Physiotherapy and Leadership (pre-registration) MSc

Postgraduate

Female giving a back massage to a person lying on a massage bed

This master’s degree aims to develop you into an innovative and effective physiotherapist with the problem-solving, enterprise, resourcefulness and leadership skills to respond to the changing needs of future healthcare.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

HLST242

Start date

January 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

The course is designed for people with a relevant previous degree and patient-facing experience. 

You will develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to be an effective physiotherapist.
Your learning experience will help you to adopt the professional values and behaviours expected of you in the role; working respectfully within a multidisciplinary team, providing healthcare underpinned by current evidence and placing the clients in the centre of the therapeutic process.
Simulation events are delivered throughout the course and inter-professional education is interwoven throughout the course to allow you to develop an understanding of integrated working and learning which is essential to becoming a collaborative, practice-ready healthcare professional.
All eligible students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs⁶.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Working as an allied health professional requires emotional intelligence, resilience and a dedication to lifelong learning. Throughout the course you will be supported in your personal and professional development in order to meet these demands; allowing you to develop strategies to protect your own personal health and wellbeing as well as identify opportunities to flourish in your career.
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)¹. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for membership of CSP and registration with the HCPC (additional costs apply).
Our facilities⁴include mock wards with interactive manikins, a high dependency unit, a strength and conditioning suite and gym, and community houses. These allow the use of active teaching approaches including immersive high-fidelity simulation exercises which contextualise your learning. These simulation events allow you to develop an understanding of integrated working and learning. By recording these learning experiences in an e-portfolio, you create a foundation for a professional lifelong learning commitment. This also fulfils the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council, with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation.
We aim to give you an insight into the patient, service user and carer experience.
Our strong collaboration with placement providers enables you to practice in a diverse range of environments such as acute and community services, and public, private and charitable organisations. Placements exceed the total number of hours specified by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and are sequential, building upon knowledge, skills and behaviours, culminating with a final placement where you complete a project to identify improvements to existing services².
The course aims to elevate your existing understanding of research to apply evidence-based practice to clinical decision-making. In addition to this, the Chartered Management Institute module in Leading Diverse Workforces aims to enhance your contribution to improving the quality of the services you and others provide.
Coventry University has a long-standing history of providing outstanding physiotherapy education, both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. We aim to constantly review our courses to reflect the latest knowledge and practice in the field and to produce innovative and creative physiotherapy leaders of the future.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ by the following bodies:

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

This course is approved by the HCPC for the 2024/2025 intake. On successful completion of the Physiotherapy and Leadership (pre-registration) MSc course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a physiotherapist (additional costs apply).

You are required to comply with the Code of Conduct of both the HCPC and CSP throughout the course. As a professional course a minimum level of 80% attendance is expected at all modules.  

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

This course is accredited by the CSP for the 2024/2025 intake. On successful completion of the Physiotherapy and Leadership (pre-registration) MSc course, you will be eligible to apply for membership of CSP (additional costs apply).

You are required to comply with the Code of Conduct of both the HCPC and CSP throughout the course. As a professional course a minimum level of 80% attendance is expected at all modules.  

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2024/2025 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice  at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the modules and on the Professional Development module homepage.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.

What you'll study

In year one of this course, you will develop the fundamental principles of physiotherapy. You will gain an understanding of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics and how this knowledge is applied in the treatment of patients. Through taking a problem-based learning approach you will explore the impact of health and disease and prescribe a range of physical activities and exercises to both individuals and groups. All modules are mandatory.

Modules

Anatomy and Movement Analysis - 20 credits

Anatomical knowledge is an essential foundation in supporting the effective clinical practice of a physiotherapist. What is also an essential requirement for a competent and effective physiotherapist is the understanding of functional movement and human biomechanics. This module develops palpatory, handling, observational and analytical skills which are required to enable the application of anatomical and biomechanical theory to clients. These skills will enable you to competently analyse movement for therapeutic intervention.

Compulsory

Applied Pathophysiology and Clinical Skills - 20 credits

This module is designed to introduce you to the normal structure and physiological functioning of the tissues and selected systems of the body required for the effective clinical practice of a physiotherapist. The module aims to develop your understanding about the changes that occur to normal physiology as a result of common pathologies. The underpinning principles and clinical skills of physiotherapy assessment in relation to client presentations will be interwoven throughout. The principles will serve as a foundation for person-centred goal setting in a diverse health and social care context. You will explore and develop assessment strategies reflecting current ethical considerations, health and safety requirements and client engagement within a biopsychosocial context.

