Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Teesside University

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Teesside University is a two-year full-time course for graduates who want to qualify as physiotherapists and build a career in healthcare. You’ll combine academic study with hands-on clinical experience, developing skills in assessment, rehabilitation, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement analysis and clinical reasoning.

Curriculum Structure

Stage 1

The first stage introduces the core knowledge and practical skills needed for safe physiotherapy practice. Enhancing Professionalism, Leadership and Service Improvement Skills for the Future Ready Practitioner develops professional and leadership abilities, while Human Movement and Function for Physiotherapists explores the structure and function of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Integrated Physiotherapy Practice brings this knowledge together through the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, supported by 13 weeks of practice placements.

Stage 2

The second stage takes students into more advanced rehabilitation and clinical practice. Clinical Rehabilitation covers rehabilitation for musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac and respiratory conditions, while Physiotherapy in the Management of Long-term and Life-limiting Conditions focuses on supporting people with complex and ongoing health needs. Students also complete Dissertation Preparation for Health Professionals, an elective placement and two additional five-week practice placements.

Stage 3

The final stage focuses on the Major Project, allowing students to complete a substantial research project in a relevant healthcare area. With guidance from academic staff or research teams, students develop their ability to evaluate evidence, conduct research and apply findings to physiotherapy practice.

Focus Areas

Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, functional movement analysis, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy, rehabilitation, long-term conditions, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, leadership, research and health promotion.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to assess patients, identify their individual needs and select appropriate physiotherapy interventions. They also develop clinical reasoning, communication, teamwork, research, leadership and reflective practice skills, preparing them to work confidently as healthcare professionals.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Successful graduates can apply for HCPC registration and CSP membership, providing a recognised pathway into professional physiotherapy practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Teesside University was named University of the Year by Times Higher Education in 2025. The university also places strong emphasis on employability, with physiotherapy students gaining extensive clinical experience and access to purpose-built facilities that recreate healthcare and social-care environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Teesside University gives students plenty of opportunities to build practical skills alongside their academic learning. Through practical laboratory sessions, small-group activities and clinical placements, students can apply what they learn in realistic healthcare settings. The university also has specialist physiotherapy, biomechanics, simulation and rehabilitation facilities that help students develop confidence before moving into professional practice.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Physiotherapy and biomechanics laboratories: Purpose-built facilities provide dedicated spaces where students can develop physiotherapy skills and explore human movement and biomechanics.
Clinical simulation environments: Simulation facilities recreate realistic healthcare settings, giving students a safe place to practise assessment, treatment and patient-care skills.
Practical laboratory sessions: Students take part in practical laboratory sessions alongside lectures, seminars and small-group teaching, allowing them to put theory into practice.
Clinical placements: The programme includes substantial practice placements where students apply their physiotherapy knowledge and clinical reasoning in real healthcare environments.
Problem-based learning: Students work through realistic clinical situations and discuss possible approaches with their peers. This helps develop clinical reasoning and teamwork skills.
Hydrotherapy pool: Teesside has a specialist hydrotherapy pool with features including a variable-speed treadmill, resistance jets, swimming flume, adjustable water temperature and video analysis facilities, supporting rehabilitation-focused learning.
Digital and immersive learning: The university provides digital anatomy resources and immersive simulation facilities, allowing students to explore realistic healthcare scenarios using technology.
Major research project: Students complete a substantial research project in the final stage of the programme, developing skills in research, critical analysis and evidence-based practice with support from academic staff and research teams.
e-Portfolio: Students use an e-portfolio to record their professional development, reflect on their progress and identify areas for further development.
Group and interprofessional learning: Small-group activities and learning alongside students from other healthcare disciplines help students develop communication, teamwork and collaborative decision-making skills.
Library resources: Teesside University’s 24-hour Library provides individual and group study areas along with extensive access to eBooks, e-journals and academic databases for coursework and research.
Research and clinical facilities: The School of Health & Life Sciences combines clinical laboratories, simulation spaces, physiotherapy teaching areas and research facilities, giving students access to a learning environment closely connected to professional healthcare practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across the NHS, private healthcare, community services and charitable organisations. The combination of clinical placements, evidence-based learning and professional development gives students a strong foundation for working with patients of different ages and with a wide range of conditions.

Typical career options include NHS Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist, Community Physiotherapist and Clinical Researcher. Graduates can also develop careers in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, industry, charitable trusts and teaching, both in the UK and internationally:

Student Futures: Teesside’s Student Futures team supports students with CV preparation, job-search advice, interview preparation, careers events and access to graduate vacancies.
Graduate Talent Pool: After graduation, students can continue to receive careers support through one-to-one advice, tailored job opportunities and help with applications and interviews.
Graduate internships: The university provides access to graduate internship opportunities with different organisations, helping graduates gain further professional experience.
Healthcare connections: Teesside’s School of Health & Life Sciences has established links with local and regional NHS providers, with healthcare professionals and practitioners contributing to teaching and course development.
Professional accreditation: The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Graduates can apply for HCPC registration and CSP membership, giving them recognised professional status for a career in physiotherapy.
Employment outcomes: Teesside reports that 98% of its health students gain employment within six months of qualification. The university also reports that 76.2% of graduates are in professional roles or further education, based on its 2024/25 annual report.
Salary information: Teesside reports a median salary of £45,000 for working-age postgraduates in 2022, compared with £38,500 for working-age graduates. This is a general postgraduate figure and is not specific to physiotherapy graduates.
Long-term career development: The programme develops clinical reasoning, leadership, research, communication and reflective-practice skills, supporting progression into specialist clinical, research, teaching and leadership positions.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can work in NHS and private hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, industry, community services and charitable organisations, with further opportunities in clinical research and teaching in the UK or overseas.

Further Academic Progression: After qualifying and gaining professional experience, graduates can pursue specialist postgraduate study, advanced professional development or research. The research skills developed through the MSc, including the major project, can also provide a strong foundation for future research or academic careers.