UNIVERSITY of Bradfordacademic Year 2015-16Faculty of Health Studies (FOHS)School: Allied

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDAcademic Year 2015-16Faculty of Health Studies (FOHS)School: Allied Health Professionsand Sport

Programme title: MSc Applied Physiotherapy

Post graduate award within the Specialist Skills to Post Registration Development (SSPRD) for Health(Formally CPD)Framework for Flexible Learning in Health and Social Care

Leading to: Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master Degree in Applied Physiotherapy

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final award: / Masters Degree
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
FHEQ level 7
Programme title: / Applied Physiotherapy
Duration: / MSc Full time: over one year.
PGDip Full time: over nine months
PGCert Full time: over three months
UCAS code: / n/a
Date produced: / January 2012
Last Approved Faculty Board: / August2014

Introduction

The MSc Applied Physiotherapy programme has been specifically designed to advance the practice of qualified physiotherapists both in the UK and internationally. Through studying from a range of varied and specialist modules students will develop evidence based knowledge and skills in key areas of physiotherapy relevant to the needs of your workplace. Learning alongside fellow students from diverse backgrounds promotes sharing of ideas and clinical experiences. You will develop independent critical thinking and the ability to reflect on, challenge and advance established concepts and practices. We offer specialist modules in musculoskeletal therapy, continence, women’s health and exercise rehabilitation as well as a range of modules from across the Faculty of Health Studies.

Students cannot normally undertake modules that require access to a clinical practice whilst studying. However we are able to offer access to a clinical load for a limited number of students through the Physiotherapy out-patients Clinic within the Faculty of Health Studies.

This programme does not meet the requirements for Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registration but may enable you to develop some of the skills which are required to enable you to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Council.

Faculty of Health Studies Specialist Skills to Post Registration Development for Health Framework for Flexible Learning

The MSc Applied Physiotherapy is part of the multidisciplinary SSRPD Framework for Flexible Learning within the Faculty of Health Studies. The Framework enables you to create an individualised programme of study that will meet your needs and/or your employer’s needs for a changing diverse workforce within yourorganisation.

The Faculty of Health Studies’ focus on excellence though knowledge, practice, research, leadership and management aims to support the future sustainability of theindividuals, through lifelong learning and improved employability and thereby influencing the future adaptability of individual organisations and service delivery to promote change and advance practice.

Yourprogramme of study and the collection of modules you choose to study will contextualise your learning by addressing the Aims and Learning Outcomes for the programme whichare outlined in the next section of this document. Modules such as public health, patient safety and research modules, enable you to shape your own focus of study within the modules aims and learning outcomes by learning the principles being taught and applying them to your own professional/ employment area.

The flexibility offered by the Faculty of Health Studies’ framework will enable you to take forward your current experience whatever the area of your work, in collaboration with the University of Bradford. An academic advisor will discuss and support your choices with you. This will be recorded in an individual study plan.

Programme / Framework Aims

The MSc Applied Physiotherapyand the Faculty of HealthStudies’ framework share the same aims. There are several aims for the programme and these are contextualised within the aims of the modules and the route of study that you take. If you study a Faculty framework module, alongside students from different professions/employment areas, it is the application of the Aims and Learning Outcomes to your own subject area that maintains the focus on your area of interest on Physiotherapy. The programme aims are applied to address the requirements for the MSc Applied Physiotherapy:

Level 7
Postgraduate Certificate: Aims 1 – 7 are essential
A1 / Provide a flexible educational framework that is vocationally relevant, which meets the professional development needs of the student, as well as the organisational needs of employers.
A2 / Stimulate students to become autonomous self-directed learners who are motivated to sustain and advance their own continuous professional learning with a confidence to support the professional development of colleagues and the work of their organisations.
A3 / Develop the skills , knowledge, critical understanding and awareness of the depth and breadth of knowledge applicable to their own fields of practice
A4 / Further develop the students cognitive and practical skills to undertake data synthesis, complex problem solving, the articulation of competing perspectives and competence in their field of practice
A5 / Provide opportunities for interprofessional teaching and learning to share the knowledge, skills and experience common to a range of different health and social care disciplines.
A6 / Develop critically reflective, competent practitioners, managers and leaders who will inform and shape or change inclusive, fair and ethically sensitive service provision.
A7 / Develop the skills required for life-long learning and professional development
Postgraduate Diploma: Aims 1 – 8 are essential
A8 / Develop critical perspectives on research and knowledge development in Physiotherapy.
Masters Degree: Aims 1- 9 are essential
A9 / *Develop an understanding of the theoretical constructs underpinning research or project management which will inform the undertaking of an ethical piece of research or a work based project and the ability to demonstrate how the findings can influence practice and policy.

