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Duration

Three years, full-time

Application Deadline

30 April 2024 (2024 entry), 29 January 2025 (2025 entry)

Location

St George's, University of London

Accreditation

Health and Care Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

UCAS Code

B160, institution code S49

Start dates

September 2024

Apply via UCAS

This course is still accepting late applications. The current closing date is 30 April 2024. 

Whether you’ve been inspired through personal experience, are fascinated by the workings of the human body or like the idea of helping people live their best lives, physiotherapy offers a rewarding career promoting health and wellbeing. You’ll help all manner of individuals, young and old, to prevent or manage injury, illness, ageing or disability, often improving their mobility and enabling them to regain independence.

As the only UK university based on a hospital site, you’ll study in a clinical setting, adopting a patient-centred approach from the outset and mixing with the many different healthcare students and professionals you will go on to work with. On graduation, you’ll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Read more information about our courses and university services terms and conditions.

Physiotherapy MSc (pre-registration)

If you are interested in this course but have already recently graduated with a first degree, you might be interested in our Physiotherapy MSc (pre-registration) instead, which will allow you to complete the course in an accelerated 2 years.

Highlights

  • NHS funding offers eligible new and continuing students on this course £5,000 maintenance grant each year.
  • Accredited by HCPC and CSP, eligible to register for professional practice on successful completion.
  • 30 weeks spent on practice placements treating patients under supervision both in hospital and community settings.
  • Benefit from well-established links with local NHS and social care organisations.
  • Cutting-edge facilities include our state-of-the-art simulation centre, dedicated physio labs, pathology museum, and Anatomy suite, which enable you to learn clinical skills and practise techniques in a safe environment.
  • Established in 1752, St George’s, University of London is the UK’s specialist health university, and we are the only UK university to share our campus with a major teaching hospital, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist conditions.
  • You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, helping to build your multidisciplinary understanding and context.

Learn more about studying at St George's

If you're looking to start your studies in 2024 or beyond, sign up for our free intro email series by clicking the button below.

Course info

Physiotherapists support patients to improve their health and wellbeing across the full spectrum of neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions – from strokes, multiple sclerosis, chronic heart disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis to back pain, arthritis, whiplash and sports injuries and more.

You’ll work regularly and build a trusting relationship with patients, recommending exercise and manual techniques, identifying the most appropriate equipment aids, depending on each person’s needs and circumstances. This could be anything from simple walking aids and hoists to the use of a hydro pool or specialist rehabilitation equipment, for example, for amputees. 

On our HCPC and CSP accredited degree, learning is very much hands-on, developing your communication skills and preparing you for practice initially in simulated environments, including our dedicated Physio lab, which is stocked with hospital beds, simulated stairs and other equipment used in physiotherapy practice. You’ll deepen your knowledge of the human body and how it works through practical sessions in our Anatomy suite.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, this course explores concepts, principles and theories of anatomy, physiology, movement, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques and health promotion. You will leave equipped with the knowledge, understanding and assessment and treatment skills needed to work as an effective and autonomous physiotherapist.

In your second and third year, you will spend 30 weeks on placement in and around London, working with a range of different people presenting with a variety of problems to broaden your experience. As well as acute hospitals and major trauma centres, such as St George’s Hospital, students may also be placed within sports clubs, schools, charitable organisations, community health providers and general hospitals. These reflect the diversity of the profession, which is mirrored in the variety of students it attracts. You’ll study with school leavers and mature students seeking a career change, from a mix of cultural and social backgrounds in the UK and overseas, all of which adds to the richness of your student experience.

“Learning in one of the biggest teaching hospitals puts you at a huge advantage. You’re able to get an immediate feel for what working in a hospital environment is like. The lecturers are all experienced physiotherapists, working in different areas, so you receive a very high level of teaching in all aspects of physiotherapy. Tapping into their experience is a great way to learn.”

- Naomi

Physiotherapy BSc

Fees and funding

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Home (UK) tuition fees

Academic year

UK (per academic year)

Total fee

2024/25

£9,250

£27,750

Tuition fees for Home (UK) students are determined by UK government policy. Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. Fees for second and subsequent years are likely to increase annually in line with UK inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI-X) and subject to maximum regulated fee rates set by the government.

For more information, see our fees and funding pages.

International (including EU) tuition fees

Academic year

International (per academic year)

Total fee

2024/25

£ 19,150 £ 57,450

Tuition fees for international students are set by St George’s, University of London. Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. Fees for second and subsequent years are likely to increase annually in line with UK inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI-X) and will not normally increase by more than 5 per cent each year, except when the rate of inflation is significantly more than that projected in the preceding year.

For more information about fees, check our fees and funding pages, and read the UK government information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

The table below highlights the additional course-specific costs related to this degree. Visit the additional course-related costs for more information on general costs to consider alongside your studies.

