MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

This module is split into two components - component 1 is the on campus learning and component 2 is practice placement. During the on campus component, you will explore the adaptation from the bodies normal structure and function as a result of pathology, disease progression, injury or ageing and the implications of these for physiotherapy management the different systems of the body and develop an understanding of the impact of basic pathological process that occur in common conditions.You will explore physiotherapy interventions and management approaches including electro-physical modalities, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, which are utilised in contemporary areas of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory practice and formulate on going treatment plans. Within your practical classes you will develop your skills by applying and modifying physiotherapy approaches in a safe, ethical and professional manner which builds on your learning from previous modules. Indicative content includes:Professional skills and knowledge including:Body systems: Impact of normal development from birth to later life, ageing and disruption to the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems; Working with deteriorating/improving conditions (neurological, Cardiorespiratory and MSK); Treatment planning and clinical reasoning: Critical appraisal of evidence relating to physiotherapy approaches and theories (guidelines, literature); Collaborative working with peers, service users, carers and families in treatment planning and goal setting; Justification of selected approach with emphasis on person centred practice; Intervention practical application and evidence: Role of self-management and education; Manual therapies; Exercise prescription; Psychological, social and psychosocial processes involved in rehabilitation; Electrotherapy modalities; Application of therapeutic exercise, including progression and regression; Modification and personalisation of Physiotherapy intervention and management approaches to meet the needs of individual patients/carers and groups; Documentation and goal settingThe practice placement component of the module will follow the on campus work, where you will be applying these physiotherapy approaches in two practice placements which are designed to again consolidate and develop your learning.

Further information

This module has two components - component 1 is the on campus learning and component 2 is practice placement.In the on campus component, you will reflect on your previous learnings to date and we will utilising the spiral curriculum developed these further with the introduction of complex situations, long-term conditions and comorbidities which are seen in specialist physiotherapy practice The content of the module may include the following topics: Anatomy and physiology: The structure and function of the human body and its responses to complex disease and long term disorders; Development of neurophysiological concepts and treatments; Inflammation and healing; Pain Mechanism; Development of cardiorespiratory knowledge and skills; The theories underpinning Physiotherapy practice and the profession.Practical skills: Development of manual therapy, exercise, electrotherapeutic modalities with discussion of alternative approaches; Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks; Application of clinical examination and assessment; Development of communication skills modifying to population and engaging with technology and digital mediums.Research and education: Appraisal of current literature and research; Evidence based outcome measures in relation to more complex conditions.Professional knowledge, skills and values: Leadership and accountability; Development of self and others; Reflective practice and self-awareness; Life-long learning; Communication skills modification (with emphasis on digital mediums); Evaluation and adaptation to assessment, treatments and approaches; Development of educational materials for specific populations; Understanding of role of the PT in the wider MDT; Risk assessment, management and applicationFor the practice placement component, you will be applying these physiotherapy approaches in your two placements which are deigned to again consolidate and develop your learning.

Further information

Through a blended learning approach you will explore, examine and identify topics which may include:
Personal identity, empathy and sense of self reflection on own life experiences; Unconscious bias; Health and well-being monitoring; Resilience building; Human development across the lifespan; Ecological frameworks and social processes for individuals and communities (for example, housing, racism, poverty, education and employment opportunities, mental or physical ill health) and other sources of disadvantage that impact upon development and are associated with the risks of crime, marginalisation, isolation and exclusion, and inequalities in health and well-being; Relationships between social processes, disadvantage and social divisions; Different communities and their respective strengths and limitations; Developing community profiles; Understanding of who service-users might be; Voluntary, private and statutory organisations working with service-users and communities; Local, national and global contexts of health and social care – policy drivers, standards and practices Professionals’ roles in supporting individuals and families in different community setting to overcome inequalities in health and social care through universal services, community resources and resilience

Further information

This module offers the student an opportunity to lead and conduct a detailed research study in a profession-specific area relevant to health and social care practice. It involves critical evaluation of primary or secondary data, discussion and conclusion of the findings/results, including research limitations, presentation and synthesise evidence-based arguments to inform professional practice; education or policy. Examination of the ethical implications and reflect on the limitations of the completed research study. The skill required to synthesise the work for a potential publication facilitates the student to meet all the learning outcomes.

