Physiotherapy BSc (full-time programme)

About the Course

The highly successful and well established Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) programme at Brunel is currently offered in three formats; a three year full time, a four year part time BSc programme and a two year Masters programme.

All modes of study prepare you for clinical excellence and professional autonomy.

If you wish to learn more about the part time or the MSc Physiotherapy programmes please review:

• Physiotherapy (BSc) – part time
• Physiotherapy (MSc) - pre-registration programme

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

It is our aim to prepare you for professional autonomy and excellence in clinical practice. To achieve this aim, the programme provides you with a strong scientific foundation, a substantial repertoire of physiotherapeutic skills, and facilitates the development of excellent clinical reasoning skills.

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 essential communication skills and soundly embeds the core 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: Emma Farquharson
Tel +44 (0)1895 268683
Email Emma with your queries: physio.admfts@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 Pam with your queries: physio.admftns@brunel.ac.uk

To speak to a physiotherapy student ambassador and get a student perspective of the programme and life at Brunel in general please email Jess: 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

Related Courses

• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing BSc
• Occupational Therapy BSc
• Physiotherapy BSc (part-time programme)
• Physiotherapy MSc (pre-registration programme)

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 building (The Mary Seacole Building) offers an excellent environment for physiotherapy education and is complemented by the full range of sporting and leisure facilities found on campus.
  
  
• Successful completion of the programme will enable you to apply for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Successful registration will allow you to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK. Successful programme 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.
  
  
• Students interested in continuing their participation in sport or music might like to read about some of our current students have managed to combine these endeavours with the challenges of the Physiotherapy programme.
  
  "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 2012 we were once again rated by the National Student Survey (NSS2012) 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.
  
  
• The Brunel physiotherapy programme ranked third in the country and first in London by the Guardian 2011.
  
  
• And first in London and fourth in the UK - Guardian league table 2012.
  
  
• The annual intake onto the programme varies from time to time according to predicted NHS workforce planning needs. In 2012 we were able to offer 72 NHS bursarial places on the full time programme. Subject to confirmation we anticipate 62 bursarial places on the full time programme for September 2013 with an additional 10 fees paid places on our new pre-reg Masters in Physiotherapy programme.
  
  
• Our degree classification profile is reflective of the high calibre of our students on entry, their commitment to their studies and the dedication and professionalism of the teaching team.

Read what our students say about the Brunel Physiotherapy programme.

Course Content

The Physiotherapy BSc programme at Brunel University is long established, with historical roots extending over four decades. The programme is continually reviewed and 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 and high levels of graduate employment.

In accordance with good practice and the requirements of the regulatory body (HCPC) all UK physiotherapy programmes are revalidated every five to seven years to ensure they 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 needs of patients. 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 clinicians.

The full time BSc Physiotherapy 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 significant. 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 am to 5 pm five days a week. On Wednesdays classes usually end at lunchtime to allow students time for sport and recreation in the afternoon. Where possible teaching will finish at lunchtime on Fridays.

Scheme of Study

The schema of the programme (Excel) shows how the course is arranged term by term and year by year. Following the schema; read on to learn about the modules that occur in each term.

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 also 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 12 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 12 weeks in duration.

Year 1 - 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 analyse 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 the 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 learn 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.

Year 1 - Term 3

Term 3 starts after your 3 week Easter break and primarily consists of a three week exam period in which Term 2 modules and any outstanding modules from Term 1 are assessed. You are then free to enjoy a long week summer break (at least 16 weeks) before returning to start your second year studies.

Note that in order to proceed to Level 2 all Level 1 modules must be successfully completed.

If a second attempt at a module assessment is required you will have the opportunity to do so in the final week of August.

Year 2

Term 1

This 12 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 learn how to assess and manage patients with such conditions.

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 substantial knowledge and the skills you will need to make your first clinical placement a great experiential learning experience. This module is designed to provide you with 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 and environmental effects and the role of 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. However you will be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in this module in your clinical placement modules.

This 12 week teaching period ends with the three-week Christmas break and is followed by your first clinical placement.

Year 2 - 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 full time 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: You will be assessed on each placement by your supervising clinical educator using a standardised proforma.

