Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

24 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at the University of Liverpool is a two-year accelerated programme for graduates who want to become qualified physiotherapists through postgraduate study. It combines clinical experience, professional development and evidence-based learning, helping students build the skills needed to assess and manage a wide range of physical health conditions while developing their communication, leadership and research abilities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their foundation in physiotherapy through Applied Sciences Physiotherapy, Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice, and Evidence Based Management of Medical, Surgical and Rehabilitation Patients. They also study Evidence Based Management of Musculoskeletal Patients and Research Methods in Healthcare Practice, developing their understanding of assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and evidence-based decision-making.

Year 2: The second year focuses on advanced professional and clinical development through Advancing Physiotherapy Practice and Healthcare Leadership and Service Delivery. Students also complete a Dissertation: Healthcare Practice, giving them the opportunity to investigate a healthcare topic independently while developing their research and critical-thinking skills.

Focus Areas

Clinical physiotherapy, musculoskeletal care, medical and surgical rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, applied sciences, clinical reasoning, healthcare leadership, service delivery, research methods, communication and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to assess and manage a range of physical health conditions, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals, work within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrate leadership and apply research evidence to clinical practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Successful graduates can apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for professional membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This provides a clear professional pathway for graduates who want to begin a career in physiotherapy in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Liverpool highlights its strong reputation in healthcare education, with the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing having more than 100 years of experience in healthcare education. The university also has an active research environment and specialist clinical training opportunities, supporting students as they prepare for professional physiotherapy careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at the University of Liverpool has a strong practical focus, with clinical teaching and hands-on learning built into the two-year programme. Students have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in healthcare settings while developing their clinical skills, communication, leadership and professional confidence. The programme also uses practical assessments and enquiry-based learning to help students prepare for the situations they are likely to encounter as practising physiotherapists.

Students gain practical experience through:

Clinical placements: Students complete 30 weeks of core placement experience, gaining exposure to different clinical settings and working alongside healthcare professionals.
Observation and simulation placement: In the first year, students undertake a week-long observation and simulation placement, helping them connect academic learning with clinical practice.
Elective placement: Towards the end of Year 2, students complete a four-week elective placement in the UK or overseas, allowing them to explore an area of professional interest.
Clinical skills development: Practical teaching helps students build confidence in patient assessment, treatment and communication while developing their professional skills.
Real-world assessments: Assessments are designed around healthcare situations and professional tasks, allowing students to demonstrate how they would apply their knowledge in practice.
Enquiry-based learning: Students investigate clinical and healthcare-related problems, helping them develop independent learning, critical thinking and reflective-practice skills.
Team-based healthcare experience: Students learn about working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams and understand the role of physiotherapists within wider healthcare services.
Research experience: Students study Research Methods in Healthcare Practice and complete a 45-credit Dissertation: Healthcare Practice, strengthening their research and evidence-based practice skills.
Digital learning: The programme supports students in developing digital fluency, with digital teaching resources and online tools used throughout their studies.
Library resources: Students have access to the university library, including e-books and other digital resources to support their coursework and independent research.
Specialist facilities: The School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing provides specialist facilities for healthcare education and clinical skills development, supporting practical learning throughout the programme.
Career support: Students can use Handshake and the university’s Career Studio to explore employers, placements, internships, graduate opportunities and professional networking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc at the University of Liverpool prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy careers across the NHS, private healthcare, sport, research and education. After completing the programme, graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and professional membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), giving them a strong foundation for building a long-term career in physiotherapy.

Typical career options include Physiotherapist, Senior Physiotherapist, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Researcher, Clinical Educator and Physiotherapy Lecturer.

Students can build their career prospects through:

Career Studio: Liverpool’s Career Studio provides support with career planning, job applications, interviews, placements, internships, graduate opportunities and professional development.
Employer connections: Students have opportunities to meet employers, learn about different career paths and develop the skills needed for the workplace.
Handshake: Students can use Handshake to connect with employers and explore career opportunities while receiving support from the university’s careers team.
Careers events and networking: University careers events give students opportunities to meet professionals, expand their networks and understand what employers are looking for.
Clinical experience: The programme includes 30 weeks of core placement experience, allowing students to develop practical skills in a variety of healthcare environments.
Professional recognition: Graduates can apply for HCPC registration and professional membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, supporting their entry into professional physiotherapy practice.
Career destinations: Graduates can pursue opportunities across the NHS, private practice, sport, industry, research and teaching, depending on their interests and experience.
Healthcare partnerships: The university works with healthcare organisations including The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Aintree and Walton Centre for Neurology, Whiston Hospital and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, among others, supporting clinical placement opportunities.
Employment statistics and salary: The official programme information does not provide a specific graduate employment rate or salary figure for this MSc, so a course-specific figure cannot be stated reliably.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates who want to continue their academic journey can progress to further postgraduate research, including doctoral study such as a PhD. The research methods training and 45-credit dissertation completed during the MSc provide a useful foundation for careers in physiotherapy research, healthcare education and academia.