Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) (MSc)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Liverpool Hope University

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Liverpool Hope University is a two-year full-time programme for graduates who want to build the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence needed to become qualified physiotherapists. Students combine classroom learning, practical training, simulation, research and at least 1,000 hours of clinical placement, gaining experience across different areas of physiotherapy practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The first year introduces students to the core skills and knowledge needed for physiotherapy through modules such as Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Practice, Human Physiology, Anatomy & Function, and Research Methods & Quality Improvement. Students develop assessment and treatment skills through practical sessions, peer learning and simulation while building a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology and evidence-based practice.

Students also study Physiotherapy Management in Acute Care Settings, where they learn to assess and manage cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions in hospital environments. Management of the Outpatient Client then develops clinical reasoning and treatment skills for patients with neurological, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal conditions in outpatient and community settings.

Year 2: The second year focuses on preparing students for professional practice through modules including Employability, Leadership and Service Delivery, Managing Complexity in Physiotherapy, Dissertation and Practice Placements. Students develop leadership and employability skills, explore more complex clinical situations, complete an independent research project and undertake two clinical placements totalling seven weeks of full-time practice.

Focus Areas

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment, clinical reasoning, anatomy and physiology, acute care, neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal practice, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, outpatient and community care, evidence-based practice, research, leadership, rehabilitation, health promotion and prevention.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess and treat patients safely, apply clinical reasoning and evidence-based approaches, manage different physiotherapy conditions, conduct research, communicate effectively, work as part of healthcare teams and demonstrate leadership and professional skills across acute, outpatient and community settings.

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 CSP membership, providing the professional pathway towards becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist.

Reputation (Employability)

Liverpool Hope University focuses on preparing students for a wide range of professional environments. Graduates can pursue opportunities in areas such as the NHS, private practice, Armed Forces and elite sports clubs, while the programme also provides a foundation for advanced clinical practice, clinical research and careers in higher education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Liverpool Hope University gives students plenty of opportunities to turn their academic knowledge into practical skills. Students develop assessment and treatment techniques through hands-on sessions, simulation and peer learning, while clinical placements allow them to apply these skills in real healthcare environments. The university also provides specialist health, sport and simulation facilities that support practical training, research and collaborative learning.

Students can benefit from a range of specialist facilities and practical opportunities, including:

Simulation-based learning: Students practise physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques with peers and through simulated clinical activities before working with patients.
Simulated hospital ward: Students can practise clinical skills in a realistic hospital-style environment designed to prepare them for professional healthcare settings.
Physiotherapy and Sport Rehabilitation Clinic: The dedicated clinic provides an immersive environment for learning about the assessment and management of acute and chronic conditions.
Sport science and biomechanics laboratories: These facilities allow students to explore movement, biomechanics and physiological principles relevant to rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Strength and conditioning facilities: Students can use specialist exercise and fitness facilities to support learning related to rehabilitation, physical function and exercise-based interventions.
DEXA scanner: Specialist DEXA technology is available within the university's health and sport facilities, supporting learning and research involving body composition and related measurements.
Clinical placements: Students gain real-world experience through clinical placements, supported by the university's links with 16 NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside.
360° Simulation Lab: The university's immersive Simulation Lab uses interactive technology to support individual and group learning in realistic scenarios.
Collaborative learning spaces: The Learning Lab supports group activities, research-based tasks, interactive quizzes and other collaborative learning approaches.
Digital and research resources: Students have access to online learning materials and university resources to support independent study, evidence-based practice and research.
Sheppard-Worlock Library: The library provides postgraduate study areas, private study rooms, collaborative spaces and access to physical and online academic resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Liverpool Hope University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across a variety of healthcare and specialist settings. After successfully completing the programme, graduates can apply for HCPC registration and CSP membership, giving them a recognised professional route into physiotherapy practice.

Typical career paths include NHS Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist, Armed Forces Physiotherapist and Sports Physiotherapist. With experience, graduates can also move into advanced clinical practice, research, leadership and higher education.

The programme supports career development through:

Professional registration: Graduates can apply for HCPC registration and CSP membership, supporting their transition into professional physiotherapy practice.
Employability and leadership: The Employability, Leadership and Service Delivery module helps students prepare for employment while developing leadership skills and a professional portfolio.
Extensive clinical experience: Students complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice placement, gaining experience in clinical, research and emerging areas of physiotherapy.
Career flexibility: Graduates can pursue opportunities in the NHS, private practice, Armed Forces and elite sports clubs, giving them a broad choice of professional environments.
Advanced career development: The programme provides a foundation for progression into advanced clinical roles, clinical research and higher education.
Leadership and entrepreneurship: Students develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills that can support progression into wider professional and management responsibilities.
Graduate outcomes: The combination of professional registration, substantial clinical experience, research skills and leadership development prepares graduates for a range of physiotherapy careers.

Employment statistics and salary figures: The official university programme information does not provide specific graduate employment percentages or salary figures for this course, so no university-specific figures are included.

University–industry partnerships: Students gain extensive professional exposure through the programme's 1,000+ hours of practice placement experience, which connects their academic learning with real clinical and emerging areas of physiotherapy practice.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc and gaining professional registration, graduates can continue with postgraduate study, advanced clinical development or research. The university also identifies clinical research and Higher Education as potential longer-term directions for graduates who want to develop careers beyond direct clinical practice.