Master of Science - Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

Physiotherapy is a science-based health care profession committed to extending applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice. Physiotherapists adopt a ‘whole person’ approach to maximize the potential of a person’s function and movement. Thus, physiotherapists not only helps people stay independent for as long possible after illness or injury, but also helps maintain health for people of all ages; preventing disease and managing pain.

Patient involvement is at the core of this approach and as such, key attributes a physiotherapist must possess include the ability to empower, relate and educate people to facilitate change in their health and well-being. Physiotherapists are autonomous professionals, able to act as first-contact practitioners, as well as accepting referrals from other health care professionals. Consequently, central to physiotherapy practice is the making of clinical judgment and informed interpretation of clinical information.

The University of Essex produces physiotherapists who can be defined as professionals who work in increasingly complex environments and demonstrate effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills, underpinned by a sound physiotherapy knowledge base and appropriate professional skills. Students must possess self-directed learning habits that will enable them to continue as a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner maintaining their fitness to practise throughout their career.

The University of Essex's MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) course is studied full-time over two years and is designed as a continuous progression of integrated theory and practice, which puts emphasis on students being proactive partners in their learning experiences.

Practice placements are organized by the placement team and provide students with the opportunity to undertake a minimum of 1,050 hours in practice. During practice placements, students work with qualified physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to consolidate learning, gain new experiences and develop and refine their abilities. Learning and teaching within practice placements are facilitated by interactive experiences, facilitating personal and professional growth as a physiotherapist within a variety of settings. The environment is supportive, enabling students to rehearse skills with constructive feedback.

Within the University of Essex's School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, they have a range of specialist clinical laboratories and IT facilities to assist students with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills; for students in the physiotherapy courses, they have three specialist labs at the Colchester Campus which provides students with all the facilities they need to train as a physiotherapist.