Physiotherapy - 2013 entry

As course content is reviewed regularly, the modules you take may differ from those shown below.

Year 1

Partnerships 1: Using Evidence in Professional Practice
This module will provide an introduction to using evidence in professional practice.  It will form a basic grounding for academic and practice development throughout the remainder of the professional programme.

The Physiotherapy Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I
This triple module examines the physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal dysfunction. It considers human anatomy within an applied biomechanical and physiotherapeutic framework. Pure and applied anatomy is integrated with biomechanics, kinesiology and an introduction to handling skills. The skills of analysis of human movement, passive movements, massage and measurement of muscle and joint range will be developed. The application and understanding of anatomy will be utilised to explore clinical assessment and interpretation of specific regions of the body.

The module follows the biopsychosocial model in providing an introduction to the physiotherapeutic management of individuals using rheumatology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue injuries as the framework. The module enables the students to develop an understanding of the pathological processes associated with common rheumatological and orthopaedic conditions. The principles of assessment are again considered and students are also introduced to the role of team management in clinical reasoning.

The Physiotherapy Management of Vascular and Cardiorespiratory Dysfunction I
Following an examination of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, this double module examines the physiotherapy management of cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction.

The Physiotherapy Management of Neurological Dysfunction I
This double module provides an introduction to the management of neurological dysfunction. Consideration of anatomy, physiology and the development of the nervous system provide the foundation from which abnormal functioning can be understood. From this basis, you will be encouraged to explore and critically evaluate the theory and evidence for physiotherapy practice in some common neurological conditions. Opportunity will be provided to develop basic handling skills, and the role of the physiotherapist within the multi-disciplinary team will be considered.

Years 2 and 3

Year 2
Partnerships 2: Developing Effective Working Practices
This module is an integrated and inter-disciplinary analysis of inter-professional working and effective teamwork within health and social care. The emphasis is on evaluating how different professional groups develop effective working practices when working in partnership with each other. This will lead to a greater understanding of the contribution that each professional group makes in order to provide seamless health and social care for people with diverse needs.

Research Methods and Analysis
You will have the opportunity to explore and apply the research process, research methods, data analysis and the ethical considerations associated with health and social care research. The module focuses on issues, techniques and skills for data collection and analysis in quantitative, qualitative or mixed mode approaches to research.

The Physiotherapy Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II
This module further develops the biopsychosocial approach in the examination, assessment, treatment and management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the spine. Through the application of clinical reasoning, you will learn to carry out differential diagnosis thereby ensuring the utilisation of safe and appropriate manual physiotherapy. Related exercise programmes, health promotion and health education in this clinical area interweave throughout this module. A short period of clinical practice is undertaken at the start of this module, giving clinical relevance to the subsequent study.

The Physiotherapy Management of Cardiorespiratory and Neurological Dysfunction II
This module builds upon Year 1 modules and considers the management of acute respiratory patients, including those within the intensive care and high dependency environments, in addition to pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation. Paediatric respiratory care is expanded from previous modules and similarly reviewed within the acute environment. The module also considers the physiotherapeutic management of neurological dysfunction including upper motor neurone lesions, lower motor neurone lesions and spinal diseases and injury, which may be long-term. Physiotherapy clinical reasoning is emphasised, with reference to restoration and/or maintenance of functional and motor performance, management of declining performance and its psychological impact, health promotion and the prevention of secondary complications.

Preparation for Practice
This module focuses on the role of the physiotherapist working in mental health, learning disabilities, paediatrics and gerontology. Emphasis is placed on the role of the physiotherapist in the management of these patient groups in the practice setting. Sessions will include case-based learning which will incorporate the MD team approach, evidence based practice, health promotion, cultural, lifestyle, equal opportunities and inclusion and diversity issues wherever appropriate.

Practice Experience I and II
These two single modules are the first and second in a series of five practice modules where you will undertake a consolidated period of clinical practice. You are a fully integrated (but supernumerary) member of a clinical department or team. The module consists of a single placement, with the clinical context of the module being individual to each student. You will have an opportunity to integrate, apply and develop the knowledge and skills introduced in university-based modules. In these initial modules you will develop competence in physiotherapy practice in highly structured and supported environments.

Year 3

Practice Experience III, IV and V
These modules are the third, fourth and fifth in the series of five practice modules where students undertake a consolidated period of clinical practice. You are a fully integrated (but supernumerary) member of a clinical department or team. The module consists of a single placement,  with its clinical context being individual to you. You will have an opportunity to integrate, apply and develop the knowledge and skills introduced in university-based modules.

In the third module you will be expected to demonstrate appropriate levels of competent physiotherapy practice.

The fourth module is a double one.  In this module you will be expected to demonstrate levels of performance in your practice that are expected of a graduate physiotherapist.

You are also required to complete and submit a written reflective assignment as part of the assessment for this module.

In the fifth module - the final practice module - you will be expected to demonstrate levels of performance in your practice that are expected of a graduate physiotherapist.

Partnerships 3 - Managing Collaboration
This module builds on Partnerships 2: Developing Effective Working Practices. The module is an integrated and inter-disciplinary study of the evidence base to working in partnership with diverse teams/agencies and across professional and organisational boundaries.

