Why Choose Lincoln
Blended learning
Opportunities for practice-based learning placements
Access to research centres
Provides eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
MSc
Physiotherapy (pre-registration)
Key Information
Academic Year
Course Overview
Physiotherapy is a science-based health profession that takes a 'whole person' approach to improving and maintaining wellbeing. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability using a range of interventions such as tailored exercise, manual therapy, and advice.
The interprofessional components of the course aim to develop skilled and compassionate practitioners who have the confidence to engage with and promote professional, social, and political change in health and social care. Collaborative working with peers from a variety of disciplines promotes team work, and an application of research skills in the transformation of health and social care services.
Successful completion of this programme provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Varied and supported practice placement opportunities are available to develop students' awareness of the scope of physiotherapy. Practice-based learning helps support the development of an understanding of different career opportunities within the NHS, private, third sectors, and beyond in an ever-changing healthcare workforce.
The University of Lincoln is home to the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), which is the research centre for the School of Health and Social Care. CaHRU conducts world-leading interdisciplinary research with service users, health service professionals, and organisations to increase health and wellbeing across the health, social, and third sector care services.
CaHRU is allied with the Lincoln Institute for Health. The Lincoln Institute for Health (LIH) is a University-wide multidisciplinary research collaboration that conducts internationally excellent and world-class studies from 'cell-to-community'.
How You Study
The foundation of this course is the interprofessional learning approach to developing and promoting a culture of wellness in health and social care. Students can experience collaborative approaches to learning and teaching that will challenge traditional perceptions of healthcare provision.
A variety of learning and teaching strategies are used to cater for the individual needs of students on the programme. These strategies include lectures, seminars, workshops, small group activity, self-assessment, case studies, library based resources, clinical skills sessions, virtual learning, simulation, and practice-based learning.
There will be a blended approach to learning with students learning on campus in face to face sessions such as clinical skills sessions and online for live lectures and seminars or pre-recorded sessions that students can access at a time convenient to them.
Students are expected to gain more than 1,000 hours of practice-based learning in a variety of clinical settings. In the year 2, students can be supported in developing an optional elective clinical placement, subject to having achieved the minimum requirements for supported practice learning.
Contact Hours and Independent Study
Contact hours may vary for each year of the course. Students will be engaging in a two-year full-time course and so, at the very least, should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time. Students may also need to undertake assignments outside of term-time. The composition and delivery of the course varies for each module.
Masters level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures, seminars and practice-based learning. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
The practice-based learning placements are five weeks in duration apart from placement block 1, which is four weeks long. There are three placement blocks in Year 1 and three five- week blocks in Year 2. This helps to ensure that students are given an adequate opportunity to achieve the minimum 1,000 hours that would be required for registration with the Chartered Society of Physio-therapy (CSP) and to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students will not be required to attend University during the clinical placement blocks.
Accreditations
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Successful completion of this programme will provide graduates with the eligibility to apply to the HCPC Register as a physiotherapist and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Pitch-Side Simulation
Simulation days are an important aspect of teaching for all of our Health and Social Care Programmes. Days such as these allow our students to practice their clinical skills in safe and controlled environments. On this day our Physiotherapy students were faced with scenarios that may occur in sport environments.
Modules
Module Overview
This module aims to develop and apply the biological, physical, psychological, and sociological sciences in the physiotherapy context of health and social care. Through a series of core lectures, students can use enquiry-based learning seminar activities to align the sciences with physiotherapy practice.
The Applied Sciences module is designed to promote the development of clinically applied knowledge in core health and social science relevant to physiotherapy practice. This knowledge base is the foundation for developing a biopsychosocial approach to patient care.
Module Overview
This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills when working with specific patient groups. Learning and teaching covers speciality including children and young people and older adults. However, students are encouraged to think and work across speciality boundaries and the traditionally viewed core areas of physiotherapy (cardiovascular respiratory, neuro and MSK) too.
Students are encouraged to develop an inclusive, person-centred approach to assessing and managing people and patient groups to arrive at a reasoned and evidence-informed clinical impression and management plan. Learners will be able to respond appropriately to the needs of different groups and individuals, including but not limited to those with protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
Students are expected to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills from Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice and Applied Sciences in Physiotherapy as well as their practice-based learning placement and build on these for specialised patient groups.
Students will have the opportunity to develop a person-centred approach and demonstrate professional values and behaviours to achieve optimal patient outcomes and in applied legal and ethical frameworks.
Module Overview
This module has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and understanding about the structure and function of health and social care in the UK. The module will support students in making the transition to Master's level study and assist them in the development of key skills such as critical evaluation, reflection, and using evidence to underpin practice.
Module Overview
Students will develop a professional and person-centred approach to assessing patients to arrive at a critically reasoned and evidence-informed clinical impression via problem-based learning.
This module will build upon the theory learned from the Applied Science in Physiotherapy module, by covering practical decision-making relative to assessment, diagnosis and treatment to form a foundation for practice placements and subsequent modules. For example, students will learn about the cardiovascular respiratory (CVR) system in the Applied Science in Physiotherapy module, alongside practical assessment and treatment techniques in the acute care (hospital) / in- patient ward environment Foundations in Physiotherapy Practice session.
There will be a focus on the role of effective communication as a key skill in modern health and social care. The module will include the analysis and assessment of functional human movement, and the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems through a place- based care approach. Students will also explore the role of wider psycho-social assessment measures.
Learners will develop their critical evaluation skills by exploring the evidence underpinning interventions, whilst developing clinical reasoning skills in the selection of therapeutic techniques.
