Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 24 months
- Start date and application deadlines
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- Start date
- January 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Gaining this qualification will promote your development as a physiotherapist. You will learn critical thinking skills, how to be resilient, resourceful and capable of providing outstanding patient care in the current and future healthcare system.
Introduction
This two year accelerated MSc Physiotherapy course will provide you with an excellent educational experience both in academic and clinical environments. It will support your development as a graduate with the ability and desire to make a meaningful contribution within the communities in which you live and work.
The programme has been divided into three key themes, clinical, professional and evidence based practice which run throughout the programme. These themes transition across the two years, ensuring that learning is applied and developed continuously to facilitate growth at each level of study. Within the themes individual modules have been developed in parallel to ensure that you benefit from a planned and coherent learning experience with an appropriate spread of workload across each year. Practice based learning is an essential part of this programme as it will allow you to experience a wide range of clinical settings and integrate theory and practice, developing clinical skills, professionalism and leadership.
Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to apply to become a professional member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Who is this course for?
This is a pre-registration course available to graduates wanting to study Physiotherapy for the first time and at master’s level. It is not available to Physiotherapy graduates. The programme is also not a conversion course.
What you'll learn
- An understanding of how multi-professional healthcare environments function
- Communication skills
- An ability to diagnose and manage a range of physical health problems
- Leadership qualities
- Research, report-writing and other transferrable professional skills.
Accreditation
Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to apply to become a professional member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
All of our modules have been developed together to ensure that you benefit from a planned and coherent learning experience.
In the first year, you will be introduced to the foundational teachings of physiotherapy practice. You will also develop a base knowledge of how best to manage and treat patients presenting with different musculoskeletal complaints or surgical needs.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two, you will advance your professional capabilities through the exploration of more complex issues relating to the field of physiotherapy. Your clinical skills will also grow as you give more consideration to the qualities associated with physiotherapy leadership and service delivery.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCING PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE (PHTY414) | 20 |
| DISSERTATION: HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (HEAL418) | 45 |
| HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE DELIVERY (PHTY415) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Every aspect of teaching on the programme incorporates activities that stimulate, facilitate and guide your growth as a physiotherapist.
We place particular emphasis on clinical teaching. Not only will this enable you to improve your practical skills and enhance your experience of working in real healthcare environments, it will also push you to grow as a healthcare provider with strong leadership and communication skills – something you may rely on later in your professional journey.
Enquiry-based learning is something else that we attach particular value to as it encourages students to access and engage with content logically and meaningfully. It has also shown to enhance students’ learning experience and support the development of graduates who have the skills to engage in self‐directed, reflective learning and critical thinking.
How you're assessed
Authentic assessment tasks have been included across the curriculum. These tasks demand that you demonstrate a meaningful and integrated application of relevant academic knowledge, skills and understanding. Many of these assessment tasks mirror the skills which you can expect to undertake as a registered physiotherapist.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Placement opportunity
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
Your experience
The highly-esteemed School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has been at the forefront of healthcare education for over 100 years and our Physiotherapy department is particularly well-respected, recently placing fourth in the 2023 Complete University Guide’s subject league table.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
- Major centre for education and research in health sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
- Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
- Active research environment
- Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Graduate physiotherapists are a vital part of modern health care and employment opportunities are available in the UK and abroad. With an MSc qualification, graduates can fill senior leadership positions across a wide array of physiotherapy settings, for private or national healthcare providers.
Physiotherapists can explore a range of career paths, which venture into different aspects of the industry, including:
- Research
- Teaching
- NHS
- Sports therapy
- Orthopaedics
- Occupational therapy.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
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You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
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All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
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International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in biological sciences, health sciences or sports-based disciplines. Applicants with a 2.2 are invited to apply if they have relevant experience or evidence of further study. As Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc isn’t a conversion course, an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy isn’t suitable. You should demonstrate a good understanding of the scope of physiotherapy practice, including an awareness of the various settings a physiotherapist might work in. This could preferably be indicated by observation experience of physiotherapists working in a variety of clinical areas, or by other experience which can be related to the skills and qualities required to work in a physiotherapy environment. Experience in a paid or voluntary capacity working with the general public, children, older persons or people with special needs will also help to strengthen your application. You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional. An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required to work as a physiotherapist. Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application. Declaration of Criminal BackgroundYou will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete. Health ScreeningThe University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. Please visit the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners website for further information. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online. |
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Last updated 13 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions