Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at Oxford Brookes University is a two-year full-time programme for graduates who want to qualify as physiotherapists and build a career in healthcare. The course combines classroom learning with practical sessions, simulation and clinical placements, covering areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy while also developing communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year One: Students build their core physiotherapy knowledge through modules such as Human Movement and Dysfunction, Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy, Neurological Movement Control and Dysfunction, Developing Values Based Professionalism, and Applied Research Methods. Students also complete an observational placement followed by two six-week placements, gaining experience in NHS acute and community settings and other healthcare environments.

Year Two: Students develop more advanced skills through Physiotherapy Management of Long Term Conditions, Health, Wellbeing and Exercise, Leadership and Collaborative Practice, and Mastering Physiotherapy Practice. They complete three further six-week placements and a Dissertation, giving them the opportunity to build on their clinical experience and explore a healthcare topic through research.

Focus Areas

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, long-term conditions, exercise and wellbeing, clinical reasoning, patient-centred care, professional practice, leadership, multidisciplinary working, research and evidence-based physiotherapy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop clinical reasoning and assessment skills, learn to manage a wide range of conditions, apply research evidence to practice, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals, work within multidisciplinary teams, make professional decisions and undertake research relevant to healthcare.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It includes 1,000 hours of clinical practice, giving students substantial hands-on experience before entering the profession.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Oxford Brookes has strong connections with healthcare and professional organisations, including partnerships with local NHS services and Oxford Quins RFC. Graduates have gone on to work in public and private healthcare internationally, with alumni examples including the Head of Medical at Oxford United Football Club and the Head of Application Management for NHS Digital.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at Oxford Brookes University puts practical experience at the heart of the programme, combining classroom learning with practical sessions, simulation and clinical placements. Students can practise their skills in realistic healthcare environments before applying them with patients, while links with NHS services, sports organisations and research teams help connect their studies to real professional situations.

Students gain practical and professional experience through:

1,000 hours of clinical practice: Students complete extensive clinical experience across hospitals, community services and private, voluntary and independent healthcare settings.
Clinical placements: The programme includes a three-week observational placement, two six-week placements in Year 1 and three six-week placements in Year 2, allowing students to gradually develop their clinical confidence and responsibility.
Clinical skills facilities: Dedicated clinical skills areas allow students to practise physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques in a controlled environment before applying them during placements.
Simulation equipment: Students can use computerised simulation manikins, including SimMan and SimBaby, to practise responding to realistic healthcare situations.
Movement laboratory: The university’s movement laboratory supports practical learning related to human movement, exercise and physiotherapy.
Anatomy resources: Students have access to anatomy models that help them understand the human body and connect anatomical knowledge with physiotherapy practice.
Enquiry-based learning: Teaching includes practical sessions, peer presentations, group workshops, lectures and seminars, encouraging students to actively participate and work with their classmates.
Interprofessional learning: Students learn alongside other healthcare students, including Occupational Therapy MSc Pre-registration students, particularly through the Leadership and Collaborative Practice module.
Sports experience: Through the university’s partnership with Oxford Quins RFC, students can gain exposure to sports environments and apply physiotherapy knowledge in practice.
NHS and community placements: Clinical placements provide experience across NHS acute and community services, exposing students to different patient groups and healthcare settings.
Research opportunities: Students can take part in research projects involving clinical or research partners, including the Centre for Movement, Occupational and Rehabilitation Sciences (MOReS), and complete a dissertation based on investigative or literature-based research.
Digital learning: Brookes Virtual provides access to lectures, handouts, learning materials and online exercises, supporting students alongside classroom teaching.
Practical assessment: Students demonstrate their skills through practical examinations, presentations, clinical assessments, vivas, written assignments and online examinations.
Clinical supervision: During placements, students receive guidance and feedback from clinical educators while developing their communication, teamwork, professional behaviour and clinical reasoning skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at Oxford Brookes University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across NHS services, community healthcare, private practice, sports and specialist healthcare settings. The programme combines extensive clinical experience with professional development, helping graduates build the confidence, clinical reasoning and teamwork skills needed to begin their careers.

Typical career options include NHS Physiotherapist, Community Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Sports Physiotherapist.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Careers support: Oxford Brookes Careers provides guidance on career planning, job searches, CVs, applications and employability skills. Graduates can continue accessing the university’s careers service for up to three years after completing their studies.
Clinical experience: Students complete 1,000 hours of clinical practice, including placements in NHS acute and community services as well as private, voluntary and independent healthcare settings.
Healthcare and industry connections: The programme has links with local NHS services and Oxford Quins RFC, giving students opportunities to apply their learning in healthcare and sporting environments.
Employment outcomes: Oxford Brookes reports that 87% of full-time undergraduate students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation in the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22. This is a university-wide figure rather than a specific statistic for the Physiotherapy MSc.
Career destinations: Graduates have moved into areas such as neurology, respiratory care, orthopaedics, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, care of older people and paediatrics, as well as private and sports-focused healthcare.
Graduate examples: Previous graduates include the Head of Medical at Oxford United Football Club and the Head of Application Management for NHS Digital, showing the range of career opportunities available.
Professional recognition: The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Successful completion allows graduates to apply for HCPC registration and join the CSP, supporting their entry into professional physiotherapy practice.
Salary information: Oxford Brookes does not publish a specific graduate salary figure for this Physiotherapy MSc, so a course-specific salary cannot be stated reliably.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates interested in research or academia can progress towards PhD study or research positions. The programme’s research training and connection with the Centre for Movement, Occupational and Rehabilitation Sciences (MOReS) provide a useful foundation for developing research interests further.