Physiotherapy – Pre-registration PgCert, PgDip or MSc

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Robert Gordon University places strong emphasis on practical learning alongside academic study. Students work with volunteer patients, practise clinical skills in realistic healthcare environments and complete six clinical placements during the two-year programme, giving them valuable experience before entering professional practice. The university also provides specialist physiotherapy, simulation and movement-analysis facilities that allow students to practise, review and improve their skills:

• Six clinical placements: Students complete six placements across the programme, with the final elective placement offering the opportunity to study abroad, subject to the required conditions.

• Physiotherapy Suite and Gym: Two practical rooms replicate outpatient physiotherapy clinics and include 12 plinths, chairs and hand tables, while a dedicated gym provides equipment for developing assessment and treatment skills.

• SMOTS digital cameras: Physiotherapy rooms use SMOTS cameras to record student performance, allowing students to review and evaluate their clinical techniques.

• Volunteer patients: Students work with volunteer patients and simulated participants to practise communication, patient assessment and non-invasive clinical procedures.

• Clinical Skills Centre: Purpose-built clinical skills rooms and laboratories provide access to high-fidelity simulators and digital equipment for recording and reviewing performance.

• Human Performance Laboratory: The laboratory supports teaching and research in human movement and includes a Vicon 3D motion capture system, respiratory analysis equipment and muscle-performance testing technology.

• Simulated ward area: A six-bedded simulated ward, including a high-dependency room, allows students to practise skills in a realistic hospital environment.

• Group-based practical learning: Practical classes are generally taught in groups of around 14 students, with case studies, discussions and practical activities used to develop clinical reasoning.

• Moodle virtual learning environment: Students have 24/7 online access to learning materials and resources through Moodle, as well as tools for communicating and collaborating with tutors and classmates.

• Research opportunities: The Human Performance Laboratory supports research projects involving areas such as gait analysis, biomechanics, respiratory function and musculoskeletal conditions.

• Interprofessional learning: Students can learn alongside other healthcare disciplines, helping them understand teamwork and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Robert Gordon University prepares graduates to begin professional physiotherapy careers across NHS, private, community and other healthcare settings. The combination of clinical placements, practical training, research and clinical reasoning gives graduates a strong foundation for entering the profession and developing into more specialised roles.

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

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

• RGU Careers Support: Students can access one-to-one careers guidance, CV and application advice, interview preparation and support with finding graduate opportunities.

• RGU eHub Jobs: Students can search for graduate vacancies, internships and part-time opportunities, as well as attend careers fairs and employer events.

• Clinical experience: The programme includes six clinical placements, allowing students to gain experience in real healthcare environments and develop professional skills before graduation.

• Healthcare connections: RGU's School of Health focuses on practice-based education and works closely with healthcare environments, helping students develop skills that are relevant to professional practice.

• Professional accreditation: Successful completion allows graduates to apply for HCPC registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), providing important professional recognition for a career in physiotherapy.

• International experience: The final elective placement may be completed abroad, subject to the required conditions, giving students the opportunity to experience another healthcare system.

• Graduate career example: RGU graduate Jon Twynham progressed to become Team Scotland Head Physiotherapist, showing how a physiotherapy career can develop into high-performance and elite sports environments.

• Career prospects: RGU reported that its Physiotherapy provision was ranked 1st in the UK for graduate career prospects in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

• Salary information: RGU's official course page does not provide a specific graduate salary figure for this MSc, so a course-specific salary figure should not be assumed.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue their development through specialist professional training, research or doctoral study. RGU also offers a Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) for those who want to progress into advanced research and doctoral-level study, while a PhD can provide another route for students interested in academic or research careers.