Project or Dissertation in Physiotherapy
This is a sustained, independent period of study involving the critical investigation of a topic or issue, selected by you and of relevance to your practice as a physiotherapist. You will undertake a systematic review. Topics are provided either by you or selected from a list provided by staff and/or clinicians. The work is presented in the form of an article for a scientific journal and poster presentation.

Advanced Physiotherapy Management
This module is designed to prepare you for the final qualifying examination. Master classes on a variety of major areas of physiotherapy practice will facilitate your understanding and application of evidence based practice.

Your studies will take place within the University and in clinical practice settings. Clinical education is an important part of the physiotherapy course, taking place at the end of year 1 and within years 2 and 3.  During this period you will undertake the required 1,000 hours of clinical practice. You will focus on developing clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills, taking a critically evaluative approach to practice while also developing a body of sound theoretical knowledge.

We have a dedicated Practice Education Unit that provides administrative and academic support for placement learning/practice education for all its pre-qualifying courses.

Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes is available here.

Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

A-level: grades AAB, including Biology or Human Biology, and excluding General Studies

GCSE: 5 GCSEs, including English, Maths and a Science subject at grade C

2 AS-levels can be offered in lieu of a non-biological A-level

Access to Higher Education with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 (to include 12 Level 3 credits in Biology or Human Biology) and 15 credits at Level 2 (to include 12 Level 2 credits in Maths if a GCSE/O-Level at grade C or above has not previously been achieved).  45 Level 3 credits at Distinction are expected

Advanced Diploma at grade B, including A-level Biology/Human Biology at grade A, GCSE Maths, English and Science at grade C

Deferred entries may be accepted. All offers are subject to successful demonstration of an understanding of the depth and breadth of the physiotherapy profession.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students. You must be able to show evidence of academic achievement within the last two years.

Graduates with a degree in a subject not related to Biology will also be required to have A-level in Biology or Human Biology at grade B or equivalent.

Work experience

You will be expected to demonstrate some work or observational experience relevant to physiotherapy at the time of application. You are advised to include a reflection of this work/observation experience in your personal statement on your UCAS form.

The reflective statement should be sufficiently explicit to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the depth and breadth of the physiotherapy profession. For further advice on work experience and other areas of physiotherapy as a career, please consult the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Please also see the university's general entry requirements.

Applicants will also be assessed on the level to which their personal statement on their UCAS form demonstrates the following qualities:

• communication and other interpersonal skills
• working with others (teamwork)
• caring and helping skills
• reliability, honesty and trustworthiness
• problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative
• commitment to improving their learning and performance
• enthusiasm, dedication and determination.

FAQs

A-levels

Q. Will I have an offer if I do not have an A-level in Biology/Human Biology?

A. It is very unlikely that applicants will be given an offer if the entry requirements are not met.

Access Diploma

Q. Will I have an offer if I am doing less than the required credits at Level 3, plus more credits at Level 2?

A. An offer is unlikely.

Timetables

Q. What is the timetable commitment for a full-time course?

A. Being a full-time student means all-day availability from Monday to Friday, to attend lectures, seminars and practicals or undertake self-directed study.

An IELTS score of 6.5 (a minimum of 6.5 in any component) or TOEFL 90 internet-based (a minimum of 22 in any component) may be required.

Please also see the university's standard English language requirements.

English language requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

International applicants will need to apply early to allow enough time for obtaining visas if you are offered a place.

Oxford Brookes has a long-standing history of welcoming international students. We are pleased to offer a number of physiotherapy places to international applicants.

International students are not funded by the NHS, though students from EU countries may be considered for NHS Bursaries.

Please see our website for details of the physiotherapy fees under the section, 'Specific degree courses'. If you have any further queries about the fees please contact Student Finance finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk or tel +44(0) 1865 483088.

Please refer to the sections above for specific entry requirements, typical offers and the English language requirements.

Support for international students

A network of support services has been developed to provide a wide range of assistance and guidance to international students at Oxford Brookes. As well as being allocated an academic advisor, the International Student Advisory Service provides welfare support, visa and employment advice.

Once you have accepted your offer to study here you will be sent a pre-arrival guide which contains information about living and studying in the UK. You are also provided with details on the planned international welcome activities. As an international student you will be given priority accommodation in student halls in your first year, as long as the application deadline is met.

We provide a range of free courses, support classes and tutorials to help you develop your use of academic English.

When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.

We have excellent teaching facilities including classrooms, a 280-seat lecture theatre, dedicated clinical skills suites and fully-networked computer rooms. Our extensive simulation resources include a very well-equipped movement laboratory, a family of computerised simulation manikins and an extensive range of anatomy models. We also have excellent library resources, accessible through the web or at a range of locally-based facilities on University and NHS sites.

All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to teaching and learning and are strongly focused on encouraging you to attain your full potential as a lifelong learner. There is a range of support mechanisms for students. Academic advisers facilitate your academic development while student support co-ordinators provide a drop-in service for queries about any aspect of student life, covering both academic and personal welfare. While on placement, you will be supported by a named member of staff, known as a practice assessor.

The University’s support services include 'Upgrade' which provides advice on study skills such as planning and writing essays, assignments and dissertations, research, or preparing for an exam. They also give advice on statistics and maths. There is a dedicated Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, which provides support for students with disabilities including sensory and mobility impairments, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health problems and medical conditions. Staff offer advice and support on a range of issues, including physical access, funding, alternative assessment arrangements and liaison with teaching staff to ensure that they are aware of your requirements.

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Accommodation

At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.