Module Overview
Population health and a population health approach aims to improve the health and wellbeing of a population, this could be at a local, regional or national level. It is about improving both mental and physical health outcomes, wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. It includes action to reduce ill health, ensure appropriate health and care services are provided and the wider determinants of health. It requires working with communities and partner agencies (Holmes, 2022).
Lifestyle choices are increasing the risk of preventable diseases and affecting individual's wellbeing. People are living longer with more multiple long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma and the health inequality gap in increasing. Population health is one of the core strategic aims of integrated care systems (ICSs); to improve physical and mental health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities across an entire population, focusing on the wider determinants of health (NHS England, 2023).
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
What You Need to Know
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
I started to specialise into Physiotherapy for Women’s Health in 2021, when my trust were tasked with piloting a new, community service. I found it really interesting to see and experience first-hand the skills we had learned as part of the Service Evaluation and Service Transformation modules in our second year of study.
Faye Button
How you are assessed
Students will be assessed both formally and informally throughout the course in order to develop learning and autonomy. The assessments will take place within the University, online and practice placement environments.
Practice-based learning will be pass / fail, while the Level 7 academic work will contribute towards your final grade. Some assessment will be led by the course tutors, but students may also be encouraged to engage in peer and self-assessment to help develop the skills of reflection and evaluation which are essential for lifelong learning and continued professional development following registration as a Physiotherapist.
Some of the assessments will focus on theoretical knowledge and application of theory and others on the practical performance of technical skills and patient management. Detailed guidance of what is expected, and assessment criteria, will be provided for each module.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly usually with-in 15 working days of the submission date (unless stated differently above).
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a service transformation project, written and practical exams, written assignments, portfolio development, group work, or presentations.
Research
The University of Lincoln is home to the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), which is the research centre for the School of Health and Social Care. CaHRU conducts world-leading interdisciplinary research with service users, health service professionals, and organisations to increase health and wellbeing across the health, social, and third sector care services. CaHRU is allied with the Lincoln Institute for Health.
Physiotherapy Clinic
In 2024, a joint project between the University of Lincoln and the local community NHS trust launched a student led physiotherapy clinic. This voluntary clinic is an opportunity for students on the programme to gain valuable experience in a setting supervised by qualified physiotherapists seeing NHS patients.
Career Development
Many registered and Chartered Physiotherapists work for the NHS and are recruited and employed by individual Trusts.
This programme is forward-looking and appreciates that many physiotherapists and new graduates may also work in the military, sports, private, and third sectors. New, varied, and innovative job opportunities are increasingly available to qualified physiotherapists, and this programme aims to prepare its graduates accordingly. Non-clinical careers also exist in teaching, research, management and administration, health and safety, and training and development. The experienced teaching team can help students explore and develop their individual career aspirations.
How to Apply
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Entry Requirements 2025-26
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should hold an honours degree at 2.2 classification or above. If you are unsure whether your first degree is relevant we welcome you to send us your degree transcript so that our Admissions Tutor can advise you further.
- Entry on to the course is subject to meeting the requirements of a profession specific occupational health screening. Certificates and degree transcripts of all previous qualifications will need to be provided before any offers are confirmed.
International Applicants
We welcome international applications although places are limited. All international applicants require IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element for students whose first language is not English. Applicants must provide a valid IELTS certificate at the point of application.
Students who have completed a UK degree within 5 years of their proposed enrolment at the University will not be required to provide IELTS.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:
For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.
International applicants need to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country and ensure this is still valid by the date of enrolment in addition to the DBS requirements detailed below. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website; please see:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants.
Other requirements include:
-Successful performance at an interview.
- Knowledge of contemporary health and social care issues, and the role of the Physiotherapist in providing healthcare.
- Understanding of written material and can communicate clearly and accurately in written and spoken English.
- All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practise Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter.
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). International applicants need to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country and ensure this is still valid by the date of enrolment.
Applicants with disabilities
We take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed based on the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability we will invite you to work with us to explore how best we can support your studies.
Other information:
You must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.
Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service.
If you would like further information about entry requirements or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.
Interviews
Following successful application, applicants will be invited to a competitive selection process that will involve an online group interview with an academic member of staff and either a clinician, service user, and fellow applicants.
Course Fees
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Course -Specific Funding and Bursaries
From September 2023, pre-registration undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF).
If eligible, you will receive:
- A training grant of £5,000 GBP per academic year.
- Increased parental support of £2,000 GBP, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
- Increased money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you're on your practice placement.
- Students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund).
For more information and to see your eligibility, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf
Please note, this government bursary is available to Home students only. Details on scholarships and bursaries available to Overseas and EU students can be found online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/scholarshipsandbursaries/
Please note that International students will not be eligible for support for travel and accommodation.
Course -Specific Additional Costs
With regards to text books, the University provides students with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that students are required to read. Students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will therefore be responsible for this cost.
A full Occupational Health screening assessment and vaccination programme is included as part of your course fees. A charge may be incurred per missed appointment. Vaccinations programmes you choose to undertake with your own GP or health provider may be subject to their charges. The University will not reimburse you for these costs.
Additional costs
Travel, accommodation and living costs are not included in tuition fees. Students may also incur additional costs in relation to printing, stationery, and photocopying, as well as any student memberships to relevant professional bodies.
Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs relating to placements.
Placement expenses for travel, and accommodation may be reimbursed by NHS Bursaries where, for example, the requirement exceeds that of attending university; requires transport out of normal operating hours; or requires additional accommodation to that of the usual term time location. These expenses may need to be covered initially by the student before any applicable reimbursement is received.
The current rates for reimbursement can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf/travel-and-dual-accommodation-expenses
Funding Your Study
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Academic Contact
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Rowena Burgess
rburgess@lincoln.ac.uk
Postgraduate Events
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
