Physiotherapy BSc (full-time programme)

About the Course

The BSc Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) programme is a long established and highly successful programme which has evolved over the decades into its current formats; a three-year full-time and a four-year part-time programme.

Both modes of study will prepare you for professional autonomy and excellence in clinical practice.

If you wish to learn more about the part time programme in particular please review the Physiotherapy (BSc) – part-time.

To get a grass roots feel for the programme you might like to listen to one of our podcasts below.

Dr Mandy Jones talks to Physiotherapy students about their experiences of studying on the Physiotherapy programme at Brunel.

Dr Cherry Kilbride talks to Physiotherapy students about their experiences of clinical education at Brunel.

Dr Meriel Norris talking to three part-time physiotherapy students about their experiences of studying at Brunel.

Aims

The programme aims to prepare you for professional autonomy and excellence in clinical practice. To achieve this aim, the programme provides you with a strong scientific foundation and encourages you to develop excellent practical and clinical reasoning skills. All of this is essential for you to safely and effectively treat patients.

The programme also provides you with the means to critically evaluate the effectiveness of your own treatments and those of others – a skill which is vital to continuing evidence-based practice. A sound working knowledge of research methodology provides you with the basis for this evaluation process and also provides you with the tools to develop your own research interests at any stage of your professional career.

In addition, the programme facilitates the development of vital communication skills and embeds the essential values of professionalism. Indeed the programme aims to produce highly professional graduates with excellent communication skills who are able to function as independent clinicians and fully interactive members of the multidisciplinary health care team.

Enquiries

For more information please contact:

Full-time mode - standard entry
(for applicants under the age of 21 years at point of entry)
Tutor: Alan Esnouf
Tel: +44 (0)1895 268757
Email: alan.esnouf@brunel.ac.uk

Full-time mode - non-standard entry
(for applicants over the age of 21 years at point of entry)
Tutor: Pam Shiers
Tel: +44 (0)1895 268839
Email: physio.admftns@brunel.ac.uk

To speak to a physiotherapy student ambassador and get a student perspective of the programme please email Laura, physio.ambassador@brunel.ac.uk.

Please note communication via email is our preferred mode of communication. However, if you need to write to us, our address is:

Health Sciences and Social Care
Brunel University
Mary Seacole Building
Uxbridge
Middlesex UB8 3PH

Web: Physiotherapy subject pages

Special Features

• The School of Health Science and Social Care is located in a new state-of-the-art, purpose built centre on the Uxbridge Campus. This new building offers an excellent environment for physiotherapy education and is complemented by the full range of sporting and leisure facilities to be found on campus.
  
  
• Successful completion of the programme will enable you to apply for registration to the Health Professions Council (HPC). Successful registration will allow you to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK. Successful completion will also enable you to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP).  
  
  
• Shared learning elements with students of occupational therapy provide opportunities to explore common areas of study in depth and to learn how patients' out-comes can be enhanced by different health care professionals working together to achieve a common goal.
  
  
• There is an opportunity for some students to participate in a European exchange scheme at Level 3 of the course. At present, exchange countries include Finland, Denmark and Sweden.

“I continue to hold the opinion that the BSc Physiotherapy programme at Brunel University is guided by high standards and effective assessment processes that are rigorously employed at all levels of the programme. These standards are congruent with (and have been noted to surpass) the standards established for physiotherapy education in the UK” (Comments from an external examiner for the Brunel Physiotherapy programme.) 

Facts and Figures

The Physiotherapy programme at Brunel has been consistently rated very highly in all of the National Students' Surveys.

In 2011 we were once again rated by the National Student Survey (NSS2011) as the Physiotherapy programme with the highest level of student satisfaction in London. To compare student satisfaction across Physiotherapy programmes in other Universities refer to Unistats.

This programme ranked third in the country and first in London by the Guardian 2011

Teaching and facilities were rated “excellent” in the Government’s most recent QAA subject review.

