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BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Prepare for your career in health and complete 1,000 hours of practice learning placements

Prepare for your career in health and complete 1,000 hours of practice learning placements

UCAS Logo
B160
3 years full time
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)
  • Complete 1,000 hours of practical placements
  • Receive at least £5,000 NHS funding per year
  • Be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist when you graduate
  • Prepare for a job in the NHS or other health services
  • Accredited by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
24 Physio Lesson Frill (28)

Top 30

UK university out of 122 institutions

Guardian University Guide 2025

Gold

rated university in the Teaching Excellence Framework

TEF 2023

11th

for student satisfaction for Physiotherapy in the UK

Complete University Guide 2023

Top 30

UK university out of 122 institutions

Guardian University Guide 2025

Gold

rated university in the Teaching Excellence Framework

TEF 2023

11th

for student satisfaction for Physiotherapy in the UK

Complete University Guide 2023

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Saturday 21 June
Saturday 11 October
Sunday 26 October
Saturday 22 November

Saturday 21 June

Saturday 11 October

Sunday 26 October

Saturday 22 November

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Overview

Study on a highly-practical and contemporary physiotherapy course

NHS Funding

Receive at least £5,000 a year of NHS funding on this course, with up to £3,000 further funding available for eligible students. Find out more on the NHS website.

Our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course develops your professional, clinical and practical skills as you prepare exciting and varied career within the profession.

Discover a highly-practical and contemporary approach to physiotherapy education

Our multi-faceted approach to learning physiotherapy includes all four pillars of practice to include education, research and leadership alongside clinical skill development.

Study the core areas of:

  • Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
  • Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
  • Neurological physiotherapy.

Feel the individualised support from our team of physiotherapy experts

Our dedication to smaller class sizes means that our team of expert and experienced physiotherapists really get to know you and how best to support your learning.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (pre-registration) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

When you graduate from this course you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Explore the application of physiotherapy in wider contexts such as:

  • Paediatrics
  • Palliative care
  • First-contact practice
  • Frailty
  • The community.

Utilise our range of outstanding NHS orientated facilities

All of our facilities are NHS orientated and include physiotherapy clinical teaching spaces and simulation environments such as:

  • A six-bedded ward environment
  • On-site community flat
  • Dedicated consultation room
  • Interactive robotic manikins
  • Virtual reality and immersive simulation spaces.

Gain vital practice experience to prepare for you future career

You will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience as per the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in a range of settings to provide you with the relevant experience you will need in your future career.

On this course you will:

  • Study on a highly-practical, contemporary physiotherapy course with a multi-faceted approach.
  • Explore a range of physiotherapy topics and contexts centred around community needs.
  • Gain necessary clinical experience through at least 1,000 hours of work placement.
  • Study on a course accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • Learn from experienced physiotherapy experts who get to know you and how best to support you.

The Course

Explore the breadth and depth of physiotherapy

The course is divided into modules that will challenge and equip you to deal with a range of problems experienced by people as a result of illness, injury or disability.

Year One

Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of human physiology for healthcare professionals as you explore the functional principles of physiotherapy practice and study.

Year Two

In your second year, you will expand your studies to include more in-depth explorations of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological physiotherapy, as you begin your placement experiences in a range of settings.

Year Three

Your final year sees you continue to undertake practical learning placements as you work towards a final dissertation research project that acts as the culmination of your learning throughout your studies.

Indicative modules

You will study a selection of core and optional modules in each year with each module worth a particular number of credits. Each module is delivered differently, depending on its content and focus of study.

Modules

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Select a year

Integrated Health Sciences

This module aims to provide:

  • An introduction to the fundamental scientific principles of Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Human movement, Biomechanics, Disease and Injury as applicable to Physiotherapy practice.
  • An understanding of the importance of biopsychosocial frameworks for Physiotherapy and the wider health and care environment.
  • Descriptions of key integrated physiological systems that affect human performance across the age continuum, specifically with reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
  • Description of body systems and structures in relation to health and disease, including mental health, and how function is impacted by disease and injury.

Professional Skills and Identity

This module aims to provide an understanding of the Professional Values, Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours necessary to become a professional practitioner as articulated in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s definition of Physiotherapy. These include:

  • Physiotherapy Values regardless of role, setting or level of practice.
  • Physiotherapy Knowledge within a continually evolving scope of practice shaped by demands and context of practice environment.
  • Physiotherapy Practice Skills utilised in conjunction with Values and Knowledge that continually evolve.
  • Generic Behaviours, Knowledge and Skills that are applicable to the safe and effective delivery of Physiotherapy.

Understanding Evidence Based Practice

The module will underpin professional practice and later research modules, aiming to provide:

  • An appreciation of the importance of evidence-based practice for health and care professionals.
  • An understanding of methods of enquiry that are utilised in research and practice, how data are analysed, and how results are presented, interpreted, and how research informs professional practice.
  • An ability to evaluate research, using standardise research appraisal tools, and to make appropriate professional judgements, particularly when evidence is lacking or contradictory.
  • The development of research skills which will support and underpin programme and professional practice, and further research activities withing the programme.

Applied Clinical Sciences

This module aims to build on your previous learning and to provide:

  • Relevant practical knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and associated practical skills pertinent to Physiotherapy practice.
  • An analysis of basic functional movements and how anatomical and physiological structures contribute to functional movement
  • An understanding of how the examination of musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems are impacted by aging, disease and injury.

Principles of Rehabilitation

This module aims to provide:

  • An introduction to relevant principles, knowledge, practical skills and approaches necessary for the assessment and treatment commonly used in rehabilitation.
  • An understanding of the need to work in partnership with people, and others involved, to identify and maximise their ability to move and function, and to enable individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
  • Knowledge and skills to identify what is limiting an individual’s movement and function, and to help individuals decide how to address their needs.
  • An understanding of the underlying science of rehabilitation, based on approaches that are evidence-based, person-centred, ethical and effective.

Practice Placement 1

Practice education placements 1 offers a first exposure, for many students, to a clinical environment and opportunity for practice learning as a student physiotherapist on the Physiotherapy BSc programme.

It is recognised, that for many individuals, the first clinical placement can be a challenging experience, the placement will be preceded by placement preparation, which will include opportunities for students to appreciate responsibilities associated with clinical practice and to contextualise much of the learning from the programme.

Placement Preparation will also include an introduction to the ‘Time for Dementia’ initiative.

The placement will be marked using the CPAF L4 assessment tool and feedback provided to inform and support ongoing learning and future clinical placements.

Critical Enquiry for Health

This module will build on research skills acquired during the Understanding of Evidence Based Practice Module, and previous learning, to enable the undertaking and completion of a research study at Honours level.

This module is designed to support the understanding of research methods necessary to be able to formulate an appropriate research question, design a study with the capability to answer that research question, and to present this as a correctly formatted and appropriately presented research proposal.

The module will use published physiotherapy and sports medicine research to drive the discussion regarding the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

To prepare for an Ethics Committee submission, where appropriate, research governance training will be provided.

Optimising Function 1

This module aims to provide:

  • Further development of principles, knowledge, practical skills and approaches necessary for assessment and treatment approaches commonly used with individuals with cardio-vascular, respiratory and neurological diseases.
  • Understanding of the need to work in partnership with individuals, and others involved, to identify and optimise function, and to enable individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
  • Knowledge and skills to identify what is limiting an individual’s function, and to help individuals decide how to address their needs with a focus on optimising function.
    A systematic understanding of the underlying science of cardio-vascular, neurological, respiratory and other related conditions, based on approaches that are evidence-based, person-centred, ethical and effective.

