Physiotherapists graduating from Diploma or BSc courses now have a wide knowledge of the life sciences allied with their practical and clinical skills. These physiotherapists have an important role to play in the team approach to caring for patients. It is increasingly important that in this role the physiotherapist should have the support of an evolving body of knowledge. The relevant knowledge comes not only from within the profession, but also from related scientific areas in the Life Sciences. 

This course therefore combines the opportunity to develop professional skills under expert tuition with scientific study in the Life Sciences faculty of University College London (which is one of the country's major research Universities in the Life sciences area). 
 

Course Aims

• To give a sound understanding of current scientific ideas and methods in those areas of the Life Sciences relevant to the practice of physiotherapy. 
• To develop physiotherapy skills, particularly in the field of neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation, including measurement of outcome and an understanding of the role of exercise in the well being of individuals.
• To encourage an analytical approach in which scientific knowledge is integrated with clinical skills leading to a rational approach to intervention. 
• To draw on the expertise of UCL in conducting a research project on a topic which interlinks physiotherapy with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and is related to clinical effectiveness and practice

Programme Co-Ordinator

Ann Thomson, Director of Post Graduate Physiotherapy Studies UCL.

What past graduates say.

"When I applied for the MSc I was at a cross roads in my life and not sure where to go – the MSc opened up so many interesting aspects of Physiotherapy. I was able to focus on the areas I wanted to concentrate on – above all I wanted to stay in Physiotherapy and be involved with the management of patients." Jane Greening

"The MSc has given me confidence, developed my enquiring mind and at the same time I am comfortable with not knowing the definitive answers to how or why treatments might be effective." Paula Coates

"The MSc introduced me to the world of science and is a wonderful opportunity to combine this with research and practical clinical skills. It is very rewarding and exciting to apply science to the treatment of patients." Caroline Alexander

What jobs have graduates gone into?

Consultant in Physiotherapy
Clinical Specialist – Pain; Orthopaedics; Rheumatology; Back Pain services; Musculoskeletal services
Extended scope practitioner
Lecturing. Lecturer / practitioner
Superintendent
Research – towards a PhD
Research implementation officer – responsible for CPD of staff and for ensuring that research is incorporated into practice together with audit and outcome measures to ensure clinical effectiveness.

Entrance Requirements 

A first or second class BSc in Physiotherapy, or an approved Diploma in Physiotherapy, together with evidence of appropriate clinical and/or teaching experience plus a commitment to continuing education and professional development.  We expect students to have had at least 2 years post-qualification clinical experience and UK state-registration is required. Note that we also run a short course in Physiotherapy Skills that helps overseas-trained physiotherapists to gain UK state registration (click here for details).
 
 

Application Procedure 

Application forms can be obtained from the course administrator or, with other information as a Graduate Applications Pack from the General Enquiries Office, UCL, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK.  Application forms may also be downloaded as PDF files for printing out and completing. When submitting a completed application form, candidates should include in section 32 (Supplementary Personal Statement) a brief statement of their reasons for applying for this course. Candidates should also give further details of physiotherapy or other experience, including both practice and courses attended, where these have not been given elsewhere in the application form. 

Where possible, one of your referees should comment on academic record and potential and the other on your professional experience. 

You must include with your application, your CSP and STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER. Overseas candidates have to hold a physiotherapy qualification that is recognised by the UK State Registration Board and may have to take out an insurance policy in relation to clinical practice. 
 
 

Closing Date for Applications 

Early application or expression of interest is advisable, especially as last year we were oversubscribed and could not take all late applicatants. Applications should be submitted no later than mid June for entry in September of the same year. Later applications will receive as sympathetic a hearing as is possible. 
 
 

Selection Procedure 

Where possible, candidates are expected to attend for interview. Overseas applicants who cannot attend for interview may be contacted by phone. In addition or alternatively, they may be asked to submit written work on both academic and clinical topics. 
 
 

Course Members 

There are 20 places including full-time and part-time students. 

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