The annual intake onto the programme varies. As a direct consequence of the economic down turn we are able to offer only 58 places for September 2011. The places available for 2012 are to be confirmed.

Our degree classification profile is good, and is reflective of the high calibre of our students, their commitment to their studies and the dedication and professionalism of the teaching team. The numbers of graduates qualifying each year and given in the table below include both the full and part time student cohorts.

Grade and Qualifying Year	2008	2009	2010	2011
1st Class	15	8	9	10
2:1	61	54	43	29
2:2	10	9	8	5
3rd	0	0	0	0

Course Content

The Physiotherapy BSc is long established, with historical roots which extend over four decades. Over time the programme has been adapted to reflect current practice and to best prepare the graduate for their role in a changing work place. It has consistently produced high calibre graduates with high levels of employment.

In accordance with good practice all UK physiotherapy programmes tend to be revalidated every five to seven years to ensure that the programmes are capable of producing graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver quality health care in today’s health arena. The Brunel programme was most recently revalidated in the spring of 2011.

In keeping with recent changes in the government health policy which include a concerted move towards the primary prevention of ill health, and an increasing move towards the delivery of physiotherapy in community settings, we took this opportunity to make minor modifications to our programme to reflect the changing NHS and changing patient needs. We are confident that these changes - made with input from client groups, students and our NHS partners - will enable us to continue producing students who are happy, confident and competent in their studies, and graduates who are excellent and adaptable clinicians.

This course is an exciting and innovative modular programme, delivered full-time over three-years. Applicants should be aware that the programme is delivered over a period of three terms per year. The course is intense, the volume of learning is high, contact hours are high and all students must be ready to assume responsibility for their own learning. It may be necessary for some students to develop or improve upon their current learning skills and strategies in order to step up to degree level academic work.

Students should expect campus-based studies from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (or, occasionally, 5:00 pm) five days a week. On Wednesdays classes usually end at lunchtime to allow students time for sport and recreation in the afternoon. When possible teaching will finish at lunchtime on Fridays.

If you click on the schema of the programme (below)  you can see how the course is arranged term by term and year by year.

Schemes of Study

Download Excel document

Please note that all modules without exception are considered core to the curriculum, and are therefore compulsory.

Below you will find a brief description of each of the modules including an outline of the modules’ exam format.  Practical modules are likely to be assessed practically while the more theoretical modules may be assessed by unseen exam papers, a viva or a written assignment.

Note all students will normally have a maximum of two attempts to pass any module and to progress through the programme.

By-pass the module outlines to find out more about clinical education.

Module Outlines

Year 1

Term 1

Anatomy 1

 

In this module you will study the normal structure and functional anatomy of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb. You will also start to consider aspects of disorder and dysfunction. Assessment: A 20-minute lower quadrant practical anatomy exam.

Rehabilitation 1

In this module you will study the theoretical basis of human movement and exercise prescription. The module includes the study of muscle physiology, aspects of exercise physiology and movement analysis. Assessment: A 20-minute practical-viva, 1,000 word assignment and a one-hour written paper.

Pathophysiology  

This module allows you to study the key pathological processes that affect bone, muscles and joints either through trauma or disease. Assessment: A one-hour short answer paper

Professional Development

The professional development modules run throughout all terms of each of the three years of the programme. They are designed to raise students’ awareness of the appropriate codes of professional standards of conduct and ethics pertinent to the physiotherapist and the physiotherapy student both on campus and out in clinical practice. We expect our students to behave with appropriate professionalism towards their studies, their peers, the staff, and their patients at all times. In addition this module will help you to develop the skills you need for effective lifelong learning and to promote professional development. Assessment: students will be assessed via review of a professional development report.

This 11-week term ends with a one-week assessment period in which some of the term's modules will be assessed. After a three-week Christmas break, you will return to campus for Term 2 which is also of 11 weeks duration.

Term 2

Anatomy 2

In this module you will study the normal structure and functional anatomy of the cervical spine, thorax and upper limb. You will also consider aspects of disorder and dysfunction. Assessment: A 20-minute upper quadrant practical anatomy exam

Rehabilitation 2  

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop your knowledge of the theoretical basis of motor control, motor learning and skill acquisition. You will be able to build on knowledge and skills attained in Rehabilitation 1 to further develop movement analysis skills; learning for example to analysis normal and abnormal posture and gait. Assessment: a 35-minute practical examination.

Musculoskeletal 1 - The Lower Quadrant  

 

This module is the first of two practical orientated modules related to examination and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Specifically in this module, you will study common pathologies/conditions affecting the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb and how to assess and manage patients with them. Assessment: a 45-minute practical exam.

Respiratory 

 

In this module you will develop a theoretical understanding of normal respiratory physiology and the pathophysiology that underpins common respiratory disease. In addition you will learn to develop analytical assessment skills, and a physiotherapeutic knowledge base and skills repertoire which will enable you to treat and manage patients with a wide variety of symptoms associated with chronic and acute respiratory disease.  Assessment: a 30-minute practical viva and a 1.5 hour written assessment.  

Term 3

The 11 weeks of Term 2 teaching ends with a one-week revision period and three weeks of the Easter break. After Easter the term finally ends with a three-week exam period in which Term 2 modules and any outstanding modules from Term 1 will be assessed. You are then free to enjoy a 17-week summer break before returning to commence second year studies.

Year 2

Term 1

This 11-week teaching period includes two new assessed modules plus the ongoing professional development module and the study block Clinical Preparation.

Musculoskeletal 2 – The Upper Quadrant  

This module is the second of two practical modules related to examination and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Specifically in this module you will study common pathologies/conditions affecting the cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder girdle and upper limb and how to assess and manage patients with them. Assessment: a 45-minute practical exam

Neurorehabilitation

In this module you will study key concepts in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and the pathological processes underlying a range of neurological conditions. You will develop neurological physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment skills including the ability to clinical reason and justify the decisions you make. Assessment: a three-hour written assessment.

Clinical Preparation

This study block falls just prior to your first clinical placement. At this point you will have much knowledge and many new skills to draw on and to make your clinical placement a great experiential learning experience. This module is designed to provide an opportunity to investigate issues that affect therapy practice within the NHS for example professional accountability, legislation, multidisciplinary team work, effective communication and documentation, cultural, environmental and the role of differing health beliefs and models of health care delivery. In addition on a practical level you will learn safe and effective manual handling and basic life support. Assessment: This module is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

This 11-week teaching period ends with the three-week Christmas break and is followed by your first clinical placement.

Term 2

This term consists of a six-week clinical placement period followed by six weeks of campus based studies.

Clinical Placement 1  

This module is the first of the five clinical placements which occur during the second and third year of the physiotherapy programme. Each placement lasts for six weeks. On this placement you will have the opportunity to apply and develop your basic skills of assessment and treatment to a variety of relevant health disorders. With appropriate guidance you will be able to identify patient’s problems and make informed decisions regarding the interventions you select.

Further details of the clinical placement modules are given at the end of the section on Module Outlines – in order to save repetition. Assessment: performed by the supervising clinical educator on your placement using a standardised proforma that documents your performance on placement.

Cardiovascular Health  

In this module you will study cardiovascular physiology and pathology including vascular pathology of the coronary circulation and vessels to the lower limbs. In addition to developing an understanding of assessing and managing patients with cardiac pathology  and lower limb amputation you will also develop health promotion knowledge and skills.  Assessment: a 75-minute practical viva exam.

Critical Care  

This module allows you to develop a theoretical knowledge of the pathophysiology resulting in the critically ill patient on the intensive care unit. You will also develop the analytical assessment skills and physiotherapeutic skills necessary to effectively manage this patient group. Assessment: a 1,500-word case-based assignment plus a viva.

