MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Lincoln

Program Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at the University of Lincoln is a two-year programme for graduates who want to qualify as physiotherapists and build the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed for a career in healthcare. The course combines scientific learning, hands-on training, interprofessional education and more than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning, giving students experience of working with people affected by injury, illness or disability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Applied Sciences in Physiotherapy, Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice and Essential Interprofessional Practice, building a strong understanding of the science behind physiotherapy while developing practical assessment, treatment and communication skills. Through Improving Individual and Population Health and Wellbeing, students also explore health inequalities, lifestyle factors and the wider influences on people's health.

Students then progress through Developing Practice in Physiotherapy, where they apply their knowledge to different patient groups and areas of practice, including musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular respiratory physiotherapy. Practical and problem-based learning helps students develop a person-centred approach and become more confident in making clinical decisions.

Year 2: The second year focuses on further professional and clinical development through additional practice placements, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in different healthcare environments. Students may also have the opportunity to undertake an optional elective clinical placement, subject to meeting the required practice-learning standards, giving them the chance to explore an area of particular professional interest.

Focus Areas

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy, applied sciences, human movement, patient-centred care, interprofessional practice, population health, health inequalities, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn how to assess patients, identify appropriate clinical approaches and provide evidence-informed physiotherapy interventions while considering their physical, psychological and social needs. They also develop communication, clinical reasoning, teamwork, reflection and research skills, preparing them to work confidently as part of modern healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). After successfully completing the programme, graduates can apply for HCPC registration as a physiotherapist and membership of the CSP, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Lincoln provides students with practice-based learning opportunities across a range of clinical environments and highlights career opportunities in the NHS, private and third sectors, as well as areas such as sport and the military. Students can also benefit from the university's wider health research environment, including the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU) and the Lincoln Institute for Health, which bring together research across health and social care.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at the University of Lincoln combines classroom learning with practical clinical training, simulation and more than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning. Students work with realistic clinical situations, develop hands-on assessment and treatment skills, and gain experience in different healthcare environments, supported by Lincoln's specialist health and science facilities.

Students gain practical experience through a range of opportunities:

Practice-based learning: Students complete more than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning across six placement blocks, gaining experience in different clinical environments.
Student-led physiotherapy clinic: Through a partnership between the University of Lincoln and a local NHS trust, students can gain experience treating NHS patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists.
Clinical simulation: Students take part in simulation days and clinical scenarios, including situations relevant to sports and other healthcare settings, allowing them to practise safely before working with patients.
Clinical skills suites: The Sarah Swift Building includes clinical suites designed to replicate hospital and home environments, with modern patient-simulation technology for physiotherapy teaching.
Practical physiotherapy training: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice uses problem-based learning to develop students' skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment across cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Small-group learning: Workshops, case studies and small-group activities encourage students to develop communication, teamwork and clinical reasoning skills.
Digital learning: Teaching combines face-to-face practical sessions with online learning, including live and recorded lectures and seminars.
Human anatomy resources: The Ross Lucas Medical Sciences Building includes a prosection anatomy suite and specialist anatomy resources to help students understand the human body and its relevance to physiotherapy.
Laboratories and research facilities: The Ross Lucas Medical Sciences Building provides specialist laboratories, while the university's wider research facilities support health and biomedical research.
Human Performance Centre: Specialist facilities support physiological and biomechanical assessments and are used for teaching, research and consultancy involving businesses and elite athletes.
Research opportunities: Students can benefit from the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU) and the Lincoln Institute for Health, supporting interdisciplinary research in health and social care.
Library resources: The Bio-Medical and Health Sciences Library provides books, e-books, journals, databases and study spaces covering allied health and social care subjects.
Optional elective placement: During Year 2, students may have the opportunity to undertake an optional elective clinical placement, subject to meeting the required practice-learning standards, allowing them to explore an area of particular interest.

Facilities information: University of Lincoln facilities relevant to the programme include the Sarah Swift Building clinical suites, Ross Lucas Medical Sciences Building, anatomy suite, specialist laboratories, Bio-Medical and Health Sciences Library and Human Performance Centre.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at the University of Lincoln prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers through extensive clinical training, practical experience and evidence-based learning. With more than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning, students gain valuable experience across different healthcare settings and develop skills that can support a wide range of career paths.

Typical career directions include NHS Physiotherapist, Private Practice Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist and Community Physiotherapist.

Students can build their professional future through:

Career development: The teaching team supports students in exploring their career interests and preparing for the changing needs of the physiotherapy profession.
Clinical experience: More than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning across different clinical settings help students develop practical skills and understand the variety of careers available after graduation.
Student-led physiotherapy clinic: Through a partnership with a local NHS trust, students can gain experience treating NHS patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists.
Professional registration: Successful completion of the programme allows graduates to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration, which is an important step towards practising as a physiotherapist in the UK.
Professional accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and approved by the HCPC, giving the qualification strong professional recognition.
Career flexibility: Graduates can pursue opportunities in the NHS, private healthcare, military, sports and third sectors. The university also highlights potential non-clinical career areas such as teaching, research, management, administration, health and safety, and training and development.
Research opportunities: The Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU) and Lincoln Institute for Health provide opportunities to engage with wider research in health, social care and wellbeing.
Employment preparation: Clinical placements, practical training and exposure to different healthcare environments help students understand professional expectations and prepare for employment.
Employment statistics and salary: The University of Lincoln does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or average salary for this MSc, so a programme-specific figure cannot be reliably provided.
Healthcare connections: Practice placements and the student-led clinic provide valuable links with healthcare services, including collaboration with a local NHS trust.
Long-term professional value: CSP accreditation and HCPC approval provide recognised professional standing and support graduates in pursuing physiotherapy practice in the UK.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc and gaining professional experience, graduates can pursue specialist postgraduate study, research degrees or further professional development. The clinical, research and evidence-based skills gained through the programme can also support progression into advanced clinical practice, teaching, research, management and healthcare leadership roles.