BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Course Overview
The University of Bolton’s BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree focuses on supporting you to develop the core expertise, knowledge and skills demanded of physiotherapy professionals in a number of different clinical settings and environments. The global demand for qualified physiotherapists means that career opportunities are excellent in the UK and further afield.You’ll spend a total of 1000 hours of your time in physiotherapy practice-based learning across the primary care, private and voluntary sectors, helping to prepare you for the changing environments you’ll encounter during your career. The rest of your studies will be based at the University, increasing your theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in a way that complements and enhances your learning in the workplace.
We’ll support you as you learn about the structure and function of the human body in the context of health, disease, disorder and dysfunction, across the lifespan. With our expert guidance, you’ll explore the theories and physiotherapy approaches that can be applied to enhance movement and minimise loss of function, focusing on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems. We’ll also consider developing areas of physiotherapy such as the principles of management for women’s health, amputees and palliative care. We’ll help you develop knowledge of the biomedical, physical, clinical and behavioural science that underpins physiotherapy practice, and gain skills in physical assessment, treatment and evaluation. We'll support you to develop interpersonal skills, such as respecting and prioritising the needs and choices of individual service users, their carers and families, along with their cultural, social and religious backgrounds. We’ll also focus on helping you gain an understanding of the political, social and economic factors that are influencing the current and future delivery of physiotherapy, health and social care services.
Together with our partners, we’ll work to prepare you to become a confident, professional physiotherapist, able to use a range of physical and psychological treatment approaches, including movement, exercise and manual therapy, to help individuals develop, maintain and regain mobility within an ever-changing health and social care environment. On successful completion of the physiotherapy qualification, you’ll possess the knowledge and skills you need to practise as an autonomous, independent practitioner who can be trusted to maintain professional standards while working to improve the health and wellbeing of service users through your individual and team-working actions.
This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Highlights
- The University hosts world-class facilities in Bolton One for clinical and laboratory teaching. As part of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy benefits from strong links with the NHS and private healthcare providers, and our experienced staff team offer expertise and knowledge across all subject disciplines.
- You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Suites, Athlete Development Centre and Sports & Spinal Injuries Clinic. These provide outstanding learning environments where you can practice skills and develop knowledge under the supervision of our team of experienced researchers and practitioners. You’ll also have access to a range of learning and exercise specific resources such as online anatomy and physiology applications, Vicon motion capture, Delsys/Trigno wireless electromyography, Alter-G treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer and hydrotherapy pool.
- Our professional expert academic tutors come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds, including physiotherapy, the allied health professions, sports rehabilitation and exercise science. They weave essential knowledge of inter-professional and multi-agency working into their delivery of the theory elements of the course, helping prepare you to work effectively with colleagues from a variety of other professions and agencies.
- You’ll gain first-hand work experience and have the opportunity to develop an invaluable network of professional contacts during your practice-based learning. You’ll undertake a total of 1000 hours during your studies and you’ll have the opportunity to negotiate an elective practice-based learning experience of your choosing.
- Key skills such as leadership, teamwork and professional communication are essential elements of the course, and we’ll foster your commitment to lifelong learning helping you to ensure your knowledge and skills remain current as you progress through your career.
Key Features
- Throughout the course, specialists in the field of physiotherapy, the health professions and rehabilitation therapists will be invited to join us as guest speakers. You can also expect to meet service users with direct experience of using physiotherapy services and benefit from their unique and valuable perspectives on the role of physiotherapists in practice.
- Our dedicated team will guide you as you develop critical thinking and research evaluation skills and apply these during your honours-level reaserch project. This experience will support your on-going professional development in future and help you evaluate evidence to inform your practice and decision-making in the field.
- Physiotherapy can be very demanding and carries a lot of responsibility so we’ll support you to learn strategies and techniques that can help you to build your professional and emotional resilience to successfully manage the situations you face.
- In preparation for a career in this dynamic, evolving profession we aim to expose you to many of the different clinical settings, sectors and industries in which physiotherapists are currently finding employment. These may include emerging areas such as the third and voluntary sectors, first-contact practitioners and the Ministry of Defence.
- On successful completion of this programme, you’ll be awarded the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy from the University of Bolton.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- 120 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Please note that this course is only available to Home students.
- Your Level 3 subjects must include biology; for instance, A-level Biology or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. If you’re undertaking A-levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, you’ll be expected to pass the science practical assessment.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics and Science. Please contact us for a list of acceptable GCSE equivalents.
- You’ll also need to show that you have relevant work experience; for instance working or volunteering in a healthcare setting such as physiotherapy service, GP practice or with other allied health professionals (AHPs).
- For guidance regarding acceptable alternative qualifications, please contact admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk. Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- We are happy to consider alternative qualifications and relevant work experience. The Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route may be used for entry. Please contact the programme leader for details.
- If your application is successfully shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a selection day where you’ll be expected to complete a number of assessments including an interview, written test and group activity. The interview panel will include academic staff, practice staff and service users. This will consist of a group-based activity and a one to one interview. The aim is to observe your communication and problem-solving skills in addition to ascertaining your suitability to the programme. We’re seeking students who can demonstrate commitment to a physiotherapy career, who have excellent communication skills and who are caring and compassionate.
- If you’re successful at the interview stage, you’ll be asked to undergo occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- You’ll need to demonstrate that you’re of good health and good character and satisfactorily pass occupational health screening. You’ll be required to complete a confidential self-declaration form outlining any medical or health conditions that may affect your ability to undertake academic or physiotherapy practice tasks.