Students must normally undertake a systematic review

Programme Learning Outcomes

The MSc Applied Physiotherapyprogramme learning outcomes are compatible with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (QAA 2008).

The programme contains the flexibility to design your own pathway and the learning outcomes outlined below are contextualised within the learning outcomes of the modules that you study. When you have successfully completed your programme of study within the programme you will be able to:

Programme Learning Outcomes (LO’s)

Post Graduate Certificate: Aims 1 – 9 are essential

Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literature that relates to inclusion and diversity.

Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence in order to analyse, evaluate and apply principles of inclusion appropriately to ensure efficacy of policy development and contemporary practice.

Evaluate and critically apply theoretical concepts and where appropriate, master practical skills for the management of complex issues associated with contemporary diversity management.

Reflect upon and demonstrate knowledge of values and ethical thinking and demonstrate mastery within the field of diversity management.

Develop and demonstrate the ability to articulate sound arguments using a variety of formats including written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrate management and leadership through effective communication, problem solving and decision making

Demonstrate the ability to become an autonomous learner through independent study and critical reflection on continuing development needs

Demonstrate the ability to use IT skills to gather and synthesise information , to access programme materials

Evaluate changes in practice to contribute to the development of quality systems and frameworks, which embrace inclusive leadership, management and organisational governance.

Postgraduate Diploma: Aims 1 - 10 are essential

Critically evaluate theoretical perspectives, methodologies and methods associated with knowledge development through research commissioning

Masters Degree: Aims 1 - 12 are essential

Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of different theoretical constructs underpinning research, project management methodologies or management theories

*Design, undertake and report on either a systematic review, a piece of empirical research, work based or management project that contributes to or extends the body of knowledge for your field of practice

*Students must normally undertake a systematic review.

Curriculum

The curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of students from a range of employment backgrounds. The modular format of the programme and its position with the Faculty of Health Studies Framework permits you to select and study at least one module that is out with but complementary to, your speciality, and in so doing broaden your knowledge and understanding of other areas that impact on Physiotherapy. The curriculumprovides a range of modules thatare combined to provide an individualised award.However, it is possible in negotiation with yourprogramme leader or personal academic tutor (PAT) to undertake modules from across the Faculty’s Framework to accrue credits by applying the coursework from for example, the ‘understanding patient safety’or ‘public health’ module to your field of practice/area of employment which will make the module relevant to Physiotherapy. This principle would be the same for the independent study modules, or other inter-professional modules offered as application of specialist knowledge applied to these modules enables your learning needs to be achieved.

Students on the MSc Applied Physiotherapyalsoundertake the Faculty’s taught 30 credit ‘undertaking a systematic review’ research module in order to study a final stage 60 credit research module. The final stage 60 credit research module for the Master’s award will normally require you to complete a Systematic review.The following table of the curriculum matrix highlights how the curriculum maps to the MSc Applied Physiotherapyand nested awards. Each student will develop a study plan tailored to their specific learning needs in conjunction with the programme leader. Please note the curriculum may change, subject to the University’s progarmme approval, monitoring and review procedures. In particular it is intended that new modules may be added in order that customised programmes can be developed in response to employers training needs provided that these align with the framework learning aims and objectives.

Curriculum matrix

MSc Applied Physiotherapy

Normally up to 24 students will be admitted for each of the named award each year; for all units (modules) a minimum of ten students are normally required. Units may be offered in alternate years

Module Title / Code / Level / MSc Applied Physiotherapy / PG Dip Applied Physiotherapy / PG Cer Applied Physiotherapy
Pursuing Primary Research (60 credits) / RES7008-E / 7 / C
Pursuing Systematic Review (60 credits) / RES7007-E / 7 / C
Pursuing a Clinical Dissertation(60 credits) / RES7010-E / 7 / C
Management Project (60 credits) / LEM7006-E / 7 / C
Independent Study in Rehabilitation (15 credits) / HGP-701G / 7 / O / O
Independent Study (30 credits) / HGI-701T / 7 / O / O
Theory of Physiotherapy in Women’s Health (30 credits) / PAR7008-C / 7 / O / O / O
Physiotherapy Management of peripheral joint dysfunction – lower limb (30 credits) / PAR7003-C / 7 / O / O / O
Physiotherapy management of peripheral joint dysfunction – upper limb (30 credits) / PAR7002-C / 7 / O / O / O
Physiotherapy Management of Spinal Dysfunction (30 credits) / PAR7001-C / 7 / O / O / O
Physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal function and dysfunction (Upper Limb) (15 credits) / HPP-702G / 7 / O / O / O
Continence theory for physiotherapists (30 credits) / PAR7005-C / 7 / O / O / O
Preparing for Systematic Review (30 credits) / RES7006-C / 7 / O / O/C*
Preparing for Primary Research (30 credits) / RES7009-C / 7 / O / O/C*
Therapeutic Exercise in Rehabilitation (30 credits) / PAR7009-C / 7 / O / O / O
Sports Physiotherapy and Trauma Management (20 credits) / HP-4022D / 7 / O / O / O