Practice Placement 2 & 3

Practice education placements 2 & 3 aims to offer you further exposure to clinical environments and opportunity for practice learning. Specifically in relation to:

  • Developing effective and appropriate professional behaviours specifically to enable students to work within and to define appropriate scope of practice
  • Justify appropriate assessment and management interventions within the practice placement context, with reference to evidence-based knowledge
  • Critically evaluate role, benefits and limitations of physiotherapy with reference to current evidence-based practice
  • Demonstrating ability to plan, deliver, modify/progress and evaluate therapeutic management
  • Write concise and accurate ongoing physiotherapy records in accordance with medico-legal and ethical requirements

The emphasis for development on these clinical modules is continuing development of professional behaviour, communication and team working skills. You will be expected to demonstrate awareness of aspects of professional practice, under direct supervision from a qualified Physiotherapist.

You will draw upon previous modules and learning to integrate and reflect on theoretical knowledge and skills, and how these impact clinical practice.

During these two placements, there is a specific focus on NHS core values. Graduate employability is enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings.

You will document your understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of your reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor during and post-placement.

Finally, you will be expected to present with exemplary professional behaviours learned at the level 4 “Professional Skills and Identity” and guidance from the HCPC and CSP.

These two placements will be marked using the CPAF L5 assessment tool and feedback provided to inform and support ongoing learning and future clinical placements.

Optimising Function 2

This module aims to provide:

  • Further development of principles, knowledge, practical skills and approaches necessary for assessment and treatment approaches commonly used with individuals with Neuromusculoskeletal presentations and those from distinct populations and settings
  • Understanding of the need to work in partnership with individuals, and others involved, to identify and optimise function, and to enable individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
  • Knowledge and skills to identify what is limiting an individual’s function, and to help individuals decide how to address their needs with a focus on optimising function.
  • A systematic understanding of the underlying science of Neuromusculoskeletal conditions including consideration of the needs of individuals from distinct populations, based on approaches that are evidence-based, person-centred, ethical and effective.

Population Health

This module aims to provide:

  • An overview of the theoretical and pragmatic context of public health will identify the potential role and contribution of physical activity within population health services and programmes.
  • Wider determinants of Public/Population health, health improvement, population healthcare and health protection, including the role of Psychosocial and Mental Health as determinants of health outcomes.
  • An orientation of students towards key examples of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in public health, including health economics, “green exercise”, and modelling.
  • Reference to classic studies and literature, as well as contemporary research and population health theory

Contemporary Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy

This module aims to provide:

  • An opportunity to explore, in depth, contemporary rehabilitation approaches in Physiotherapy practice.
  • An opportunity to further develop knowledge, skills and understanding of working in traditional and non-traditional settings
  • An opportunity to revisit and refine previously covered theory and practice.
  • An appreciation of working across professional boundaries and within an expanded scope of practice.

Leadership, Change Management & Quality Improvement

This module aims to provide:

  • An overview and critical analysis of Contemporary Leadership theories, concepts and practical application.
  • An overview and critical analysis of Change Management and the role of continuous Quality Improvement at Local, Regional, National and Global levels.
  • A link between Leadership, Quality Improvement and Change Management.
  • An overview of current Government policy e.g. Darzi reports and NHS Long Term Plan.

Practice Placements 4 & 5

Practice education placements 4 & 5 aim to offer students further exposure to clinical environments and an opportunity for practice learning. Specifically in relation to:

  • Developing effective professional behaviours
  • Justifying and planning evidence-based interventions to a wide range of individuals with health and care needs
  • Working effectively in wide range of traditional and non-traditional settings
  • Critically evaluating multiple sources of clinical and research information
  • Writing concise and accurate physiotherapy records

The emphasis for development on these clinical modules is consolidation of professional behaviours, communication and team working skills. You will be expected to demonstrate well developed professional practice values, skills and behaviours under supervision from a qualified Physiotherapist or other health or care professional. There is an expectation that you will demonstrate increasing independence with appropriate professional judgement.