Where primary data collection is to be undertaken as part of a existing research project, the supervising lecturer will normally be responsible for gaining ethical approval before the module begins to ensure this process does not cause delays in your study. However, you will be expected to critically discuss the ethical implications of your research.

Topics will include:
Roles and responsibilities of students and their supervisor: the Dissertation Module Handbook contains information on getting started; literature searching and critique; managing references,
how to present and construct an article for a professional journal; identifying the gaps in the literature, time-management and reflection on process and progress; Dissemination of study findings and limitations in a format appropriate for the professional discipline.

Further information

In this module you will develop your understanding of foundation sciences and the principles which underpin physiotherapy practice. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the principles of assessment (both through face to face and digital mediums in line with current practice) which you will apply across core areas of physiotherapy practice: musculoskeletal, neurology and cardiorespiratory. You will develop practical skills involved in analysis of movement and engage in critical discussions relating to the use of outcome measures in clinical practice as well as integrating current research and literature. You will develop practical examination skills, including palpation and measurement skills; you will develop your interpersonal skills, with consideration for the values and behaviours expected of a health care professional whilst developing your understanding of the importance of person-centred practice.

Emphasis in this module is on developing your professionalism and practical assessment skills to enable you to practice within your scope of practice as a physiotherapist in a safe, ethical and professional manner, giving attention to consent, confidentiality, and record keeping. In addition to developing your practical skills you will be develop your critical understanding of the foundational sciences which underpin physiotherapy assessment (anatomy, biomechanics and human movement analysis). Within the module you will have the opportunity critique sources of evidence to inform your clinical reasoning in order to reach a working diagnosis. You will be introduced to the roles of the professional and regulatory bodies and reflect on your learning within the module. The content of the module may include the following topics:
Anatomy and physiology
• The structure and function of the human body and its responses to disease and disorder.
• Motor control
• Introduction to key neurophysiological concepts (neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, ageing and degeneration)
• Biomechanics and tissue mechanics
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Movement analysis including gait analysis
• Inflammation and healing
• Pain Mechanism
• Respiratory care
• The theories underpinning Physiotherapy practice and the profession.
Practical skills
• Theory and concepts of clinical examination/assessment
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Application of clinical examination and assessment
• Development of communication skills and examination skills
• Development of handling skills
Research and education
• Development of skills in critical evaluation and synthesis of evidence in literature
• Evidence based outcome measures
Professional skills
• Roles of professional and regulatory bodies
• Professionalism and values
• Professional behaviour, documentation
• Reflective practice and self-awareness
• Life-long learning
• Communication skills (including verbal and non-verbal; face to face and digital medium) and the need to modify to meet specific person needs.
• Evaluation and adaptation
• Safety

Further information

This module aims to introduce you to key concepts relating to the management and delivery of services as well as allowing you to develop a personal development plan for your transition into professional life. The module addresses the core themes of leadership and entrepreneurship, looking for you to consider innovative solutions to challenges faced within communities and consider how appropriate services might be implemented. In doing this, the module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead change in the future.Topics will include: Leadership and management – theory and practice; Conflict management and resolution; Organisational aims, strategy and values; Audit and quality assurance; Entrepreneurship; Social enterprise; Implementing and managing change within services and communities; Service-user and stakeholder involvement in service design and implementation; Project management and resource management; Global perspectives; Sustainability of services; Equality, diversity and inclusion; Behaviour change approaches; Bio-psycho-social approaches, physical approaches and healthcare technologies; Physiotherapy roles within specialist and areas of complex practice within and across different sectors such as community, voluntary and private sectors.

Further information

This module aims to introduce you to key concepts relating to the management and delivery of services as well as allowing you to develop a personal development plan for your transition into professional life. The module addresses the core themes of leadership and entrepreneurship, looking for you to consider innovative solutions to challenges faced within services and consider how these might be implemented. In doing this, the module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead change in the future.