Term 3

Following the three-week Easter break there will be a one-week revision period followed by three weeks of exams in which Term 2 modules and any outstanding modules from Term 1 will be assessed.

The exam period is followed by two weeks in which you will study Paediatrics and Aging, and the term will conclude with your second six-week clinical placement.

Paediatrics  

This study block provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of early motor development and common paediatric conditions. Through exploring theoretical and practical aspects of paediatric physiotherapy, you will be able to understand the basis of assessments and interventions used within the paediatric services. Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Aging Studies

The aim of this study block is to enable you to effectively plan and deliver interventions that meet the needs of older people. You will gain an understanding of aging from the cellular level, through individual human aging to social policy. You will consider how health promotion can enable people to age happily, healthily and without disability, and you will also consider the specific health care needs of ill elderly people. Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Clinical Placement 2  

This module is the second of five clinical placements which occur during the second and third year of the physiotherapy programme. The placement is of six weeks duration. On this placement you will have the opportunity to apply and develop your basic skills of assessment and treatment to a variety of relevant health disorders. With appropriate guidance you will be able to identify patient’s problems and make informed decisions regarding the interventions you select.

Further details of the clinical placement modules are given at the end of the section on Module Outlines – in order to save repetition. Assessment: Performed by the supervising clinical educator on your placement using a standardised proforma that documents your performance on placement.

Following completion of the 2nd clinical placement you are now free to enjoy your 10 week summer break before returning to us in September

Year 3

Term 1

Clinical placement 3  

This module is the first of three clinical placement modules which occur at Level 3. As before, all placements are of six weeks duration and all students are assessed by the supervising clinicians.

On your return to college you have eight weeks of study before the three-week Christmas break.

Womens Health  

In this study block you will explore the role of the physiotherapist in women’s health. Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Oncology and Palliative Care  

This study block will promote your understanding of the medical and holistic care of oncology patients and of patients requiring palliative and end-of-life care. Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Research Methodology   

This module will develop your knowledge of the principles and concepts which underpin quality research. It will also extend your understanding of evidence-based practice and the role of ongoing research in clinical practice. Assessment: this will be via an in-class assessment and a 2,500 word-critique of a research article.

Research Proposal   

The Research Methodology module aims to provide you with the means to develop your own research proposal. This proposal on a subject relevant to physiotherapy but otherwise of your own choice is where you demonstrate a sound understanding of the research process. Assessment: a 6,000-word combined literature review and research proposal.

Professional Practice  

This is an interdisciplinary module designed to develop your ability to analyse and integrate the parameters of contemporary practice as influenced by current policy and multi-agency working. You will further develop and consolidate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio through evidence of reflective practice and critical analysis of contemporary work place practices and policies. Assessment a 4,000 word written assignment.

Following the three-week Christmas break you will complete two weeks of study blocks. The remainder of the time is available for you to prepare for your fourth clinical placement and to continue with and complete the research proposal which you started last term.

Term 2

Falls Services

This study block will enable you to effectively plan and deliver interventions within an interprofessional falls service. You will develop your understanding of the risk factors associated with falls and the assessment of individuals who fall. Current clinical guidelines and literature will be used to explore the key issues in the provision of falls services.  Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Mental Health   

The aim of this study block is to enable you to effectively plan and deliver physiotherapy interventions that meet the needs of individual service users with mental health problems. You will also develop an understanding of common mental health problems and the key issues encountered during the provision of healthcare services for this population. You will also consider how the health promotion role of the physiotherapist can contribute to a sense of well-being in people with mental health problems. Assessment: this study block is not formally assessed at the end of the module. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues investigated in your clinical placement modules.

Clinical Placement 4   

This is your penultimate clinical placement of the programme. As before, this placement is of six weeks duration and you will be assessed by the supervising clinicians. You are now very close to completion of the programme and we would now expect you to be competently managing patients of increasing levels of complexity. Signs of clinical leadership should also be apparent at this stage, and your communication and clinical reasoning skills should be well honed by the end of this placement.

At the end of this placement you will then have a three-week Easter break to recharge your batteries and to prepare for your final placement.

Term 3

This is for you a very short term. You have to complete your final clinical placement module, but after that it’s just a case of waiting for the results and of course for the graduation ceremony.

Clinical Placement 5   

This is your final clinical placement of the programme. As before, this placement is of six weeks duration and you will be assessed by the supervising clinicians. You are now extremely close to completion of the programme and we would definitely expect you to be demonstrating an increasing level of autonomy along with an understanding of your professional limitations, accountability and role within the inter-disciplinary team. In short we would expect you to be managing your case-load much like a newly qualified physiotherapist.

Clinical Education  

Clinical education is an integral and invaluable component of the programme. It is strongly embedded within the course structure. Preceding campus-based studies provide the skills and knowledge which students require in order to be prepared for their placements.

To get an idea of clinical placements from a student perspective you might like to listen to the podcast below:

Download and listen to Dr Cherry Kilbride talking to Physiotherapy students about their experiences of clinical education at Brunel.

Continuing modernisation of the NHS has seen a move away from a focus on non-acute health interventions being delivered in hospitals to the delivery of care in the community. Experience gained on all clinical education modules throughout your undergraduate training aims to reflect these developments by providing you with a broad range of experience across a variety of settings including acute NHS hospitals, private healthcare providers, community hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries, schools, nursing homes and  sports centres etc.

Students are expected to adopt a holistic approach towards their patient/client physical interventions, taking into account individual psychological, social, cultural and economic factors, whilst encompassing principles of health promotion and health education.

Clinical placements as assessed components are undertaken throughout the course from level two onwards. There are no formally assessed clinical placements at level one. However, at the end of year one, students who have had a limited opportunity to observe physiotherapy prior to the start of course are encouraged to undertake a non-assessed observation placement during the summer vacation period. Students are expected to organise these placements themselves with the support of the clinical co-ordination team at Brunel.

Formal and assessed clinical placement modules in years two and three are organised on the student's behalf by the clinical co-ordination team. This allows us to provide you with a balanced clinical experience both in terms of the specialities/patient groups you have worked with and the range of health care setting you have worked in. It is important that you are exposed to  a variety of health settings, which are  reflective of current clinical practice.

In total students will complete in excess of 1,000 hours of clinical experience in order to complete the programme.  As you can see from the schema; clinical education occurs in six-week blocks which gives you some considerable time to “find your feet” and to both have a highly valuable learning experience at the same time as providing you with plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your learning. On the full-time course there are five blocks of six week placements, with a total of 12 weeks in the second year and 18 weeks in the final year.

It is anticipated that whilst on clinical placement you will be working a 34-hour week minimum, (compared to full-time workers this effectively means you have one half-day off per week). However, the number of hours you work and the time at which you start and finish work is subject to negotiation with both college and the supervising clinical educator.

Whilst on placements you will be supervised by physiotherapists registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Students will be assessed on placement by their supervising clinician(s), using a standardised assessment tool – the Clinical Assessment Record (CAR form). The assessment score from clinical placement modules will contribute to your final degree classification, just as all second and third year other academic grades do.

Most clinical placements are located within the Greater London area, i.e. within the M25, but a few could be further away necessitating “staying over on placement” during the week. In reality this is not a big issue: it does not happen often and you might even enjoy “living” on your placements doorstep for a while rather than commuting.

We are sympathetic to your needs when we assign clinical placements. However, we are unable to guarantee that any student will be located close to their home or term-time address and a student may have to commute or live away from home for the duration of the placement. We do try to give special consideration to students whose personal circumstances fall within specified criteria, i.e. they have young children, are a main carer, or have a declared disability etc.

If the NHS is paying your university fees, your travel costs and if necessary the costs of alternative accommodation can be reclaimed.