You will draw upon previous modules and learning to integrate and reflect on theoretical knowledge and skills, and how these impacts on clinical practice.

During these two placements, there is a continued focus on NHS core values. Graduate employability is enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings and how these are reflected in the University of Chichester’s Graduate attributes.

You will document your understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of your reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor during and post-placement.

Finally, you will be expected to present with exemplary professional behaviours learned at the level 4 “Professional Skills and Identity” and guidance from the HCPC and CSP.

These two placements will be marked using the CPAF L6 assessment tool and feedback provided to inform and support ongoing learning and future clinical placements and transition to professional practice.

Transition to Professional Practice

This module aims to provide:

  • Opportunity to experience, demonstrate and achieve competence in knowledge, skills and attributes required for making the transition to becoming a professional physiotherapy practitioner.
  • Guidance on early professional career development and progression.
  • Opportunity to consider transition planning.
  • On-call, weekend and working in acute setting guidance
  • Support with lifelong learning and Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Critical Evaluation for Health

During this module, you will engage in independent learning supported by lectures and supervision, which will enable you to consider and meet the module learning outcomes.

You will have identified your own learning needs specifically in relation to being able to better understand, critique and evaluate literature, and other sources of information, to inform your practice across components of physiotherapy practice, having successfully completed Critical Enquiry for Health – research methods module.

You will build on your previous research learning and will plan and complete your research project detailed in your research protocol.

As part of the process, you will be expected to compile and maintain a research portfolio, normally as a secure electronic document e.g., as part of your ePortfolio. Supervisors will be provided with appropriate access, where they will detail the research processes undertaken and where they will provide evidence e.g., approval from an appropriate ethics committee, participant information, consent forms, risk assessment, and data.

The research portfolio is an important source of information that will describe, implicitly, your research journey and will be required as part of the module completion and research governance requirements.

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of our experienced and expert staff

Teaching

This course combines typical lectures with practical sessions, self-directed learning and practice-based experience in a wide range of environments.

Your designated personal tutor will support you throughout your degree.

Contact Time

You can expect to attend 12-14 hours of contact time per week including lecturers, seminars and workshops or practicals, as well as scheduled contact hours you will need to complete independent study outside of classes and placements.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a range of assignments including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports and oral presentations.

Your placements are also assessed. You will receive feedback on all aspects of your placement elements from safety and effectiveness to professionalism.

Valerie

Valerie

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
The best feature of the course is the small sized classes. I have six placements we have to complete. I have been on an acute orthopaedics placement in a hospital setting as well as a pulmonary rehabilitation and neurological rehabilitation. My plan after graduation is to apply for Band 5 Physiotherapy posts in the NHS.

Facilities

Discover brand new on-campus facilities that help you thrive

School of Nursing and Allied Health

The School of Nursing and Allied Health is based on the Bishop Otter campus, you will learn both on campus and in a variety of practice and simulation settings.

All learning will be supported by our lecturers in a safe and controlled setting and by your practice assessors and supervisors in health and social care environments.

Virtual learning opportunities

Throughout your courses there are various opportunities to utilise the latest technologies to support your learning, including embedded software such as anatomical software with HoloLens and other innovative technology.

Placements

Transfer the theory into real life practice

Placement requirements

You will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience as per the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. It could be hospital based, community or simulation based.

Your placement experience will be unique to you, and no students will graduate with identical placement profiles. Our placement profile is constantly developing.

Where will I go on placement?

Practice-based placements organised by the course leaders are hosted in a range of settings that reflect the contemporary role of physiotherapists.

These could include primary and secondary NHS care in inpatient, outpatient or community settings, special educational needs schools and independent, voluntary or charity care providers.

How will my placements prepare me for my career?

Your placement experience during the degree will expose you to the varied roles and types of work you could continue after graduation including leadership, education and health promotion-focused roles to prepare you for your future healthcare career.

How are my placements arranged?

