MSc Applying Physiotherapy (Practice-based)
Attendance
Distance learning
Distance learning – 24 months, with a two-week study block delivered at our partner's campus (anticipated to be in Malaysia) in January 2015
Starts January 2014
At a glance
At a glance
Designed with physiotherapists working outside the UK in mind, this course allows you to explore an academic approach your practice. Your online learning modules are supported by an intensive teaching programme that develops clinical assessment and hands-on practical skills to supplement your theoretical learning and online discussions.
Key points
• Gain a UK masters in physiotherapy whilst studying in your home country.
• Explore your own professional development or an area of interest.
• Attend practical skills-based teaching to develop your hands-on skills.
• Take an in-depth look at a specialist area during your dissertation.
About this course
This course is for physiotherapists worldwide who wish to explore an academic approach to their practice, but who are unable to travel to the UK for extended periods of time. You gain a UK masters degree while living in your home country. You can also choose this option if you are UK based, but cannot commit to campus-based or full-time study.
You critically evaluate your practice and explore your own professional development or particular areas of interest. All modules have a focus on your practice as a physiotherapist and the course encourages you to apply your learning to the context in which you work or could work.
The course is involves online teaching and practical delivery. The overseas teaching block is limited to one two-week study period. It is designed to offer hands-on, specialised practical skills to supplement the teaching and discussions explored through distance learning study.
The teaching team have developed and embedded a range of innovative teaching methods to provide an engaging on-line learning experience using media-enhanced resources and technologies.
The course begins with two modules exploring your current assessment, clinical reasoning and practical handling skills. These modules are designed to develop your learning at masters level, encouraging you to work both individually and alongside each other. You are familiarised with university systems, processes, and the resources available.
The online teaching continues with several core modules and up to three optional modules. You receive individual and group support from the teaching team and fellow students throughout the course.
During your dissertation, we support your research into various therapy-related areas, such as • professional and technology-enhanced education • neurological rehabilitation • older people • low back pain • psychosocial issues in patient management.
Your studies are led and taught by an interprofessional therapy team who are all registered and experienced allied health professionals. They have a wealth of international experience and specialist expertise in research, distance learning education and autonomous clinical practice.
Associated careers
Physiotherapists work in a range of settings with people of all ages and disabilities around the world. Gaining a masters degree in physiotherapy allows you to apply masters level thinking to your practice. This can enhance your job prospects and career progression regardless of your country of origin and wherever you choose to work.
The course also allows you to move into academic teaching, research careers, or progress to study for a PhD.
Course content
Course structure
You can complete the MSc, study individual modules, or choose to do the course in postgraduate certificate (60 credits) and postgraduate diploma stages.
To gain the postgraduate certificate you need to complete
• applying reasoning in practice
• applying clinical skills to practice
• professional practice and autonomy
• one 15 credit option module
To gain the postgraduate diploma you need to complete the postgraduate certificate, plus
• measuring health outcomes
• applying research methods in practice
• 30 credits of option modules
To gain the masters you need to complete the postgraduate diploma and a dissertation.
Module descriptions - core modules
Applying reasoning in practice
This module builds skills in clinical reasoning and literature evaluation.
Applying clinical skills to practice
This module underpins advanced clinical practice by exploring principles of practical work and contexts in which physiotherapy is practised.
Professional practice and autonomy
This module involves a critical exploration of healthcare organisation and patient-centred care.
Measuring health outcomes
You critically assess why and how we obtain evidence to show the effect of our interventions and the impact this has on clinical decision making and service delivery.
Applying research methods in practice
In this module you learn to understand and apply research processes in preparation for the dissertation.
Module descriptions – options
You choose up to three option modules.
Musculoskeletal practice
This specialist module develops your knowledge and skills relevant to the assessment, identification and purposive management within musculoskeletal practice. This module is double credit-based and contains the direct teaching block.
Management of pain
You gain a broad understanding of the dimensions of pain, a critical awareness of current pain management and an ability to apply pain management principles effectively.
Neurological pathology and management
This module explores in-depth neurological pathology and its psychosocial impact on patients.
Concepts of learning and teaching
This module offers an insight into the theory and practice of teaching, learning and assessment for health care educators.
Dissertation
You base your final piece of work on your own research study or a review of literature done in your home country. It is an in-depth study in a topic of your choice. You can complete it in one of several formats including a written dissertation, or a report accompanied by an oral examination taken via video or phone link.
Assessment
You are assessed by various methods which may include • presentations • written assessments • practical demonstrations • vivas.
Entry requirements
You normally need a degree in physiotherapy – approved in your home country. If you are applying straight from your degree, a first or upper second class degree is normally required.
International students must also have one of the following
• English IELTS score of 6.5
• TOEFL paper score of 590
• TOEFL computer score of 245
• TOEFL iBT of 90
You must also declare
• any disciplinary proceedings taken by earlier employers or educational establishments
• any investigation relevant to you under the Children Act 1989 or other associated legislation
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £1,530 a stage for PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £7,200 for the course, payable in PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages
2014/15 academic year
Typically £7,380 for the course, payable in PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages
How to apply
To apply for this course complete an application form
Contact details
For further information contact the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 2373, fax +44 (0)114 225 2394 or e-mail alliedhealth@shu.ac.uk