This module will introduce you to the anatomy, physiology and key pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, with a particular focus upon normal structure and function. This knowledge forms the foundation knowledge is required to assist in recognising normal anatomical presentation and helps assist in assessment and diagnosis for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. There is a strong emphasis on developing practical and functional anatomy skills such as palpation and observation to help identify clinically important structures. The module takes a regional anatomy approach and considers the gross structure and function of the lower limb, upper limb, spine and pelvis.

Teaching will be delivered via full day workshops, where you will be expected to practice handling and palpation techniques alongside other students. Occasional lecture-based teaching will be included to help introduce new topics. This will be supported by directed and independent study. The module is assessed by practical exam, where you will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of a given joint.

This module develops the skills that are keystones of Physiotherapy practice providing you with the opportunity to develop safe, effective rehabilitative handling skills and foundation therapeutic skills specific to physiotherapy practice. It provides a unique opportunity for students to learn fundamental skills from the outset of the programme, that can be applied in placement immediately. From the first session, students are encouraged to develop behaviours and values that underpin the Health and Caring Professions Council codes of conduct. Teaching sessions are conducted with an emphasis on simulating clinical practice and students are encouraged to focus upon the application of theoretical skills to the practice environment. The module explores underpinning theories of movement and you will learn about how normal movement occurs, what it looks like and how to analyse it. You will then go on to learn how this knowledge relates to the assessment of individuals with a variety of conditions. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in physically handling patients and helping them to maximise their movement potential. This will include learning how to use therapeutic exercise, manage wheelchairs and a variety of walking aids and how to teach individuals to use these safely and effectively. You will practise working with simulated patients who are newly post-surgery and those who have returned home and require ongoing rehabilitation, developing a good grounding in skills that are fundamental to the safe and effective practice of Physiotherapy for a range of patients and environments. Areas of study provide skills that are integral to every area of Physiotherapy practice and, therefore, will underpin all other modules and placement experiences. Overall, the module develops a skillset that allows the student to practice foundation Physiotherapy skills, effectively in a clinical environment from the very beginning of the programme.

This module provides your first experience in clinical practice. The university-based components of the module therefore focus on the core skills required for safe and effective practice on those early placements. With a particular focus on physiotherapy assessment, you will explore the physical, psychological and social influences on a person’s health and wellbeing. This will require understanding of person centred, holistic approaches to physiotherapy and how therapeutic communication and assessment skills are fundamental to achieving this.

You will learn about subjective physiotherapy assessment, the process by which we gather a range of information from and about our patient, in order to appreciate how this informs subsequent intervention and management. Effective physiotherapy assessment requires excellent communication and a respect for the autonomy of the people we work with. To ensure you are well prepared to respect the rights, dignity and values of service users you will meet on placement, you will also explore issues relating to culture, equality and diversity and consider their relevance in a healthcare context.

You will have the opportunity to practice Physiotherapy therapeutic skills in a “real” environment on practice placement, with the support of University and Clinically based supervisors. This experience will consolidate the skills that you have developed within the University and enable you to understand the links between theory and practice.

On this module you will learn about applied cardiorespiratory anatomy and physiology, common pathologies and clinical features which will help you to develop an entry level appreciation for the principles of physiotherapy in cardiorespiratory care. The module builds on the physiotherapy module ‘foundations of physiotherapy practice’ to provide an introduction to the discipline of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice and the fundamental knowledge and skills underpinning clinical practice within this core area of physiotherapy.

You will learn about the bony structures, musculature and the physiological concepts that are required for a healthy cardiovascular and respiratory system. You will then explore the effect of pathological changes on this, and the impact for the patient in terms of clinical features. You will be introduced to vital observations and cardiorespiratory assessment methods as vehicle to help develop links between anatomy, physiology and the clinical features of cardiorespiratory pathologies. You will be introduced to aspects of the role and purpose of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy practice through acute assessment and outpatient/community assessment, developing knowledge, professional skills and values required to provide safe and effective person-centred care. You will be encouraged to consider relevant personal life experience of cardiopulmonary health to provide a foundation for the development of your professional role. You will be encouraged to develop autonomous and reflective thinking applying knowledge, skills, values and behaviours relevant to person-centred care in relation to cardiopulmonary physiotherapy.

This module will introduce you to the role and purpose of neurological physiotherapy. You will build on your knowledge of movement developed in the ‘foundation skills for physiotherapy practice’ and ‘Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology’ modules to understand common presentations of movement dysfunction seen in people with neurological conditions.

You will explore the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system to understand key topics such as movement control, sensation, vision and co-ordination. The module will introduce common neurological conditions in both adulthood and childhood that are commonly seen in physiotherapy practice. You will be encouraged to consider the impact on the individual of living with that condition through the inclusion of service user perspectives.

The aim of the Academic and Professional Skills module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and application of academic, personal and professional skills relevant to university graduates which will help you to successfully complete your degree programme. Both formal and informal techniques will be used to assess your development in key areas such as written communication, critical analysis and self-reflection. You will develop a range of general transferable skills useful for other modules throughout your programme, including knowing how to find appropriate literature to support your ideas and how to develop balanced arguments. The information you will learn will be linked to topics of interest to those working in the areas of sport, exercise and rehabilitation, giving you insight into these fields as potential career paths in addition to more general employability skills such as communication, digital fluency and time management.