Teaching and Learning

Our primary aim is to combine a thorough professional education with academic excellence. With respect to your university-based studies we use a variety of teaching and learning methods throughout the course including lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions (small groups), study guides and computer based learning packages.

In Year 1, learning is largely lecturer led but as you progress through the course you will soon notice a shift towards self-directed learning. An increased ability to perform literature searches and critically appraise the evidence base facilitates the move towards student centred learning. These skills are necessary for continued professional development and lifelong learning after qualifying.

A small number of modules are taught alongside other health students potentially including students of occupational therapy and social work. This learning environment provides an opportunity to explore common areas of study in depth and see how patient out-comes can be enhanced by a multidisciplinary team approach.

Assessment

As can be seen from the module outlines where each module is briefly described, a variety of assessment tools are used in order to best reflect the content and learning aims of modules. Assessment will therefore include unseen written exams, written assignments, practical exams, literature reviews and a project proposal.

All modules must be passed in order to proceed through the course. Normally students will have two attempts at passing each assessment. Grades from all modules in Years 2 and 3 (excluding study blocks) contribute to overall degree classification.

Modules will be assessed in the assessment week at the end of either term one or in term three. The majority of examinations will be scheduled for the third term.

Careers

At Brunel, the physiotherapy teaching team strongly recommends that graduates enter the NHS on qualification. We feel that the organisation of the NHS and the scope of patients who pass through the NHS offer newly graduated physiotherapists an invaluable learning opportunity and provides a solid clinical foundation on which to base their future career choices.

Our students come to us having attained a reasonably high entry criteria. They are generally committed to their studies, work solidly throughout the course and perform very well on clinical placement. Indeed generally our students are thought of very highly by clinicians whilst on clinical placements and there is some evidence that this translates well in terms of employment on graduating.

Professional Accreditation

Successful completion of this course means you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council.

Fees for 2012/13 entry

Brunel University physiotherapy programme team are pleased to announce we have achieved ‘preferred bidder’ status with NHS London for the provision of physiotherapy pre-registration education and training in London. Read more.

Home students / EU citizens who are not in receipt of an NHS bursary will be required to self fund. Currently (2011/12) these fees stand at £7,081 per annum. Applicants should budget for the fact that the fees can increase annually.

Overseas Fees

Students not designated as home / EU citizens will be subject to tuition fees. Currently (2010/11) these fees stand at £11,765 p.a. Applicants should budget for the fact that the fees can increase annually.

 

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2012 Entry

We expect all applicants to have thoroughly researched the profession prior to applying. This research requires review of the CSP website and other relevant web sites/literature and observationary clinical experience is advised.

A satisfactory health declaration and enhanced criminal record check will be required from all applicants.

Important information for 2012 applicants (pdf file)

Standard entry

For all standard entry applicants 6 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are required, to include English Language, Mathematics and two Science subjects.

• GCE A-level ABB, to include grade B in Biology or Human Biology and grade B in at least one subject from the following list: Chemistry, Classical Civilisations, Economics, English, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths (Further Maths or Statistics), Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport Studies. (General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted).
• Irish Leaving Certificate AABBB, with an A in Biology or Human Biology and an A in at least one subject from the following list: Chemistry, Classical Civilisations, Economics, English, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths (Further Maths or Statistics), Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport Studies.
• Scottish Advanced Highers ABB to include grade B in Biology or Human Biology and grade B in at least one subject from the following list: Chemistry, Classical Civilisations, Economics, English, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths (Further Maths or Statistics), Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport Studies.
• Advanced Diploma No subjects currently accepted.
• IBDP 33 points including 6 in Higher Level Biology.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD + A level grade B in Biology or Human Biology.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD + AB in A-levels - with grade B in Biology or Human Biology and grade A from the preferred list.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D + AB in A-levels - with grade B in Biology or Human Biology and grade A from the preferred list.
• Access Relevant Access courses only will be considered, including Access to Science/Health Studies/Physiotherapy/ Medical Sciences. It is essential that your studies cover the following topics at Level 3: cardiovascular, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle physiology. Please check with the admissions tutor via email if you need advice. Applicants must obtain an Access diploma with 60 credits at level 3. All credits should be attained at distinction level.

