Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £21,375 for the course -
How long will I study?
18 Months
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
January 2027
Course summary
- Deepen your understanding and skills in physiotherapy practice.
- Gain a Masters qualification to demonstrate your specialist knowledge.
- Prepare for advanced, independent or clinical leadership roles.
Aimed at qualified physiotherapists, this course gives you a balance of clinical and academic skills, ensuring an authentic experience and the opportunity to develop knowledge that’s directly transferable to your practice. As you increase your clinical skills and critical evaluation of practice, you’ll be preparing for clinical leadership roles or independent practice.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
On this course you’ll focus on different elements of clinical practice. We’ll encourage you to apply your learning to the setting you work in or would like to specialise in. Your assessments are designed to replicate challenges you may face within the workplace – and you’ll learn from enthusiastic tutors who are experienced physiotherapists.
You’ll learn through
- practical sessions
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- presentations
- practical assessments
- vivas
- written assessments
Applied learning
You’ll have access to opportunities to develop your skills and apply your learning with qualified and practising physiotherapists. These opportunities are built into the course and our applied approach to learning.
Course leaders and tutors
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
The module aims to develop advanced clinical assessment and reasoning skills that are both patient-centred and aligned to evidence-based practice. The module is designed as the first module of the course and thus aims to develop a number of key academic skills that will be built upon in later modules.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module is structured around the model of evidence-based physiotherapy suggested by Herbert (2011), which considers that four types of evidence inform our clinical reasoning: evidence about interventions, evidence around patient experience, evidence around prognosis and evidence around diagnosis.
Research methods for investigating effectiveness, prognosis and diagnosis.
o Systematic reviews
o Randomised controlled trials and other controlled trials
o N of 1 trials
o Qualitative methods
o Prospective and retrospective cohort studies
o Reliability and validity research for diagnostic tests
Models of clinical reasoning and how these integrate evidence
o Hypothetico-deductive reasoning and pattern recognition.
o Abductive reasoning; Inference to the best explanation.
o Narrative reasoning
o Collaborative reasoning
Integrating evidence into decision making
o The multi-dimensional role of patient assessment
o Integrating patient preference and practice knowledge
o Decision making in the absence of evidence
o Controversies around changing practice
o Using clinical guidelines critically
o Using outcome measures in practice to evaluate patient outcome
Good practice in patient assessment
o In-depth movement analysis
o Collaborative skills, working with both individual patients and the wider healthcare team
o Screening tools and measurement in patient assessment
Academic skills
o Formulating research questions to inform practice
o Pragmatic literature searching
o Critical appraisal of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews.
o Writing critical summaries of research studies
o Synthesizing across a body of evidence and drawing robust conclusions to inform clinical practice
o Reflection and critical reflection - learning from practice and creating Action Plans for future development.
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to research design and methods relevant to an applied area of investigation. It will enable you to consider factors that will impact on future planning and management of their investigation.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Identifying a research question
- Research methods to support quantitative and qualitative research
- Research ethics
- Literature based studies
- Service evaluation - design and methods
- Project planning and management
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.2 Evaluate and audit your own and others’ clinical practice and act on the findings |
4.2 The range of valid and reliable evaluation and audit methods used in clinical practice |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
The module aims to develop skills and understanding around the facilitating physical activity in clinical populations and in using specific exercise for addressing therapeutic goals.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module brings together several themes relevant to good practice in exercise prescription and uses an enquiry-based learning approach to apply these themes to clinical practice.
Principles and practice of behaviour change
o Key principles and models of behaviour change
o Motivational interviewing skills and techniques
Understanding patient experience
o Understanding the range of evidence around patient experience
o Critical appraisal of qualitative research
o Health beliefs and health literacy - understanding what impacts upon these and how these impact upon people's responses to advice and education
o Understanding barriers to exercise and factors affecting adherence
Exercise physiology
o Impact of sedentary behaviour and ageing on the health and wellbeing
o How the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular/respiratory systems respond to exercise/loading in the short-term and over a training period
o Different types of exercise - aerobic, strengthening and stretching.
