Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Keele University

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Keele University is a two-year programme designed for graduates with a relevant degree who want to qualify as professional physiotherapists. The course combines classroom learning, practical training and clinical placements, covering areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy while developing a strong focus on patient-centred care.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Transition into Physiotherapy Studies, building their understanding of the profession alongside key knowledge of anatomy, physiology and movement science. They then study Essentials of Physiotherapy Assessment, Foundations of Physiotherapy Management, Practice Experience A1 and Evaluating Healthcare and Evidence Based Practice, developing their clinical assessment, treatment and evidence-based practice skills.

Students also take Advancing Assessment and Treatment Skills, Health Wellbeing and Behaviour Change and Enhanced Physiotherapy Management for Complex Patients. These modules help students strengthen clinical reasoning and learn how to assess and manage people with a wide range of needs, including complex cases and conditions affecting musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Year 2: The second year focuses more strongly on advanced professional practice through Leadership and Service Development, Management of Complex Patient Caseloads and further practice experiences. Students also complete a Research Proposal and Research Project, giving them the opportunity to explore a relevant physiotherapy topic and develop their research skills.

Students complete further clinical experiences through Practice Experience A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6. These placements allow them to apply their skills in different healthcare environments, which can include hospitals, acute and community healthcare, private or voluntary organisations, sports clubs, virtual healthcare, leadership and research settings.

Focus Areas

Patient-centred physiotherapy, musculoskeletal practice, neurological practice, cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy, clinical assessment, therapeutic management, complex patient care, health and wellbeing, behaviour change, evidence-based practice, leadership, research, multidisciplinary working and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed for evidence-based physiotherapy practice. They also strengthen their clinical reasoning, communication, leadership, research and critical-thinking abilities, preparing them to work confidently with patients and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). After successfully completing the programme, graduates can apply for HCPC registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Keele University highlights its strong connections with healthcare settings and its network of accredited practice educators, giving students opportunities to gain experience across a variety of professional environments. The university also supports students as they prepare for employment and progress towards HCPC registration after completing the course.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Keele University combines classroom learning with practical training, self-reflection and clinical experience, helping students build the confidence needed for professional physiotherapy practice. Students learn in dedicated healthcare facilities and gain experience across different clinical settings, while simulation, practical sessions and placements help them apply what they learn to real patient situations.

Students benefit from a range of practical and professional learning opportunities:

Practice-based placements: Students gain experience in settings that can include hospitals, acute and community healthcare, private and voluntary organisations, sports clubs, virtual healthcare, leadership and research.
Clinical simulation: Students take part in simulated clinical scenarios and role-play, allowing them to practise assessment and treatment skills in a safe and supervised environment.
Physiotherapy practical rooms: The School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy has four fully equipped practical rooms, including a room with specialist exercise equipment, SMART boards, iPads and clinical practice plinths.
Specialist equipment: Students can use equipment for exercise prescription and rehabilitation, electrotherapy, respiratory care, gait re-education and patient observation, along with other clinical training resources.
Anatomy facilities: The Anatomy Suite and a range of 3D anatomical models help students develop a strong understanding of human anatomy and its relevance to physiotherapy.
On-campus physiotherapy clinic: Keele's physiotherapy clinic provides assessment and treatment for staff and students with musculoskeletal injuries, with patient assessment and management examples also used in teaching.
Healthcare Simulation Suite: Students can practise in realistic environments such as a hospital ward, GP surgery, operating theatre and CT scanner, helping them become more comfortable with clinical situations.
Movement and exercise facilities: Depending on teaching requirements, students can use the Movement Analysis Suite, Sports Centre and exercise-testing equipment, including heart-rate monitors and sensory-testing resources.
Interprofessional learning: Students work with learners from other health and social care disciplines, developing teamwork skills and a better understanding of multidisciplinary healthcare.
Group learning: Small-group workshops, presentations, tutorials and practical activities help students develop communication, teamwork and clinical reasoning skills.
Digital learning: Students use the Keele Learning Environment (KLE) for online learning, supported by digital resources such as SMART boards and iPads.
Library and research resources: Students have access to the Keele campus library and the Health Library at the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, providing resources for academic study, clinical learning and research.

Facilities information: Keele University's facilities include the School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy, physiotherapy practical rooms, specialist clinical equipment, simulation facilities, anatomy resources and healthcare learning spaces.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Keele University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers by combining clinical training with research, leadership and evidence-based practice. Students gain experience in different healthcare settings and, after successfully completing the programme, can apply for HCPC registration, providing the professional route into physiotherapy practice in the UK.

Typical career directions include Physiotherapist, NHS Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist and Sports Physiotherapist.

Students can build their professional future through:

Careers and Employability support: Keele's Careers and Employability team provides guidance with career planning, job searches and professional development, helping students prepare for employment.
Practice educator support: During placements, students work with experienced practice educators who can provide insight into different clinical specialisms, leadership and research opportunities.
Clinical experience: Students gain experience in settings that can include hospitals, acute and community healthcare, private and voluntary organisations, sports clubs, virtual healthcare, leadership and research.
Professional registration: Successful completion of the programme and required practice experience makes graduates eligible to apply for HCPC registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Professional accreditation: The programme is approved by the HCPC and the CSP, giving the qualification important professional recognition for graduates who want to practise physiotherapy in the UK.
Career flexibility: Graduates can pursue careers across the NHS, private healthcare, occupational health and sport, as well as move towards research, education and professional-body roles.
Research and leadership skills: The programme develops research, leadership and clinical practice skills, supporting graduates who want to progress into senior clinical, research, education or leadership positions.
Graduate progression example: Keele has highlighted a graduate who secured a Rotational Physiotherapy position at University Hospitals of North Midlands before completing the programme and then began working as a qualified physiotherapist.
Employment outcomes: Keele does not publish a specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of this MSc, so a programme-specific figure cannot be reliably stated.
Long-term professional value: HCPC registration provides the professional route to physiotherapy practice in the UK, while CSP membership connects graduates with the UK's professional body for physiotherapy.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc, graduates can continue with specialist postgraduate study, professional development or research. The research and leadership experience gained during the programme can also support progression towards further research degrees and advanced clinical, academic or healthcare leadership roles.