All clinical placements will be arranged for you by our Placement Co-ordinator, except for a final year elective placement which you will arrange yourself.

Will I be on placement at night or at the weekends?

You will not be on placement during weekends or night shifts, but the times, locations and settings for each placement will vary.

How will I be supported on placement?

You will be allocated a supervisor on placement who will guide and support you during the placement.

An academic tutor will also visit you on placement so you can complete your placement assessment.

University of Chichester Health Awareness and Maintenance Programme (uCHAMP)

The University of Chichester Health Awareness and Maintenance Programme (uCHAMP) is a referral pathway between St Richard’s Hospital outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme (SRHPR) and the University of Chichester Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health (IoSNAH).

It aims to preserve and enhance quality of life of service users and creates an opportunity for them to take ownership of their health and adapt healthy behaviours.

The service is delivered by a range of placement students within IoSNAH, supervised by appropriate academic and professional services staff, supported and guided by the SRHPR team.

This university initiative creates the opportunity for approximately 35 students within the Institute per semester to apply their knowledge and develop a range of skills.

Throughout each placement students have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills alongside leadership, project management and evidence-based practice knowledge.

Additionally, uCHAMP creates the opportunity for student and staff research projects, with ongoing projects including ‘health and physical fitness of pulmonary patients upon completion of community interventions’ and ‘acute physiological and perceptual responses during downhill treadmill walking in COPD patients’.

Study Abroad

Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad

As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies to enrich your educational experiences.

It’s a chance to broaden your horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse yourself within a new culture.

You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination and institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to ensure you get the best out of your time studying abroad.

Careers

Prepare for a successful career in physiotherapy

When you graduate you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Physiotherapy is traditionally seen in secondary care and acute settings for in-and-out patients, but there are a wide range of additional physiotherapy roles. These roles could include health promotion and work in hospices.

Your placement experience during the degree will expose you to many roles and types of work you could continue after graduation and prepare you for your healthcare career.

Further Study

You could choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Study options at the University of Chichester include:

  • Specialist Physiotherapy Advanced Practice
  • MSc Physiotherapy.

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Course Costs

Course Fees 2025/26

UK fee
£9,535
International fee
£17,724

EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship

EU/EEA students automatically pay the equivalent of UK fees via the EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Additional costs

  • One uniform will be provided but you are likely to require additional uniforms for practical lessons and placements, costing in the region of £30.
  • The University will pay for an occupational health assessment, however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP.
  • You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement and studying in our simulation settings (estimated cost £40-£60).
  • You will need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance, a stethoscope (estimated cost £10-£30).
  • You will need to be able to travel to your placement (travel and accommodation support is available from the NHS (HEE) for those eligible.
  • Student membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the University’s Physiotherapy Society will be strongly recommended.

NHS Funding

You will receive at least £5,000 a year, with up to £3,000 further funding available for eligible students. Find out more on the NHS website.

Entry Requirements

Typical offers (individual offers may vary):

UCAS
120-136
tariff points.
A Levels
ABB
including a biological science (Biology, Human Biology, Sports Science or Physical Education).
IB
32 points
with Standard English and Maths at 4, and a Science Higher at 5 or better.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDD
(Sports Science, Applied Science (Medical), Health and Social Care (Health Sciences).
Access to HE Diploma (science based)
Pass
with at least 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.
GCSEs
C/4 or better
English language, mathematics and science.
IELTS
7
with no element lower than 6.5.

Contextual offers

We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.

When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 8 fewer UCAS points (one A-level grade).

Find out more about our contextual offers.

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Physiotherapy as a career and would benefit from showing prior work experience (paid or voluntary) in healthcare, support work or coaching. We encourage applicants to demonstrate evidence of care/compassion, team-working and communication skills.

Competition for places can be high. Meeting the entry criteria will not guarantee you an interview, and receiving an interview will not guarantee that you will receive an offer.

You will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

A satisfactory occupational health assessment is required.

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