Topics will include:
Leadership and management – theory and practice; Collaborative leadership; Organisational aims, strategy and values; Policy, standard and strategy implementation; Private, public and voluntary sector organisational objectives; Transforming roles; Entrepreneurship; Social enterprise; Reflexivity and flexibility in services; Implementing and managing change within services and organisations; Service-user and stakeholder involvement in service design and implementation; Creating a business plan; Project management and resource management; Workforce development; Conflict management and resolution; Challenging others to produce positive outcomes; Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice; Whistleblowing; Transitioning service-users and staff between different of changing services; Reflective practice; Personal, professional and academic development planning; Global/international perspectives.

This module is designed to address three main SiSWE learning foci: Units 4, 5, 6

Further information

The relationship between physical activity, exercise and health has long been established. More recently the evidence linking sedentary behaviour to poor health is compelling. In addition to the benefits of physical activity/exercise and the deleterious effects of sedentary behaviour on the general population, there is growing evidence of their significance in the management and promotion of physical and mental health and psychological wellbeing.

The module aims to help you explore the role of physiotherapists in supporting physical and mental health and wellbeing, through promoting physical activity and exercise, within individual, group and population contexts. In this module you will explore models of health and the theories underpinning behaviour change and relate these to your practice as a physiotherapist with consideration for current policy and the changing health and social care context. You will also evaluate the evidence-base relating to physical activity/exercise and sedentary behaviour in the management and prevention of common conditions. In the module you will develop an understanding of key concepts such as: exercise prescription, community engagement and risk evaluation for exercise prescription and physical activity.

In addition, you will develop your critical thinking and practical skills in using appropriate evidence and practical methods required for effective clinical exercise prescription and physical activity advice for individuals and groups and communities. This will include the practical skills involved in exercise testing. There will be an opportunity to collaborate with service users and/or carers at an individual and group level and to propose an evidence-based strategy for a community based exercise/physical activity programme to meet their needs. This will include identify learning needs and preferences of your target audience. This may include people with conditions such as: stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, COPD, asthma or cardiac disease.

Further information

This module offers the student an opportunity to lead and conduct a detailed research study in a topic relevant to health and social care practice. Building on the research protocol submitted in year 1, this module involves collation and critical evaluation of primary or secondary data, discussion and conclusion of findings, including a reflection on the research limitations, culminating in presentation and synthesise of evidence-based arguments to inform professional practice, education or policy. The module submission will be in a format analogous to a research paper, developing the skills required to synthesise the work to the scope and length of a potential publication facilitates the student to meet all the learning outcomes.

Further information

Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, or another appropriately qualified professional, you will develop your knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes in assessing, analysing, applying and evaluating physiotherapy in a range of contexts in a safe and competent manner. The placement offers you the opportunity to build on your University based learning and to apply this to a real world setting. You will continue on placement to develop your understanding of biological, physical and behavioural sciences which underpin physiotherapy practice. You will develop your communication skills, with service users, carers and colleagues and develop your ability to work collaboratively as part of a health and social care team to achieve shared goals. You will have the opportunity to develop your clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision making skills. You will be expected to adhere to Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapist’s codes of practice. You will also develop your understanding of the role of audit recognizing your role in quality assurance and review. You will be expected to plan, prioritise and organise your workload, demonstrating autonomy and initiative in the practice based setting.

Further information

Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, or another appropriately qualified professional, you will develop your knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes in assessing, analysing, applying and evaluating physiotherapy in a range of contexts in a safe and competent manner. The placement offers you the opportunity to build on your University based learning and to apply this to a real world setting. You will continue on placement to develop your understanding of biological, physical and behavioural sciences which underpin physiotherapy practice. You will develop your communication skills, with service users, carers and colleagues and develop your ability to work collaboratively as part of a health and social care team to achieve shared goals. You will have the opportunity to develop your clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision making skills. You will be expected to adhere to Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapist’s codes of practice. You will also develop your understanding of the role of audit recognizing your role in quality assurance and review. You will be expected to plan, prioritise and organise your workload, demonstrating autonomy and initiative in the practice based setting.

Further information

In the era of evidence-based health and social care it is vital to be able to evaluate the research evidence that underpins existing practice and the emerging information that shapes service change. On this module, you will learn to critically explore research evidence in physiotherapy practice and to synthesise, integrate and apply knowledge of the research process to this. In this module, we will use real-life examples from local, national and international researchers to develop your knowledge and skills to be able to find and interpret gaps in the existing body of evidence and to ask appropriate and relevant research questions with an aim of filling these. The work done in this module will develop the subsequent dissertation that you undertake in year-2 of the course.By promoting evidence-based research this module will encourage working to high professional standards, providing shared governance and accountability of health and social care practice. The module will include the following content: 1. An overview of the research process. 2. Critical appraisal of the research evidence to assist in the development of research ideas relevant to practice.3. Evaluation of research designs including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches. 4. Exploration in the importance of research governance and ethics.