Cardiovascular Health  

In this module you will study cardiovascular physiology and pathology including vascular pathology of the coronary circulation and vessels of the lower limbs. In addition to developing an understanding of assessing and managing patients with cardiac pathology and lower limb amputation. Integral to these conditions in particular you will also develop skills and knowledge in the arena of health promotion.

Assessment: a 40 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.

Year 2 - Term 3

The three week Easter break will be followed by three weeks of exam period 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.. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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.

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 approximately 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. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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 and in the development of the profession.

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.

Year 3 - 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. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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. You will however be expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues explored in subsequent 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 independently 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.

Year 3 - 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 interdisciplinary 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 Physiotherapy programme. As such it is strongly embedded within the course structure. 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 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.

Regardless of location or specialty 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.

We do not require you to complete a formal clinical placement 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 placement team at Brunel.

Formal and assessed clinical placement modules in years two and three are organised on the student's behalf by the clinical placement 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 time to "find your feet" and to 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 and is likely to reflect the normal working practices of the placement.

Whilst on placement you will be supervised by physiotherapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 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 academic grades do.

Most clinical placements are located within the Greater London area, ie within the M25, but a few could be further away necessitating "staying over on placement" during the week. This may happen only once or twice during your time on the programme, however you might enjoy "living" on your "placement 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, ie 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; this would normally be the case even if you did not qualify for a means tested bursary allowance. Note however there is always a delay between paying out and being reimbursed which can lead to cash flow issues which we urge you to be aware of and where possible to anticipate.

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. This learning environment provides an opportunity to explore common areas of study in depth and see how patient outcomes can be enhanced by a multidisciplinary team approach.

Assessment

As can be seen from the module outlines (see above) where each module is briefly described (see above), a variety of assessment tools are used in order to best reflect the content and learning aims of each specific module. Assessment will therefore include unseen written exams, written assignments, practical exams, vivas, 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 but including all clinical placements 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.

Employability

Brunel University prides itself on its track record of producing high calibre physiotherapy graduates. It is generally recognised that our graduates leave us with the skills required to be safe, effective and flexible autonomous clinicians. We achieve this record through our focus on:

• professionalism and professional development
• the application of basic science and knowledge to the clinical situation
• the needs of the patient for effective communication, compassion, dignity, confidentiality and respect
• evidence based practice
• practical skills underpinned by a sound understanding of science and scientific principles
• problem solving as evidenced by our teaching and learning situations and our assessment requirements
• developing the confident autonomous practitioner who through a process of learnt reflection is aware of their own strengths and weaknesses
• developing the self reliant life long learner with the skills and motivation to address weaknesses and to build on strengths
• developing the critical thinker able to evaluate scientific evidence and able to make valid judgements regarding evidence based practice and to contribute themselves to the profession and to the evidence base via their own research

These are some of the skills which we seek to provide our students with whilst they are with us, during their campus based studies. These skills are further compounded when students spend time completing their 30 weeks of clinical practice.

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. Being generally committed to their studies, working solidly throughout the course and performing very well on clinical placement culminates in an excellent degree classification profile.  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 and Care Professions Council and to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Placements

All our students graduate after successfully completing 30 weeks of full time clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings reflective of current practice.

• Clinical placements occur throughout levels 2 & 3 and consists of five placements each six weeks duration
• On each placement students are given the opportunity to consolidate and build upon skills gained in College
• They also have the opportunity to put their clinical skills into practice on patients and to learn to manage the complexity of humanity
• Our expectations of students performance in the clinical setting change as students progress through the placements for example towards the end of their final placement we expect students to be managing their time, patient case-loads and learning needs on a par with junior qualified physiotherapists
• There is an opportunity for final year students to participate in an Erasmus exchange programme in Europe. This valuable opportunity enables students to explore health care delivery in another country and to further develop their independence and resilience as an individual and as a clinician.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

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

UK nationals resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of the programme will normally qualify for an NHS award (ie fees paid place plus a means tested bursary).

EU nationals resident in the UK for at least a three year period directly prior to the start of the programme will normally qualify for an NHS award (ie fees paid place plus a means tested bursary).

EU nationals who do not normally live in the UK or who are not able to provide evidence of residency in the UK for at least the three year period directly prior to the start of the programme will not qualify for an NHS award. Such individuals will be required to self fund at the UK/EU rate which is currently £9,010 pa (2012/13) for each of the three years. A small annual increment may occur and applicants are encouraged to budget for this fact.