The module is delivered using a problem-based learning approach to allow you to develop as an independent lifelong learner with an ability to apply fundamental pathological terms and general pathomechanisms to a variety of conditions.

Through problem-based learning you will explore the impact of health and disease at a physiological, individual and societal level.

Compulsory

Global Professional Development: Leading Diverse Workforces (CMI) - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way. You will explore, for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, and approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies and practices that can be used creatively within a leadership role in different types of organisational scenarios.

Compulsory

Clinical Reasoning and Therapeutic Skills - 20 credits

This module aims to provide an integrated and holistic approach to theory and practice relating to physiotherapy. It will build upon previous modules, developing clinical reasoning and your skills and practical competencies in assessment and intervention. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to critically appraise clinical principles and apply them to service users of all ages in a variety of contexts. An evidence-based approach will allow you to relate theoretical principles to contemporary physiotherapy practice within multi-disciplinary teams.

Compulsory

Professionalism, Leadership and Creativity - 10 credits

This module aims to support the development of the leadership behaviours and management skills required to function effectively as a newly qualified registered physiotherapist delivering high-quality healthcare. You will examine leadership and followership models and the concept of empowerment and distributed leadership to gain understanding of ethical leadership, culture, and values-based healthcare. This is all central to effective and ethical practice, forms the basis of contemporary practice and drives professional standards. Professional bodies, such as HCPC, CSP and NHS, place values at the heart of practice. Through the application of reflective models, you will critically reflect on their observed experiences of clinical leadership behaviours and management skills to develop a personal development plan. This will further develop professional skills, attitudes, and behaviours relevant to leadership in values-based physiotherapy and the concepts of service improvement.

Compulsory

Theory and Practice Placement 1 (Entering Practice) - 10 credits

The initial four weeks of this module is taught in university and is the theoretical underpinning which aims to prepare you for professional life as a physiotherapist. You will then go on placement (which is sourced for you by the university) for nine weeks^2,5. Successful completion of the module will develop your awareness of the registration and monitoring process in order to maintain your professional status as a physiotherapist. It also aims to develop awareness and promote discussion around various professional, legal and ethical issues within physiotherapy.

The main aim of the practice element of this module is to enable you to consolidate your theoretical knowledge by integrating and applying it in practice. It will help you to develop your understanding of treating and communicating with clients while demonstrating the judicious use of current and relevant evidence in making clinical decisions. You will also develop your personal and professional insight and an ability to constructively reflect on your own performance within interprofessional and multicultural health contexts. During the practice element of this module you will be prepared to assume responsibility for patient management and be involved in the whole process from assessment to discharge. Please note that placements may be subject to additional costs (for example travel)⁵.

Compulsory

Physical Activity and Exercise Prescription - 10 credits)

The promotion, prescription and teaching of physical activity and exercise is a fundamental skill required by physiotherapists for the prevention and rehabilitation of injury, disease and disability. This module aims to develop the skills required to prescribe, evaluate and progress a range of physical activities and types of exercise to individuals and groups in both the health and patient populations. Understand the range of public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity and exercise.

Compulsory

Evidence-based practice for Physiotherapists - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to examine the theoretical and philosophical basis of research and to appraise different methodological approaches, designs and methods used in health care related research and related fields of practice. There will be emphasis on the importance of evidence based practice and applying research and guidelines to enhance clinical decision making. Upon successful completion of the module you will develop a deep understanding of the research process. You will also consider the importance of ethical, social, legal, political and economic aspects of research studies to enable you to become a research-confident practitioner.

The module is designed to prepare and equip you with the skills and knowledge to plan your own research or service improvement project therefore becoming both a consumer and creator of research. The skills acquired during this module will provide you with a general approach to problem solving that is transferable to other health and social care contexts.

Compulsory

The first semester is taught within the university and the course then finishes with an eight-week placement, the dissertation and a final nine-week placement. All placements are sourced for you by the university^2,5.

Modules

Health and Wellbeing - 10 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the social, politico-economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence individual and community health and wellbeing. The module will draw upon key international, national and local initiatives to support learning and learning will take place within an interprofessional context. To achieve this aim, you will explore and apply concepts of wellbeing, disability, disease and illness, health inequality and inequity. In addition, you will examine key health and social care initiatives that will enable you to understand the importance of person-centred approaches to wellbeing, prevention, care and support. As you progress through the module you should develop interprofessional capabilities of communication, role clarification, decision-making and team working enabling you to practice and promote healthy conversations about lifestyle.

Optional

Theory and Practice Placement 2 (Reflective Practice) - 10 credits

This module explores the role of reflective practice within professional development, and successful completion equips you to apply the skills of reflective practice to your learning within this course and ongoing learning in your workplace. The module aims to develop your capacity to be an effective learner throughout your career. The primary aim of this module is to consolidate your ability to apply advanced communication skills in order to integrate reflection and evidence-based assessment and treatment in your professional practice. You will be prepared to assume increasing responsibility for the effective management of client caseloads including efficient time management and resource allocation. You will aim to make positive contributions to interprofessional team functioning, understand the importance of continuing professional development in maintaining quality and standards of practice, and demonstrate your ability to utilise a diversity of evidence in clinical decision-making in the context of a client-centred care.

Compulsory

Theory and Practice Placement 3 (Service Enhancement) - 10 credits

The primary aim of this final clinical education module is to support you in demonstrating your ability to undertake the role of an independent, autonomous and reflective practitioner in such a way that reflects the practice of a newly qualified physiotherapist. You will be expected to efficiently manage a client caseload, consistently demonstrate evidence-based practice, and effectively integrate the professional and interpersonal skills acquired during the course.

Compulsory

Applied Research and Service Improvement - 30 credits

This research module is designed to allow you to undertake an in-depth individual study in an area of interest relevant to your practice which will demonstrate an understanding and application of research at an advanced level. You will be expected to demonstrate an ability to synthesise information and communicate a critical and evaluative understanding of the research process including the ethical, theoretical and methodological issues associated with research in your area of interest. You will have the opportunity to work with real-life practice issues to identify service improvements within a relevant clinical area and work alongside clinicians in practice to design and plan a service improvement project.

Compulsory

How you'll learn

This course is taught utilising a variety of methods including the use of simulation, role play, and service users. You will have a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical sessions and a problem-based learning approach is taken to enhance your understanding. You may also have the opportunity to participate in interprofessional events with other healthcare students.

In a typical week you will have between 10-23 hours per week in university, depending on the semester. When on placement you will work 8 hours per day in your placement setting.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15-20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

written coursework
practical viva exams
posters and leaflets
presentations
interviews
dissertation.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

You may have the opportunity⁴ to work with students at another university overseas as Collaborative Online International Learning opportunities are embedded into the course.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should normally hold an upper second-class honours degree or above in a health, sport or relevant science related subject (including level 6 English and mathematics). Other degree level qualifications may be considered with relevant work experience which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

All students who meet the admission criteria are interviewed following a values-based recruitment process.  Enrolment is subject to undertaking the course selection process in accordance with the faculty’s policy and procedures, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and a satisfactory occupational health screening check clearance. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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All students who meet the admission criteria are interviewed following a values-based recruitment process. Enrolment is subject to undertaking the course selection process in accordance with the faculty’s policy and procedures, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and a satisfactory occupational health screening check clearance. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,250 per year	Not available
EU	£9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴.

Clinical Skills Labs

You will have access to clinical skills labs, with the opportunity to use equipment including assessment tools and simulation models.

Mock Operating Theatre

Our Alison Gingell Building includes a full-size mock operating theatre, containing scrub sinks and theatre lights. We also have a mock hospital ward so that we can study a complete patient pathway.

Hospital Wards

We have two fully equipped mock hospital wards, each containing four beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.

Careers and opportunities

This course aims to produce competent and effective physiotherapists with leadership capabilities who are confident problem solvers and future leaders with the skills to influence healthcare delivery and innovative practice. It is designed to meet the academic, clinical and personal requirements of the HCPC and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

demonstrate the application of knowledge, skills and behaviours that reflect the HCPC and CSP attributes for a physiotherapist
critically apply physiotherapy principles in the prevention and management of illness and maintenance of health
deliver and evaluate effective person-centred care in a variety of contexts for people across the lifespan including those with complex needs
be an innovative and creative practitioner who critically engages with evolving technological, social and political landscapes
examine and enhance your leadership capabilities to enable you to continually improve and influence service development
critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level
critically appraise intercultural competencies at a national and international level, to practice as an autonomous health care professional, and to be able to appraise your own intercultural development in order to enhance your lifelong learning
appraise and create research as evidence-informed practitioners within the context of health and social care
apply collaborative capabilities that promote integrated learning and working, within public, private, and third sector organisations, for the health and wellbeing of people in our community
manage your own personal health and wellbeing and have insight and self-awareness of when and how to access support, as emotionally intelligent and resilient individuals.

Where our graduates work

Physiotherapy graduates from Coventry University work in a range of settings including the NHS, private practice and sports clubs at both grassroots and professional level. Some students use their qualifications to work overseas in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

⁶NHS payment

The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please, therefore, check the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website for up-to-date information before applying.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.