Physiotherapy

UCAS code: B160

Here's what Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says about its Physiotherapy course.

This four year integrated master’s course will equip you with the expertise and practical skills that you need to work as a registered physiotherapist in the private or public health and social care sector. You will thrive in our supportive environment and benefit from placements in each year.

Why QMU? • Supportive and vibrant learning environment: We are smaller by design than many universities, so you will enjoy smaller class sizes and a close, supportive relationship with our academic team. You will be part of a vibrant and social learning community that is integrated across all Physiotherapy year groups. • Learning and teaching methods make for a great learning experience: You will benefit from a carefully considered balance of theory and practical learning. Extracurricular opportunities can further develop your physiotherapy skills. • Professional recognition and registration: The course is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council On graduation, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and a physiotherapist and to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. • Ranked highly in the UK: There is 100% overall satisfaction with our Master of Physiotherapy (MPhys)/BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course (National Student Survey 2023) and we ranked 5th in the UK for Physiotherapy (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).

On this course you will: • Be able to register with the HCPC and practise as a physiotherapist on graduation. • Be able to confidently deliver safe, effective and person-centred physiotherapy care on graduation. • Become part of a community of learners, working collaboratively with lecturers, clinical staff, service users and other students on a transformational journey towards registration. • Carry out invaluable practice-based placements in each year that will enrich your learning. Placements will take place in a variety of real health and social care settings and you will work (supported by a registered physiotherapist) with patients, their carers and families, and with other health and social care professionals.

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who use person-centred approaches to make a difference to people’s lives. Physiotherapists work in a wide range of settings and focus on the management and prevention of problems relating to movement and function across the life-span.

Physiotherapy is a demanding course and we recommend that you research the career thoroughly and consider work shadowing before you come to QMU

This is a four year integrated undergraduate master’s course that leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a physiotherapist. Students commence the course with a view to graduating with a Master of Physiotherapy (MPhys) in four years. Years Three and Four will include some study alongside postgraduate students studying on the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) course. There is an option for students to choose a BSc (Hons) route at the end of Year Two and they will still be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a physiotherapist.

Year One • Becoming an Allied Health Professional • Finding Your Academic Voice • Principles of Rehabilitation • Developing Resilience in Self and Others • Foundations of Physiotherapy 1 • Introduction to Practice-based Learning (including two weeks Practice-based Learning)

Year Two • Foundations of Physiotherapy 2 • Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1 • Health Coaching Conversations • Neurological Physiotherapy • Developing a Spirit of Inquiry • Practice-based Learning 1 (including six weeks of Practice-based Learning)

Year Three • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2 • Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working • Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice • Advancement of Clinical Management • Active Citizenship • Investigation of Practice • Practice-based Learning 2 (including 11 weeks Practice-based)

Year Four • Public Health Practice for Physiotherapy • Professional Skills Development • Leadership and Enterprise for Practice • Applying Skills of Critical Enquiry (project) • Practice-based Learning 3 (including 11 weeks of Practice-based Learning)

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (April 2025) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2026. Please check our course webpage for the most up to date information.

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through both directed and self-directed study. You will be assessed using a range of methods including practical exams and written course work at the end of each module or semester.