Physiotherapy MSc Pre Registration

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

London South Bank University

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at London South Bank University is a two-year programme designed for graduates who want to qualify as professional physiotherapists. It combines academic learning with practical training and clinical placements, helping students develop the skills needed to assess patients, plan treatment, support rehabilitation and provide evidence-based care.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The first year builds a strong foundation in physiotherapy practice through modules such as Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice, where students explore anatomy, pathophysiology, psychosocial factors and professional practice. Treatment and Management for Physiotherapy Practice introduces different treatment and rehabilitation approaches, while Physiotherapy Practice Placements 1 gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real clinical environments.

Year 2: The second year focuses on developing more advanced professional and clinical skills. Through Contemporary Issues in Health and Social Care, students explore healthcare policy, leadership and service improvement, while further Physiotherapy Practice Placements develop their ability to work more independently; the Physiotherapy Research Project 2 also allows students to investigate a physiotherapy-related topic and apply research skills to professional practice.

Focus Areas

Exercise and movement, rehabilitation, manual therapy, therapeutic handling, clinical technologies, patient assessment, evidence-based practice, clinical placements, leadership, research, healthcare policy and patient-centred care.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess patients, plan and deliver appropriate physiotherapy interventions, support rehabilitation, apply evidence to clinical decisions, work effectively with healthcare professionals, contribute to service improvement and develop the professional skills needed for autonomous physiotherapy practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). It is designed to help students meet the professional standards required for registration and practice as a physiotherapist in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

London South Bank University highlights strong employment outcomes for its health and social care graduates. According to the university, its Health and Social Care graduates were the second highest paid among London modern university graduates and sixth highest in the UK one year after graduation, based on 2022 Department for Education Longitudinal Education Outcomes data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at London South Bank University gain practical experience through clinical placements, simulated practice and hands-on clinical skills sessions. The course works closely with physiotherapists and healthcare organisations across Greater London, giving students opportunities to learn from practising professionals and apply their knowledge in realistic clinical environments.

LSBU also provides specialist physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities where students can practise assessment and treatment techniques before working with patients. The combination of clinical placements, simulation, practical laboratories and digital learning helps students build confidence and develop the professional skills needed for physiotherapy practice:

Clinical practice placements: Students apply their knowledge and practical skills during physiotherapy placements in real healthcare environments, following preparation through simulated practice.
Clinical skills laboratories: Purpose-built skills laboratories allow students to practise and assess clinical competencies using anatomical models and specialist equipment.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities: Dedicated spaces include equipment such as goniometers, inclinometers, dynamometers and balance-analysis systems, alongside exercise and conditioning equipment used in physiotherapy practice.
Simulation suites: Simulated healthcare environments allow students to practise clinical scenarios and develop their decision-making skills in a safe setting.
VR and anatomy learning: LSBU provides a VR/Anatomy learning space, combining immersive digital technology with traditional anatomy teaching.
Human Performance Centre: Students can benefit from facilities supporting research and learning in sport, health, physical activity and exercise science, including specialist human-performance testing equipment.
Small-group practical learning: Seminars, tutorials, role play, discussions and practical group activities help students develop clinical reasoning, communication and teamwork skills.
Digital learning: Online learning materials and virtual teaching environments complement face-to-face classes and support independent study.
Perry Library: Students have access to the Perry Library, computers, specialist health resources, textbooks and peer-reviewed journals to support research and evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
Practising clinician involvement: Experienced clinicians contribute to teaching and course development and support placement opportunities, helping students connect their studies with current professional practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at London South Bank University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across the NHS, community services, private healthcare and specialist settings. The combination of clinical placements and training in research, leadership and evidence-based practice gives graduates a strong foundation for starting their careers and progressing into more specialised roles over time.

Typical career paths include Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Employability support: LSBU provides careers support during students' studies and for two years after graduation, including workshops, one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, job-search assistance and access to employment opportunities.
LSBU Careers Hub: Students can access careers events, employer connections, workshops and individual guidance to help them prepare for graduate employment.
Student Enterprise: Students interested in developing a private practice or business can receive support from the university's Student Enterprise team to build entrepreneurial and business skills.
Employment and salary outcomes: LSBU's 2026 Longitudinal Education Outcomes data reports a median graduate salary of £31,500 one year after graduation. This is a university-wide figure and is not specific to physiotherapy graduates.
Healthcare connections: The programme works with physiotherapists and healthcare organisations across Greater London, providing students with exposure to current professional practice.
Clinical partnerships: Placements are available across NHS organisations, community services, private organisations and voluntary-sector agencies, giving students experience in different healthcare environments.
Professional accreditation: The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This professional recognition supports graduates as they progress towards registration and a career as a physiotherapist in the UK.
Graduate outcomes: LSBU reports that its graduates have the highest average salaries among London modern universities at one, three and five years after graduation, based on the university's published graduate outcomes data.
Professional development: The course develops skills in clinical practice, leadership, education, research and quality improvement, giving graduates opportunities to move into specialist and senior positions as their experience grows.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc and gaining professional registration, graduates can continue developing their expertise through specialist postgraduate study, professional development, research or academic careers. The research and leadership experience gained during the programme can also provide a strong foundation for progressing to research-focused or doctoral-level study.