Rehabilitation & Health Science : About The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Course
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional concerned with human function, movement and maximising an individual’s potential. Physiotherapists use core skills in exercise therapy, manual therapy and electro–physical modalities to manage physical, psychological and social well–being.
After graduating from this course, you will find our excellent reputation precedes you and you will have a wide range of career opportunities within the NHS or private sector. Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of clinical areas. Following completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This qualification has a good reputation and is well–known throughout the world.
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A rewarding and exciting career |
Aims
Bournemouth University aims to develop evidence–based clinicians with transferable academic and practical skills who are fully prepared for the evolving nature of healthcare and the NHS.
The course is designed to produce graduates with excellent academic, physiotherapeutic, interpersonal and professional skills that will enable individuals to meet the standards of proficiency requirements for physiotherapy education. On completion of the course students are eligible to apply for professional membership with the HPC and CSP.
The course aims to develop:
- Physiotherapists who are autonomous, reflective, independent learners committed to continuing professional development and life–long learning.
- Enquiring practitioners with problem–solving and clinical reasoning skills who assess, implement, evaluate and inform physiotherapy practice.
- Practioners who are able to work in a wide variety of clinical settings includingmusculo–skeletal, cardio–vascular, respiratory and neuro–muscular rehabilitation.
- Ethical physiotherapists with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who focus on patient–centered care and mutually agreed goals.
- Physiotherapists who understand their own role and the role of the inter–professional team in a variety of traditional and evolving health and social care settings.
- Individuals with a wide range of other transferable skills including the ability to investigate and apply research evidence, leadership and management skills and information technology skills.
Course Overview
The Physiotherapy course is taught in blocks known as units. The first unit gives students the foundation skills for physiotherapy practice and includes a week orientating to physiotherapy practice. The subsequent two units develop knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and clinical reasoning to enable students to assess and treat Neuromusculoskeletal problems. At the end of the first year students are able to apply these skills during the first full six week placement.
The second year builds on the knowledge and skills with a focus on assessing and treating those with cardio–vascular–respiratory conditions and neurological disorders with a focus on rehabilitation. Skills in clinical reasoning are developed alongside exploring evidence to guide practice and are studied with other Health & Social care students. A further two six week clinical placements are completed.
In the final year students have the opportunity to research their own professional interests. Students integrate knowledge of research and practice for the client–centred management of complex conditions. There is a focus on team working with other health professionals. A further two six week placements are completed.
Throughout the three years students keep a portfolio recording their personal and professional development to assist the transition into employment.
To discover more please see our Course Content page.
An integrated programme of theory and practice learning
We deliver blended learning using a variety of teaching methods and practical sessions. Learning can take place through formal lectures, practical skills sessions, group working, problem–solving approaches and using on–line technology. The small year group and academic advisors, individualises the student experience. The programme is science based and uses a range of assessment methods to allow students to demonstrate a wide variety of skills.
One thousand hours of clinical placement in a broad range of health and social care settings are completed as part of the course. Our programme starts placements in the first year to allow students to constantly apply theory to practice. Evidence–based practice continuously engages students in both personal and professional development.
Our Physiotherapy lecturers currently work as physiotherapists providing direct links for students to the working environment. Our dynamic academic team includes a diverse range of clinical and educational specialists with contribution from medical consultants and professors associated with BU. Lecturers are committed to developing skills of clinical judgement through informed interpretation of the research.
To reflect the workplace, students have the opportunity to study units with other BU healthcare programmes. The Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy courses have been developed together to provide students the opportunity to study closely with the professionals they are most likely to work with having graduated. Wider inter–professional education includes nursing (adult, child, mental health), midwifery, social work, operating department practioners and paramedics.
Living in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a buzzing, cosmopolitan and exciting place to live and study. Big on entertainment, open space and nightlife it offers the perfect balance between work, rest and play.
Application
Physiotherapy degrees are popular to school leavers and mature applicants. There are some important factors to consider when applying for a place at Bournemouth University.
- Applicants must show a good academic background.
- Qualifications could be A–Levels or Foundation degree, Access Course or a previous degree or equivalents. Evidence of A–level (or equivalent) study in Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education to a B–grade standard is required. Additional desirable areas of study include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Health Care.
- GCSE’s or equivalents in Maths and English are essential.
- Applicants must also demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of physiotherapy within health and social care settings.
- Comprehension of the physiotherapist role can be obtained through observational work–experience and research of the profession. Shadowing health professionals on hospital wards, out–patient departments, community settings and private practice can be beneficial. Working as a Physiotherapy Assistant and volunteering with appropriate groups or clubs can provide a more active insight into the role of a Physiotherapist.
