Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice | MSc

David Cann - Programme Leader

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Welcome to MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice

Physiotherapy is a scientific and evidence-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 advice, education, exercise, and manual therapy and electrophysical agents.

MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice at Lincoln aims to enhance currently qualified Physiotherapist's knowledge and skills through various teaching and learning methods to equip students for current clinical practice. This includes exploring topics such as clinical reasoning and decision making, pathoanatomic and physiology, interventions, research methodology and project management applicable to physiotherapy practice.

With an emphasis on applied theory, practical development, and improving service provision, the programme aims to enhance both practical and research skills through critical engagement with evidence-based strategies for clinical practice.

Students will also be encouraged to undertake analytical reflections based on their clinical practice to direct their own personal and professional development. Students will receive support from academics who have specialist knowledge and experience in the field.

How You Study

Scheduled learning activities may include lectures, workshops, and practical sessions, which accompany independent learning and development in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

In the first year of study, modules include Leadership in Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Science and Practice, Musculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning, Musculoskeletal Interventions, and Research Methods. These are designed for students to develop evidence-based knowledge and skills for clinical and research practice to work towards the Dissertation project.

In the second year, students can apply their skills and knowledge to create and manage a research project in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Students will also have the opportunity to disseminate their research findings through different methods including journal publication, a conference presentation, or poster production and delivery.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† 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.

Dissertation 2023-24 PHS9007MLevel 72023-24The National Health Service, social care sector, and public services place a high value on research-informed practice. The health and care workforce needs to consist of change agents, informed entrepreneurs, creative, engaged, and influential clinical leaders, skilled in research design and investigation. Conducting research enables students to explore and develop their professional practice, contributing to and extending the knowledge in their sphere of practice. This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand how research can directly inform practice and provides the opportunity to enhance patient care through direct experience of completing a research project. The module is designed to support the development of research skills commensurate with Master's level study and promote development of a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination. Students can undertake focused exploration of an area of professional interest, applying their understanding of the research process to design and conduct a research project or service investigation relating to their area of professional practice. Students are expected to autonomously to write up the findings of the project, employing a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination.CoreLeadership in Physiotherapy 2023-24PHS9008MLevel 72023-24The module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of leadership in the context of contemporary clinical practice. A range of leadership topics will include legal, ethical and professional issues in Physiotherapy and how culture, diversity and values can impact on clinical practice. In addition, students will learn the importance of collaborative working and interpersonal skills in the context of leadership. Students will also learn theories and models of leadership, continued professional development and apply critical reflection to self-assess and enhance their own leadership capabilities. The aim of this will be to equip students with the ability to critique their clinical practice and generate methods of improvement at an individual, departmental and professional level. The knowledge and skills gained from this module will be utilised in future clinical practice to support learners to contribute to transformational change through their practice as a Physiotherapist.CoreMusculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning 2023-24PHS9010MLevel 72023-24This module aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in assessing patients in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. Students can develop a professional and patient-centred approach to assessing patients in order to arrive at a reasoned and evidence-informed clinical impression. Clinical reasoning and decision-making theory and application are covered relative to assessment and diagnosis/hypothesis. A range of approaches to patient assessment and documentation will be explored, with a focus on the role of effective communication as a key skill in modern physiotherapy practice. Students can also consider the role of wider biopsychosocial aspects to patient presentations and the assessment process.CoreMusculoskeletal Interventions 2023-24PHS9011MLevel 72023-24This module explores a range of interventions used within the physiotherapy profession to treat, educate, support, and enable patients.These interventions include the therapeutic use of physical activity and exercise, manual therapy techniques, electrotherapeutic modalities, and techniques and equipment to facilitate functional human movement. Students can alsoreflectand critically evaluatetheir knowledge and skillsto adapt techniques to meet individual needs and specialist populationsto promote wellness, lifestyle change, and self-management.Thismodule is designed tobuild on students' clinical reasoningand decision-making skills fortheir clinical practice.CorePhysiotherapy Science & Practice 2023-24 PHS9009MLevel 72023-24This module aims to promote the development of clinically applied knowledge inhealth and social science relevant to physiotherapy practice. Students can develop and applybiological, physical, psychological, and sociological sciences in the physiotherapy context. Learning through a series oftheoreticaland practicalteachingsessions, students can benefit from enquiry-based learningactivities to alignscientific knowledgewith physiotherapy practice.Thisknowledgeis the foundation for developing aholisticapproach to patient care.CoreResearch Methods - Taught 2023-24HEA9456MLevel 72023-24The module aims to increase students' understanding of research methods, enabling deeper evaluation and use of research findings in contemporary practice. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal that can be carried on to dissertation.Core

How you are assessed

Students' knowledge and skills will be assessed through a broad range of methods including practical assessments, written assignments, and presentations.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

- Applicants should hold a degree in physiotherapy at 2:2 classification or above or a qualification that allows you to register to practice as Physiotherapist in your home country.

- Applicants must also be registered or eligible to register as a physiotherapist/physical therapist with the relevant professional body or association in their home country.

International Applicants
All international applicants require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 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 https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

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.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

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Key Information

MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice