Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) - MSc

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Queen Margaret University combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Students develop practical skills in dedicated physiotherapy facilities, clinical simulation environments and specialist laboratories before applying their knowledge during practice-based placements across Scotland. The course also uses digital learning resources, research facilities and collaborative activities to help students build confidence in clinical practice and professional decision-making.

Students gain practical and professional experience through:

• Clinical skills rooms: QMU has two large physiotherapy practical rooms where students practise clinical skills. Each room includes adjustable treatment plinths and access to specialist physiotherapy equipment such as ultrasound, TENS, interferential stimulation, shortwave and laser equipment.

• Clinical Simulation Suite: Students practise hands-on clinical techniques and communication in a simulated real-life healthcare environment, allowing them to build confidence before working with patients.

• Anatomy resources: Students use anatomy models during practical teaching and can also use them during self-directed study to strengthen their understanding of human anatomy.

• Motion Analysis Lab: The programme has access to a specialist motion analysis laboratory, supporting practical learning and investigation of human movement.

• Human Performance Laboratory: This multidisciplinary laboratory supports teaching, research and postgraduate project work in areas such as exercise physiology, anthropometry and movement analysis. Facilities include a Cortex gas analyser, bicycle ergometers, Woodway treadmill, Kistler force plate, EMG systems, electro-goniometers and accelerometers.

• Neuromuscular Research Laboratory: Postgraduate students can access a research laboratory equipped for investigating muscle and soft-tissue performance in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including a dynamometer, arthrometer, EMG system and magnetic stimulator.

• Practice-based placements: Students complete substantial clinical placements in different practice settings across Scotland. In the final semester, the programme includes a six-week placement followed by a five-week elective placement.

• Elective placement: The five-week elective placement can be arranged by the student, allowing them to explore an area of physiotherapy that particularly interests them.

• Collaborative learning: Teaching includes student-led seminars, group discussions, clinical workshops, tutorials and clinical observation. These activities give students opportunities to learn with classmates and develop communication and teamwork skills.

• Digital learning through CANVAS: QMU uses its virtual learning environment, CANVAS, to provide directed learning materials including reading resources, self-assessment quizzes, workbooks, tutorial questions and narrated lectures.

• Digital assessment and professional tools: Students use ePortfolios, online examinations, OSCEs, reflective portfolios and clinical assessments as part of the wider pre-registration learning and assessment approach.

• Learning Resource Centre: The QMU Learning Resource Centre provides access to books, journals, electronic resources, databases and IT facilities. It also includes dedicated group study rooms with audio-visual equipment, supporting collaborative study and research.

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Queen Margaret University prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers through extensive clinical experience and practice-based learning across Scotland. After successfully completing the MSc, graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), giving them a recognised pathway into physiotherapy practice in the UK and opportunities to work internationally.

Typical career options include NHS Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist and Paediatric Physiotherapist. With experience and further training, graduates can also move into areas such as respiratory care, orthopaedics, private practice, research and leadership:

• Careers and Employability Service: QMU provides careers support from the beginning of a student's studies through graduation and beyond. Students can receive guidance on career planning, CVs, applications, work experience, volunteering and employer opportunities.

• Clinical connections: The programme has an extensive placement network, allowing students to work alongside clinical educators in a variety of healthcare environments. These placements help students build professional confidence and understand the expectations of physiotherapy practice.

• NHS career opportunities: QMU reports that the majority of graduates from its physiotherapy programme go on to work as physiotherapists within the NHS, including in hospitals and community settings.

• International opportunities: Graduates have gone on to pursue physiotherapy careers and professional recognition in countries such as Canada, Ireland and Australia, giving the qualification potential beyond the UK.

• Graduate progression: QMU has highlighted graduates who have moved directly into professional roles after completing the programme, including a graduate who progressed to a permanent Band 5 Physiotherapist position with an NHS Trust.

• Employment and salary information: QMU does not publish a specific employment rate or average graduate salary for this MSc on the official programme page, so a programme-specific figure should not be presented as an official university statistic.

• Professional recognition: Graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This professional recognition is an important step towards practising as a physiotherapist in the UK.

• Research opportunities: The programme includes a dissertation and opportunities to engage with QMU research expertise in areas such as exercise, health and wellbeing. This can be particularly valuable for students interested in research or evidence-based practice.

• Long-term career development: The programme develops clinical reasoning, leadership, critical thinking, research and reflective practice skills. These provide a strong foundation for progressing from an entry-level physiotherapy position into specialist, leadership or advanced clinical roles.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can work across NHS hospitals, community services and other healthcare settings, with opportunities to specialise later in areas such as sports, neurology, paediatrics, respiratory physiotherapy, orthopaedics or private practice.

Further Academic Progression: After gaining professional experience, graduates can continue their studies through advanced postgraduate programmes and specialist professional development. QMU offers further study opportunities such as MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice, allowing qualified physiotherapists to deepen their clinical knowledge and progress towards advanced practice.