The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree is underpinned by a person-centred approach to health and wellbeing, with a commitment to respecting equality and diversity.

Our goal is to produce physiotherapists who are creative, motivated, flexible, resilient and sensitive to the needs and wishes of each individual you work with. Throughout the programme you will develop understanding of how movement, function and physical activity contributes to health and wellbeing from an individual, family, community and population level.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of university-based and practice-based opportunities that seek to underpin professional learning with academic knowledge and critical understanding. Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and technologically enhanced learning opportunities provide opportunities to reflect on practice-based experience and develop an appreciation of the importance of integrating physiotherapy theory and practice. Enquiry-based approaches encourage students to be active participants in their learning. Research-rich learning will also be utilised to encourage you to engage critically with research publications enabling you to make links to the significance of informing practice with a range of research and evidence.

How will I learn on this Physiotherapy BSc course?

The structure of this course has been designed to provide you with a broad understanding of physiotherapy, incorporating subjects such as principles of musculoskeletal physiotherapy; introduction to neurological physiotherapy; developing skills for safe and effective practice; exercise, movement and physiotherapy; and physiotherapy in early life and later life.

This course combines both theoretical and real-world learning, through a mix of classroom-based teaching, placements and simulated sessions in our state-of-the-art skills centre. Assessment techniques for this course include assignments, presentations, reflective professional portfolios and the planning and delivery of person-centred physiotherapy. In your final year you will also complete an assessed dissertation around a subject of particular interest to you and your own career aspirations.

You will also be given the option to completing an elective placement should you wish to further develop your learning in a real world environment.

Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

This course is based at our Coach Lane campus, which houses a purpose-built facility that will allow you to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience within a simulated scenario.

Students will also have access to and be able to take advantage of Northumbria's £30 million purpose-built sports campus, Sport Central.

Sport Central has been designed to enhance your learning experience thanks to its array of state-of-the-art facilities, and your learning will be situated in ‘zones of proximal development’ where experiential, collaborative and individualised strategies will enable you to develop the personal, professional and transferable skills associated with a proficient, newly qualified physiotherapist.

Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will also receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.

What can I do after my BSc Physiotherapy course?

Once you have completed your Physiotherapy degree you can expect to work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to gyms, GP surgeries or with people in their own homes, whether this be in the public, private or charity sector. Many physiotherapists also choose to work on a self-employed basis.

You also may wish to progress to further study, for example to Master’s or PHD level.