Further information

Physiotherapists have an important role to play in response to the changing health and social care context, to empower and enable individuals with complex health needs and long term conditions to maximize their independence, empowering them to live long and to live well. Scotland has developed innovate roles for physiotherapists through implementation of triage systems e.g. Musculoskeletal advice triage service (MATS) and employed Advanced Practice Physiotherapists within community settings to support the changing roles of health care professionals in Health and Social Care.

The aim of this module is to allow you to explore physiotherapy practice working together with other health professionals to support individuals who have complex health care needs and their carers and families. You will have the opportunity to build on previous modules where you were introduced to behaviour change approaches and to consider your role in supporting individuals and their families including making use of bio-psycho-social approaches, physical approaches and healthcare technologies. In addition, you will explore physiotherapy roles within specialist and areas of advanced practice within and across different sectors such as community, voluntary and private sectors. In the module you will build on previous knowledge and clinical experience to develop your skills in critical appraisal of evidence, reflection, clinical reasoning, complex decision making, as well as your physiotherapy skills, and communication skills.

You will explore applying these skills in working with people who may have multiple morbidities, complex health needs, long-term conditions or those seen within specialist areas of practice. You will have the opportunity to critique the evidence-base for and reflect on specialist and advanced areas of practice such as Musculoskeletal Advice Triage Service (MATS), critical care, women’s health, sport injury rehabilitation, falls prevention, obesity management, pelvic health, prescribing, vestibular rehabilitation, chronic pain management, paediatrics, learning difficulties, cancer, digital technologies and physiotherapy with people who have had an amputation or have dementia and their carers.

Further information

This module will give you the opportunity to develop and practise communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and symbolic) and to develop skills in self-awareness, self-reflection, and personal resilience. Recognising that you are continuing to develop your professional identity and an understanding of your own and others’ roles, this will include reflecting on your personal values and motivation for your chosen profession as well as your use of self and issues of power and difference in communication with service users and between practitioners within multi-disciplinary teams.
You will explore a number of different theories and methods of communication, such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused approaches, systems approaches and crisis intervention, and you will learn how to judge the appropriateness of different approaches in different situations.

You will consider working with service users in groups as well as individually, and you will also explore the nature, purpose and dilemmas involved in the recording and sharing of information generated by inter-personal interactions.

In this module you will also develop our basic core competencies in a range of mandatory areas for practice as well as the background knowledge and understanding required before undertaking your first practice placement. These knowledge and skills are essential when in practice and you will be expected to continually develop them throughout the programme. The basic competencies may include the following topics:

• Professionalism and ethical behaviour
• Public protection awareness (adult and child)
• Prevention and management of violence and aggression (de-escalation of violence and aggression)
• Moving and handling
• Health acquired infection control
• Hand hygiene
• Information governance
• Data protection
• IT security
• Fire safety
• Basic life support
• Whistleblowing
• Suicide prevention

Further information

This module will offer students a comprehensive theoretical and practical insight into working with people who are at risk, learning the best practice guidelines for assessing and managing risk, and how to do this through inter-agency working.

Students will develop skills in risk formulation and intervention/care/management planning through using a real case file to explore the risk and protective factors that are present, and through working within their field-specific ‘best-practice’ guidelines and then across the disciplines held within their class group.

Topics delivered within the module will include:
Theoretical and practice of risk assessment; Key risk assessment measures; Case files; Risk management; Practical skills in risk management; Risk management planning; Strategic interventions, treatment and rehabilitation; Validity of outcome measures and formal evaluation; Risk communication; Psychology of risk communication; Communication of risk assessment to different stakeholders; Intra-professional and Inter-agency working; Psychological aspects of human decision making; Biases and common errors in decision-making in judgement; Judgements and decisions made during risk assessments; strategies to reduce risk of biases; Thresholds for intervention.

Further information