Students can also study alternative optional modules from the within the SSPRD (formally CPD) Framework for Flexible Learning in Health and Social Care. These should be discussed with the programme leader

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies

Whilst following this programme of study you will engage with learning through a range of teaching methods. To a degree these methods will be dependent on modules studied, however student-centred approaches to learning are a feature of the modules and you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning as you develop your academic skills. There are a number of blended learning approaches to the manner in which modules are delivered including block attendance,study day attendance and self-directed study. When devising your study plan you will be informed regarding which delivery methods are utilised for which module and in which semester your chosen modules are being delivered. You will also be informed about dates and times of compulsory attendance at the university.

The aims of the teaching and learning strategies have been designed so that you will be given the opportunity to develop theoretical and experiential understanding (Programme LO’s 1, 2, 3, 7, 11), advance your knowledge and critical thinking (Programme LO’s 2, 8, 4, 10, 11) and to develop a range of skills appropriate to your professional fieldyour, organisation and workplace setting(Programme LO’s 5, 6, 9). The modules nested within the framework offer you the capacity to acknowledge and build upon the knowledge and skills you may have acquired through previous learning experiences including those in the work place.

Your programme of study will expose you to a range of different teaching, learning and assessment strategies required to achieve the learning outcomes. The teaching approaches that are used across the Faculty of Health Studies are informed by the University core values which for teaching and learning are: Reflective, Adaptable, Inclusive, Supportive, Ethical and Sustainable. You may experience these across your choice of modules in order to meet both the aims of the programme and your learning outcomes which may include any number of the following:

Lectures: to a group of students where information will be presented and discussed whilst informed by the core values.
Facilitated seminars and group discussion: where learning will be through the interpretation and critical application of information and group learning
Tutorial where small group number of students reflect and discuss issues related to their learning
Critical reflection on students’ previous learning within the work environment
Classroom-based practical learning where skills are taught in relation to theory and best practice enabling students to develop advanced competence and clinical practice skills in their field of practice
Use of Web based virtual learning environments, such as video analysis, Blackboard, to access information and to interact with other students undertaking group work or developing wikis.
Directed reading where set reading may be recommended
Self-Directed learning where student are expected to develop their own learning by identifying areas of interest and areas in which knowledge needs to be developed thus encouraging independence and development of critical thought.
Undertaking a research module which is shaped by your own self-directed learning needs and the learning outcomes at MSc level.

You will be expected to develop an autonomous learning style and become self-directed as a learner.

Your learning will be assessed against the learning outcomes and programme aims through the use of a range of different assessment techniques which may include one or more of the following approaches:

Written assignment

Reflective case study
Development of a reflective portfolio
Completion of set competencies
Completion of a set number of clinical observations
Video analysis exam
Clinical Assessment
Practical examination (OSCE/OSPE)
Computer based Multiple Choice Question examination
Computer based open book examination
Seminar Presentation
Written project report
Completion of a systematic review
Research paper/executive summary

Some of these teaching and assessment strategies may change over time and through the ongoing development of the programme. Please see annex for Assessment map:

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:

The exceptions to these regulations for which there is a Faculty waiver, applies to the practice based modules with the following module codes: HNP*, HMP*, HPP*, HRP*, where each component and element of assessment must be passed at 40%.

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. Admission is on the basis of submission of an application form, curriculum vitae and possible advisory interview. An advisory interview may be used to discuss the content and expectations of the programme.

The entry requirements for this programme are:

A first degree in physiotherapy, or equivalent or a relevant postgraduate qualification
Students for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent overall, with no banding below 6.0
Meet the current visa and entry requirements for study in the UK.

Have access to a computer that has a broadband connection and that can browse the internet and has word processing on it*
Have computing skills commensurate with the demands of programme*

The University of Bradford has computers with internet and word processing facilities available to students across a number of locations therefore students do not need to own their own computer or have a home internet service. Computer literacy programmes are available for people new to information technology and both the Academic Skills Advice and the Disability Office can provide support to students who have a disability. Dyslexia screening is also available. For further information please see

Recognition of Prior Learning experiential / certified Learning (RP(E/C)L)

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. You may be permitted to import specific academic credit subject to the conditions and waivers from the regulations of the University of Bradford. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. Guidance on how to make a claim for prior learning is available from the Faculty of Health Studies.