Non-standard entrants/mature students

Non-standard entrants and mature students (over the age of 21 years) are welcome and considered on an individual basis. Applicants are normally required to provide evidence of formal academic study of human biology/biology to A-level standard or equivalent within the four years prior to the start of programme. For all non-standard entry applicants a minimum of 2 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English Language and Maths.

A selection of possible entry level academic qualifications is given below:

• GCSE O-levels: All applicants must have GCSEs in English and Maths (grades CC) – equivalents are not normally accepted.
• A-levels: At least Grade B in A-level Biology or Human Biology taken within the last four years plus a second A-level at grade C.

These qualifications do not have to be attained within the same time period

All Access Courses: Relevant Access courses only will be considered, including Access to Science/Health Studies/Physiotherapy/ Medical Sciences. It is essential that your studies cover the following topics at Level 3: cardiovascular, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle physiology. Please check with the admissions tutor via email if you need advice. Applicants must obtain an Access diploma with 60 credits at level 3. All credits should be attained at distinction level.

• Birkbeck – Certificate of Higher Education (formerly Certificate in Life Sciences [Biology and Chemistry]): Applicants considered with a distinction profile in biology and a merit profile in chemistry.
• Football Association Diploma in Exercise Therapy: Applicants must obtain this diploma with a grade of at least 70%, plus a minimum of one year's therapy experience.
• Open University: Where applicants otherwise meet our entry criteria except that it is over four years since they last studied a biological science, a 70% minimum pass of a 30-credit Level 2 module in Human Biology module will be considered.
• Graduates: All graduates with a 2.2 profile may be considered. Degrees must be underpinned by a sound academic profile; normally this must include Human Biology/ Biology Grade B at A-level.

Advice for mature students

• to document a full academic history on the UCAS form and not just their most recent qualifications /or just the one that they are currently studying.
• Access students are advised to list modules which demonstrate teaching/learning in areas of human physiology. But please list only the modules you intend to study, not all the ones available for study.
• that they may be required to present documentary proof of previous academic achievements

Health and the CRB check

A satisfactory health declaration and enhanced criminal record check will be required from all applicants.

This course may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults, also known as regulated activity. Where this is the case, students will be legally required to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) which is administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The Independent Safeguarding Authority has recently been established as a single agency to monitor all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people. Registration with the scheme will cost £64, as a one off payment, which will cover both the cost of registration and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Following successful registration you will be issued with an ISA Registration Number which will stay with you for the rest of your career. The University will send further instructions on registering with the VBS as part of the admissions process. For further guidance please email admissions@brunel.ac.uk.

The Selection Process

With immediate effect we have altered our selection process. The new process is as follows:

• Applicants will be short-listed based upon their UCAS / ARI applications.
• Short-listed applicants will be invited to a selection day where they will be further assessed for professional suitability.

The selection day consists of

• Review of academic certification (students are advised to bring all documentation not just the most recently obtained certificates)
• Commencement of registration for the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
• Presentations from staff and students
• An opportunity to tour our facilities and the campus
• A 15 minute written exam (the subject of which will not require specific preparation in advance).
• A 20 minute group interview – likely to include a group verbal and group practical task. No prior preparation is required.

The applicant’s written work and performance at interview will be assessed by members of the physiotherapy team and in addition input may be obtained from invited clinicians and members of the public.

Applicants attending selection days will be ranked and the top ranked applicants will receive offers.

We expect to make offers from February through to the end of March.

Applicants who are not invited to selection days or who do not perform satisfactorily at selection day will be informed as soon as we can.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.