Overseas Fees

Students not designated as UK/EU citizens will be subject to international tuition fees. Currently (2012/13) these fees stand at £13,860 pa 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 2013 Entry

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

Note: applicants will be short listed from their UCAS forms on the basis of their academic profile and their insight into the profession. Short listed applicants will be required to attend a Selection Day (see below for further details).

Standard entry:
These are the requirements which we would normally expect from applicants under the age of 21 at the proposed point of entry onto the programme.

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, including Biology or Human Biology and at least one subject from our preferred 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/Critical Thinking not accepted
• Irish Leaving Certificate AABBB, with an A in Biology or Human Biology
• IBDP 33 points, with a 6 in Biology at higher level
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD + A-level grade B in Biology or Human Biology
• BTEC Award or BTEC Certificate + 2 A-levels D or DD in BTEC + AB in A-levels – with grade B in Biology or Human Biology

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For 2014 entry

• GCE A-level AAB (B for Biology or Human Biology) and at least one subject from our preferred list at grade A: Chemistry, Classical Civilisations, Economics, English, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths (Further Maths or Statistics), Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport Studies. General Studies/Critical Thinking not accepted
• Irish Leaving Certificate AAABB, with an A in Biology or Human Biology
• IBDP 35 points, with a 6 in Biology at higher level
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*D*D + A-level grade B in Biology or Human Biology

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Non standard entrants / mature students:

These are the requirements which we would normally expect from applicants over the age of 21 at the proposed point of entry onto the programme.

Non standard entrants and mature students (over the age of 21 years) are welcome and considered on an individual basis. However 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
• GCE 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.

• Access Courses Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 60 credits at level 3 Distinction including modules in cardiovascular, pulmonary, skeletal muscle physiology and basic neurophysiology.
  
• Birkbeck Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine Applicants considered with a distinction profile in biology and a merit profile in chemistry.
• 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 each of the 4 TMAs of the 30 credit Level 2 module in Human Biology (SK277) will be considered.
• Graduates All graduates with a 2.2 minimum 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. Any appropriate level study of biology must have been satisfactorily completed within the 4 years prior to proposed start of physiotherapy programme.

Advice for mature students: In order to present us with enough detail on which to base a decision we ask that you:

• document your full academic history on the UCAS form and not just give us your most recent qualifications(s).
• 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. Remember that we require GCEs in English and Maths – we do not accept equivalents offered as part of an Access diploma.
• that you may be required to present documentary proof of previous academic achievements at the point of course enrolment.

Health and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

In addition to meeting our entry criteria and a satisfactory selection day outcome, applicants under offer must demonstrate satisfactory health declaration and complete a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application, previously known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

For further guidance please Contact Admissions.

Observational Clinical Placements and the Application process:

It is vital that all applicants to the programme are thoroughly aware of what the physiotherapy profession entails. This awareness needs to be properly grounded in reality rather than notion.

Hence we ask all applicants to undertake a thorough review of the available literature.

We prefer applicants to undertake an observational clinical placement, although we do recognise that this can be difficult.

We advise you in the first instance to write to the physiotherapy managers of your local NHS hospitals requesting a day or two of observation. You may need to write to several hospitals. Asking for short periods of time tends to be received better than asking for too much!

You will not require a long period of observation although the exact time will vary from person to person. However you do need long enough for you to be able to make a “hand on heart” decision that Physiotherapy is the profession for you.

Once you have got to this point you should find it relatively easy to write your personal statement, demonstrating your insight into the profession, explaining how your observational experience has informed your decision to study physiotherapy and highlighting the personal characteristics of the physiotherapist and why you think you’d be a good one!

If you do not manage to secure an NHS short placement, try the private sector – predominantly small physiotherapy private practices. Alternatively try and secure time in a nursing home. These placements have several limitations which you should be aware of but are still extremely valuable. Then it’s up to you to tell us (on your personal statement) how your experiences have informed your decision to be a physiotherapist etc.. and how your experiences can be translated to physiotherapy.

The Selection Process

In order to select the very best of applicants, short listed applicants will be invited to one of our selection days which run between December and March/April.

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 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  
• Programme 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 advance preparation).
• 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 January through to the end of March/April.

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.