Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

City University of London

Program Overview

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at City St George’s, University of London is a two-year full-time programme for graduates who want to build a professional career in physiotherapy. The course combines academic study with practical clinical training, helping students develop skills in patient care, clinical decision-making, communication, leadership and evidence-based practice through classroom learning and supervised placements.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The first year focuses on developing the core knowledge and practical skills needed for effective physiotherapy practice. Through Foundations of Physiotherapy, students learn how to assess patients, understand their needs, apply physiotherapy principles and develop a patient-centred approach to care.

Year 2: The second year builds confidence in managing more complex patients and clinical situations. Through Complex Management, students explore areas such as pain management, self-management and rehabilitation towards the end of life, while Practice Placements 3, 4 and 5 give students three six-week opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop their clinical skills in real healthcare environments.

Focus Areas

Patient-centred physiotherapy, clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, rehabilitation, complex patient management, pain management, self-management, evidence-based practice, professional communication, leadership, multidisciplinary working and clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess and manage patients safely, apply physiotherapy knowledge to real clinical situations, use clinical reasoning and evidence to make informed decisions, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals, demonstrate leadership and professional skills, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Successful completion of the programme enables graduates to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This gives graduates a recognised professional pathway towards practising as physiotherapists in the UK.

Reputation (Employability)

The university has strong connections with healthcare providers, giving students opportunities to gain experience across acute NHS hospital trusts, community services, mental health trusts and private hospitals. Students also have access to a Physiotherapy Careers Tutor and the university’s Career Service, which can support career planning and preparation for employment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at City St George’s, University of London gives students plenty of opportunities to build practical skills before moving into professional practice. Students learn through hands-on sessions in specialist physiotherapy labs, simulated healthcare environments, case-based activities, group learning and supervised clinical placements, helping them become more confident when working with patients.

The course also gives students access to specialist anatomy resources, digital learning materials and library resources to support both practical training and academic study. Key practical and learning opportunities include:

Physiotherapy Teaching Laboratories: Students practise skills in dedicated labs with hospital-style bed spaces and advanced manikins, including moving and handling, bed transfers, mobility, oxygen therapy and suctioning.
Clinical simulation: Simulated hospital environments allow students to practise realistic clinical situations and build confidence before working with patients during placements.
Practice placements: Students gain supervised experience across acute NHS hospital trusts, community services, mental health trusts and private hospitals.
Case-based learning: Clinical cases and problem-solving activities help students connect theoretical knowledge with real patient-management situations.
Group and peer learning: Small-group tutorials, group activities and peer learning encourage students to discuss clinical situations and learn from each other's experiences.
Interprofessional learning: Students work with learners from other healthcare disciplines, developing an understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork.
Anatomy facilities: The specialist Anatomy Suite at the Tooting campus supports students in developing a strong understanding of human anatomy.
Digital learning resources: Web-based learning materials and online discussion forums complement classroom teaching and practical sessions.
Health and medical sciences library: The university library provides access to books, e-books, academic journals and other resources for study and research.
Extended laboratory access: Students can use the physiotherapy laboratories during evenings and weekends, giving them additional time to practise skills and prepare for assessments and placements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at City St George’s, University of London prepares graduates to begin professional careers in physiotherapy across a variety of healthcare settings. The combination of clinical placements, practical training and evidence-based learning helps students build the confidence and professional skills needed to progress into clinical practice and develop their careers over time.

Typical career paths include Physiotherapist, Community Physiotherapist, Hospital Physiotherapist and Private Practice Physiotherapist. Graduates can work across NHS hospitals, community services, mental health services, private healthcare and other specialist settings.

The programme supports students as they move towards employment through:

Physiotherapy Careers Tutor: Students have access to a dedicated Physiotherapy Careers Tutor who can provide guidance on career planning and professional development.
University Careers Service: The university's Careers Service supports students with career planning, employability skills and preparation for employment opportunities.
Clinical placement experience: Students gain supervised experience in acute NHS hospitals, community services, mental health trusts and private hospitals, helping them understand different areas of physiotherapy practice.
Healthcare connections: The university has established links with healthcare providers, and clinical staff contribute to teaching while graduates can progress into employment within healthcare services.
Professional accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and provides eligibility to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration, supporting graduates' entry into the UK physiotherapy profession.
Graduate employment information: City St George’s provides Graduate Outcomes information covering graduate destinations, employers, job titles and salary information, with detailed data available through Discover Uni.
Long-term professional development: HCPC registration eligibility and CSP recognition provide a strong professional foundation, while the clinical, research and evidence-based skills developed during the MSc can support future career progression.
Career advancement: With professional experience, graduates can move towards specialist clinical, leadership, teaching, research or advanced practice roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc and gaining professional experience, graduates can continue with postgraduate study or research to develop specialist expertise. City St George’s also offers the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, which can provide an opportunity for experienced healthcare professionals to progress towards advanced clinical practice.