinical opportunities: Where available, students can undertake placements in Welsh-speaking areas and work with Welsh-speaking supervisors, providing opportunities to use Welsh in their learning and clinical experience.

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at Cardiff University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across the NHS, community healthcare, private practice, sports and other healthcare settings. The programme combines extensive clinical experience with professional and transferable skills, and successful graduates can apply for HCPC registration and join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Typical career options include NHS Physiotherapist, Community Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist and Sports Physiotherapist.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

• Student Futures: Cardiff University offers one-to-one careers advice, CV and application support, interview preparation, careers fairs and employer events. Students can also access more than 1,000 opportunities through the university’s online jobs board.
• Clinical experience: Students complete at least 1,000 hours of practice-based learning, with placements across Wales and opportunities to gain experience with different NHS trusts and healthcare providers.
• International opportunities: Students can explore international learning experiences during placement periods, with support from the university’s mobility team.
• Employment outcomes: Cardiff University reports that 99% of its physiotherapy students were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating, according to Discover Uni.
• Healthcare career settings: Graduates can pursue roles across NHS trusts and health boards, community healthcare, social services, private practice, charities, higher education, international healthcare services and professional sport.
• Professional recognition: Graduates can apply for HCPC registration and join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, providing recognised professional status for a career in physiotherapy.
• Long-term career support: Cardiff University continues to provide careers and employability support to graduates through advice, resources and networking opportunities.
• Salary information: The university does not publish a specific graduate salary figure for this MSc, so a course-specific salary figure cannot be stated reliably.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc, graduates can pursue further postgraduate study or research, including PhD programmes. They can also develop specialist interests through areas such as sports and exercise, research, or specialist physiotherapy practice