Bachelor of Science (Hons)

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Buckinghamshier New University three-year BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme is challenging yet hugely rewarding, giving you the knowledge and skills to become a highly competent and compassionate physiotherapist able to work with a variety of patient groups.

Led by academics with extensive clinical experience and guest lecturers who are experienced clinicians, you will also benefit from their close links with NHS and Primary Care Trusts across Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.



Why study this course?

Physiotherapists can transform lives and empower populations. 

This profession is experiencing high demand across a range of settings such as primary care, community settings, sport, and private practice. As a profession, an ageing population that is increasingly inactive means that demand for physiotherapy will be further enhanced.

By studying this course, you will gain a specialist qualification that will help you develop into a highly-skilled, evidence-based clinician.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

This blended learning programme will help you gain the training and qualifications to pursue an exciting career in physiotherapy.

Led by academic staff and clinicians at the forefront of their subjects, you will benefit from BNU innovative new facilities for teaching pre-clinical and clinical skills at our High Wycombe Campus.

BNU's BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy will equip you with skills in evidence-based practice, research, and leadership. A variety of assessment methods will be employed to test your skills in practical or clinical contexts.

As part of this programme, you will attend placements in a variety of clinical settings, including but not limited to an acute hospital, primary and community stations, and out-patient clinics. This wide range of placements will help give you the experience and knowledge you need to propel you into a successful career as a physiotherapist. There will also be opportunities for placements, helping you to develop essential clinical skills in a supportive environment.

As a graduate of this course, you will be eligible to apply to register as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and as a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

What facilities can you use?

At BNU's High Wycombe Campus, they have purpose-built facilities, including well-equipped simulation clinics and rehabilitation teaching rooms, where students are taught throughout their course. BNU's library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments, and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

They will also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment, which means you will have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

How will you be taught and assessed?

BNU's programme uses a modern and innovative integrated blended learning approach, using technology to support face-to-face teaching. This means you only need to come onto campus a maximum of three days in any week.

Learning activities will focus on clinical skills and problem-based learning, which are further supported by lectures, e-learning, practical sessions, tutorials, and online and face-to-face seminars as appropriate.

In year one, you will typically attend three-day teaching weeks throughout the year from September to June, supported by online material, which will include webinars, videos, and discussion forums.

Early in semester one, you will attend a one-week observational placement at one of our NHS Partnership Trusts in Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas. The first Practice Placement is a 4-week (20 hours/week) simulation placement in the summer months after year one.

The second-year is a mixture of university and practice-based learning. You will complete two 6-week (40 hours/week) practice placement blocks provided by the programme in a range of settings and simulation clinics reflecting the contemporary role of physiotherapists. Most placements are in Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties, but you may be allocated to clinics throughout South-East England.

The final year is similar to year two with university and practice-based learning. You will complete one 6-week (40 hours/week) and one 5-week (40 hours/week) practice placement block to complete the professionally required 1,000 hours of practice placement.

Each module you will take on the course has at least two forms of assessment. The different assessment strategies include:

• Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE)
• Viva (oral examination)
• Oral presentations
• Written examinations
• Written coursework
• Portfolio
• Clinical case studies.

What are your career prospects?

BNU see your journey with them as much more than a degree, and they are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university. They will help you develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable, and good business leaders. They also help you find employment after graduation. 

Upon graduation, you will have the knowledge and key personal skills and attitudes necessary to pursue a successful professional career as a physiotherapist in any setting.

Physiotherapists work in different areas of healthcare, including acute hospitals, primary care settings, community, and out-patient clinics. They also work in professional sport, health clubs, the commercial sector. You may also choose to set up your own practice. This degree gives you a variety of options and helps set you up for your future career.