- This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable young people and adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
- We take a positive view of what candidates with disabilities can achieve as future healthcare professionals and take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed up to and including the interview on the basis of the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability, we’ll invite you to work with us, the University of Bolton’s Disability team, clinical colleagues and relevant specialist services (for example, RNIB) to explore how best we can support your studies.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 7.0 with normally no less than 6.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
Physiotherapy is the treatment and prevention of injury, disease and disorders through physical and psychological methods (such as exercise, massage, manipulation and other treatments) over medication and surgery. As a Chartered Physiotherapist, you’ll provide treatment for people of all ages suffering from physical problems that restrict their mobility and independence or cause pain. These may arise from injury, disease, illness or ageing, and include functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; and many other conditions.
As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to improve a person's quality of life by using a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and restore function or, in the case of permanent injury or disease, to lessen the effects of any dysfunction. Interventions and programmes can include exercise; training in functional movement, and equipment such as using canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve movement and decrease pain. As well as treating people, you’ll promote good health and advise people on how to avoid injury.
By the time you graduate, you’ll possess a wide range of skills, knowledge and behaviours. Studying this course will support you to develop skills in team working and decision making, as well as enhance your ability to communicate well and clearly with a diverse group of individuals, and manage difficult and stressful situations. You’ll also have good observational skills, emotional intelligence, be able to use your initiative and manage your time effectively.
What can I do with this qualification?
A UK physiotherapy qualification offers excellent career opportunities and progression. Typically, once you have qualified and registered as a physiotherapist you’ll be able to seek employment in the NHS and private clinics. You may work in hospitals where physiotherapists are needed in nearly every department, in the community, health centres, nursing homes, day centres or schools. However, the scope of physiotherapy allows for employment in many other areas such as the Ministry of Defence, professional sports clubs, gyms and fitness centres, higher education and as a researcher for national health-related charities.
Physiotherapy offers opportunities to specialise in a number of areas, such as sports medicine, women’s health and children’s health (paediatrics). You’ll also be able to explore different areas of practice, including musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory, and further study leading to advanced practitioner roles. Alternatively, you’ll be able to progress to qualifications in related fields such as sport rehabilitation or strength and conditioning.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use this qualification as a stepping-stone to enter a range of other careers, and for some of these roles both relevant experience and postgraduate study may be required. The knowledge and skills you’ll develop on this programme will underpin a number of alternative career opportunities including:
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Management/leadership
- Teaching and education
- Clinical research
Professional Recognition
This programme is approved by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Fees & Funding
Healthcare students starting and continuing their course from 1 September 2020 onwards can apply for additional funding support from the NHS Learning Support Fund. Please visit NHS Learning Support Fund web page for details.
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply to multiple institutions or courses for September, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
International Applicants
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Partner Organisation Applicants
Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Teaching & Assessment
Modern healthcare professionals require a range of skills and values and our practice placement partners and tutors will help you to gain experience of a range of physiotherapy care scenarios designed to develop your skills in a safe and supportive environment. The course involves a wealth of workplace learning opportunities (please note, considerable travelling may be required). At the first level of the course, you’ll be expected to complete an observational practice-based learning experience at the end of the second semester. You’ll need to complete a further 400 clinical hours of practice-based learning at the second level, with an elective practice-based learning experience of 200 hours on completion during the summer prior to the third level. During the third level, you’ll complete another 400 clinical hours. As you progress through the course, we’ll guide and encourage you to draw on your practice-based learning experience while studying theory, and also apply the theory learned to your practice so that you can understand how the two complement each other.
We use a blended-learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online and practical work. You can expect discussion-based lectures, presentations by guest speakers, simulations delivered by tutors, seminar discussions, small group workshops, small group and one-to-one tutorials and practical skill learning sessions. You’ll also need to undertake a significant amount of personal study, including general background reading, preparing for seminar activities, working on assignments and revising for examinations.
To help support your learning, the University also offers additional study skills sessions, such as essay writing, library skills and electronic searching, and numeracy. You can also find support through our social learning community that includes a peer-support programme and enhanced personal tutoring. Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is used to share study resources. You’ll also be expected to develop your own E-portfolio, where you’ll catalogue evidence of your learning through a variety of media. To enhance your individual journey to becoming an effective practitioner, you’ll be encouraged to develop reflective practise through personal development planning.
Assessment tasks are designed to ensure you achieve the learning outcomes for each module and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required to practise as a physiotherapist. While assessment serves to evaluate your achievement, it also helps you organise and develop your learning by revealing your strengths and weaknesses. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including written coursework, oral presentations, time-constrained written activities, practical case scenarios and portfolios. We’ll provide feedback on your assessments to help you improve in the future.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- The Profession of Physiotherapy
- Human Physiology and Pathophysiology of Illness
- Clinical Enquiry and Personal Development
- Anatomy, Musculoskeletal Injury and Assessment
- Principles of Physiotherapy Management 1
- Clinical Placement 1
- Clinical Placement 2
- Injury Pathology and Clinical Treatment Skills
- Physiotherapy Elective Placement
- Principles of Physiotherapy Management 2
- Critical Reflective Practice
- Clinical Placement 3
- Clinical Placement 4
- Physiotherapy Dissertation
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 60% Practical exams 30% Written exams 10% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 60% Practical exams 40% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 73% Practical exams 27% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 62% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 38% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 39% Placement/study abroad 33% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 28% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 50% Placement/study abroad 40% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