Principles of exercise prescription
o Risk assessment for exercise.
o Analysing the demands of a task or activity for the purpose of designing an exercise programme.
o Theories and guidelines regarding repetitions, sets and frequency
o Facilitatory approaches, including hands-on techniques, self-assisted techniques, use of equipment and technology
o Group vs. individual approaches to exercise.
Exercise in specific conditions and contexts
o Exercise for fatigue
o Exercise for managing pain
o Exercise and self-management for Long Term Conditions
o Exercise in mental health conditions
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
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Skills |
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.2 Use your advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional and service boundaries; drive service development and influence clinical practices to enhance quality productivity and value |
3.2 The implications and applications of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional trends and developments appropriate to your clinical practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
Elective modules
The aim of this module is to facilitate advanced understanding of CNS function, damage and recovery through which you will develop advanced clinical reasoning and interventions.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Central Nervous System function
- Examples may include:
- Hierarchical motor control
- Dynamic systems model of motor control
- Systems model of motor control
- Neuroplasticity and motor learning
Neurological impairments
- Examples may include:
- Neuroplasticity following neurological lesion
- Low tone and weakness
- Interpreting MRI and CT scans
- Increased tone
- Verticality problems and neglect
- Ataxia
- Dyspraxia
- Theories of locomotion
Advanced clinical skill for the assessment and treatment of people with neurological lesion
- Approaches to Neurological Rehabilitation
- Applied movement analysis
- Treatment of the hand
- Treatment of the foot
- Treatment of trunk, head and neck
There is a strong focus on clinical application within the module as it is important that your learning has a direct impact on your practice. Once the taught element of the module is complete you will be required to identify key learning/development objectives that you wish to go on to develop within your future clinical practice.
If you are undertaking the programme as a part time student working as a Physiotherapist you will need to discuss how you plan to apply the learning within your own practice. You will be expected to identify specific learning objectives and opportunities in order to critically discuss your learning from the module and develop further practical / clinical skills.
Your learning and reflections around clinical application are key to your on-going development and will feed into the assessment task for the module
Sharing experiences underpins the ethos of the course. You will therefore be expected to engage in activities to share from your own learning e.g. from clinical and service contexts. This may either be in the form of a conference-style presentation on-campus, or online presentations and web discussions. This acts to expand your learning experiences providing greater insight into the range of contexts in which physiotherapists practice as well as developing your presentation skills.
To enable you to develop your critical application and evaluation of the theory and evidence relevant to the management of neuro-musculoskeletal movement disorders, and enhance your understanding of the patient's role in their own recovery.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The range of skills learned in other level 7 modules inform aspects of the curriculum, in particular the application of reasoning, skills and clinically relevant concepts associated with professional autonomy which are relevant to the effective application of manual and movement therapy.
The module will be delivered using a blended learning approach with the main focus on problem solving, practical and therapeutic skill development/application, the judicious use of evidence to inform practice and critical reflection upon your own performance.
You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning and engage the independent guided study activities and learning opportunities to explore the relevant topic areas in more detail. Integration and application of learning will be developed in a peer supportive and stimulatory environment, thereby combining theoretical elements with practical problem solving and reflection.
- assessment of patient with nmsk dysfunction and disorders
- exploring and applying contemporary management approaches for these patients for example
- patient self-management purposive exercise, general exercise for fitness,
- fearless movement
- range of manual and movement therapeutic interventions
- functional rehabilitation of the patient with nmsk pathology
- engagement with relevant literature and evidence
There is a strong focus on clinical application within the module as it is important that your learning has a direct impact on your practice. Once the taught element of the module is complete you will be required to identify key learning/development objectives that you wish to develop within your future clinical practice.
If you are undertaking the programme as a part time student working as a physiotherapist you will need to discuss how you plan to apply your learning within your own practice. You will be expected to identify specific learning objectives and opportunities in order to critically discuss your learning from the module and develop further practical / clinical skills.
Your learning and reflections around clinical application are key to your on-going development and will feed into the assessment task for the module
Sharing experiences underpins the ethos of the course. You will therefore be expected to engage in activities to share from your own learning e.g. from clinical and service contexts. This will either be in the form of a conference-style presentation on-campus, or online presentations and web discussions. This acts to expand your learning experiences providing greater insight into the range of contexts in which physiotherapists practice as well as developing your presentation skills.
This module aims to facilitate your reflection and critical appraisal of underpinning theories of learning, teaching and assessment of adults that enables the design, delivery and evaluation of education. The emphasis is on exploring how educational concepts and theories are implemented and how they impact on your professional practice and development in the health and social care setting.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In the module, a framework is delivered by staff and is planned to promote discussion. The following is indicative of the content:
• Lesson planning and evaluation
• Theories of adult learning and teaching in higher education
• Teaching strategies
• Assessment and feedback
• Learner support
• M level academic writing
• Engagement with the HEA UKPSF and other professional body requirements as appropriate.
Additional aspects of education may be added depending on learning requirements.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.3 Work collaboratively to identify and meet the learning and development needs of health or care professionals; support practice education; act as a role model and mentor |
2.3 The application of teaching and learning theories and models in health and care; how to identify learning needs; organisational and professional roles and responsibilities in relation to life-long learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
This module aims to enable the student to gain a broad understanding of the dimensions of pain, a critical awareness of current strategies for non- pharmacological pain management and an ability to apply pain management principles effectively in practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Examples of topics within the module may include:
- The nature of pain - neurophysiology of pain processes, pain theories, models of pain
- Factors influencing the assessment and interpretation of pain
- Management of pain - strategies to therapeutically manage & patient self-manage pain processes e.g. altered pain perception, hands on versus hands off, lifestyle management, Motor imagery, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, integration of movement and exercise
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
|
Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
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Skills |
1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module will enable you to develop a proposal and then plan and conduct an in-depth investigation of a topic that contributes to professional practice. It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows you to demonstrate your ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It promotes the dissemination of findings to your professional community.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module is essentially an individual, self-directed piece of work the contents of which will be specific to your professional area and interests. You will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge base relevant to the topic of interest as well as knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methods.
Students must submit a proposal for approval and this is a mandatory element of this module. You will be advised and supported through the proposal stage and necessary internal and external ethical and scientific approval processes. Approval from the reviewers on behalf of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee is essential before students can progress with their study.
You will be advised about the necessity of obtaining SHU ethical and scientific approval for your project. This and other ethical approvals outside of SHU e.g. NHS will be supported.
Future careers
When you graduate you’ll be prepared for clinical leadership roles or to work more independently – developing independent private practices or moving into advanced or extended scope roles. Some graduates pursue research or teaching careers in the UK or internationally, many going onto PhD study.
Students who join the course without registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – you could now apply for this to gain work experience in the UK during and after the course. While automatic registration isn’t guaranteed when you complete the course, the learning opportunities provided align to the HCPC standards.
Equipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- specialist facilities for teaching physiotherapy skills, designed to mimic a typical UK therapy clinic, with specialist plinths and therapy equipment
- excellent audio-visual facilities to support learning in every classroom
- extensive library resources both on-campus and online
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
360 tour - physiotherapy facilities
Learn more about your department
Health and Social Care Facilities Tour
Learn what it's like to study health and social care at our Collegiate Campus from our adult nursing student Alex.
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
Academic Qualifications: Applicants will hold a degree / diploma / equivalent qualification in Physiotherapy, typically of 2.1 or above.
Other formally certified qualifications: Applicants must be qualified to practice physiotherapy in their country of origin and are usually required to provide one reference of their capability for postgraduate study. Post-qualification clinical physiotherapy experience is welcomed, it is not essential.
Level of English language capability: If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area.
Entry profile: Applicants need to be committed to post graduate study and capable of development into a self-motivated, reflective professional.
Applicants should be prepared to explore theoretical, clinical and evidence based concepts within group activities and will be required to demonstrate effective communication and team work skills.
Verification that applicants fulfil the criteria will be sought via the applicants' references, their curriculum vitae and the supporting statement in their application.
Personal Statements must demonstrate commitment to professional development, effective communication and teamwork skills and self-motivation.
Non-standard entry requirements: Some flexibility maybe exercised to the admissions criteria for students wishing to study individual modules. Some variation in terms of professional background and education maybe accepted and applicants will be considered individually by the course admissions team.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 are: Year 1: £7,295, Year 2: £3,650.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £21,375 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 277.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