Additional cost

Description

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

DBS - £40
Post office verification - £6 
Administration fee - £9

Equipment

A stethoscope is optional but useful for clinical skill sessions in university and in practice settings - £100+

Lockers are provided free, but you will need to purchase a padlock - £3

Clothing

Students will require a lab coat for use in wet labs, these can be purchased from the SU - £30.

Uniforms are provided by the University (2 x tops, 2 x trousers), replacement uniforms cost £25.

Name badges are provided by the University, replacements cost £8.

Memberships

Student Membership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is optional but highly encouraged - £46 approx.

Travel to placements and accommodation

You should expect to spend approximately £800 - £2,000 on travel to placements for the duration of your course.

If you qualify for the UK government Learning and Support fund you maybe able to claim travel and accommodation costs (if the cost of travelling to placement is more than the cost of travelling to university) and accommodation (only if it has been agreed that it would be impractical to travel to placement daily).

If you qualify for the UK government Learning and Support fund you may be eligible to receive a training grant of £5,000 per academic year to help with maintenance and associated study costs and an additional £1,000 for studying a specialist subject. Visit the NHS BSA website for more information.

Please note: Students are not required to buy their own books (but can do so if they choose) and can loan them from our Library as needed. The hiring of skeletons is also free.

Clubs, Societies and Community Projects at St George's

Visit the Students' Union website

Entry Criteria: 2024 Entry

To be eligible for the Physiotherapy BSc programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under Entry Qualifications, Other Academic Requirements, and Non-academic Requirements below.

Entry Qualifications

With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must have been completed within the previous five years, including the year of application.

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A Levels

If you are applying on the basis of A Levels, you must meet both the A Level and GCSE requirements below.

Grades

ABB

Subjects

Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential. General Studies is not accepted.

Additional information

Resits may be considered.

GCSEs

Grades

Five subjects graded 4 (C) or above

Subjects

Five subjects which must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Additional information

We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

International Baccalaureate

If you are applying on the basis of International Baccalaureate, you need to meet both our Higher Level and Standard Level requirements, as outlined below.

Award

Full Award Diploma

Scores

Overall score of 34

Subjects

16 points at Higher Level. Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

At Standard Level, a minimum score of 4 must be attained in Maths and English, if at least a 4 (C) has not previously been attained in GCSE/IGCSE Maths and English. For Maths, we accept both Mathematics: analysis & approaches and Mathematics: applications & interpretations. For English, we accept A (language & literature) or B (language).

Access Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of an Access Diploma, you must meet both the Access Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

Award

Full award diploma (in a science or healthcare subject)

Scores

60 credits at level 3 (45 graded and 15 ungraded)

Subjects

30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

Additional information

Any additional level 3 credits outside of the 60 credit diploma will not be accepted. The course should be QAA recognised.

GCSEs

Grades

Two subjects graded 4 (C) or above

Subjects English Language and Maths

Additional information

We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

Other UK Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

DDD

Must be in a science or healthcare subject.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Pearson BTEC Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

DD with an A Level at grade B

Must be in a science or healthcare subject.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

D3, M1, M1

Three principal subjects. Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Scottish Highers

If you are applying on the basis of Scottish Highers, you must meet the Highers, Advanced Highers and National 5 requirements below.

Highers: ABB

Advanced Highers: BB

Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

English Language and Maths National 5 at grade C or higher is required.

UK Undergraduate Degree (science or health related)

If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements.

2:2 Honours

UK Undergraduate Degree (not science or health related)

If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements.

2:1 Honours

Other

We accept other qualifications on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with qualifications not listed above, or a combination of level 3 qualifications, your application will be considered.

If you would like further information, please contact us.

International Qualifications

We welcome applications from applicants around the world. For information on the requirements for your country, please visit our International Qualifications page.

Contextual Admissions

At St George’s, we want to attract students who share our mission to improve the health of society, regardless of their background. That’s why our Contextual Admissions schemes take into consideration additional information from your application, like the school you attended or the area you live in or if you have been in care, to make the admissions process fairer. Further details on Contextual Admissions are available here.

Other academic Requirements

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English Language

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements outlined here. This is a group 1 course.

Non-academic Requirements

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Personal Statement

In addition to meeting the academic criteria for admission, you should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in and commitment to working with people, be able to identify relevant transferable skills that would make you a good physiotherapist, and demonstrate a broad awareness of the scope of physiotherapy. All of this should be evident from your personal statement. Applicants who do not demonstrate this are unlikely to be invited for an interview.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses here.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2025 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Tetanus

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practise as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2019), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

Entry Criteria: 2025 Entry

To be eligible for the Physiotherapy BSc programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under Entry Qualifications, Other Academic Requirements, and Non-academic Requirements below.

Entry Qualifications

With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must have been completed within the previous five years, including the year of application.

View all Close all

A Levels

If you are applying on the basis of A Levels, you must meet both the A Level and GCSE requirements below.

Grades

ABB

Subjects

Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential. General Studies is not accepted.

Additional information

Resits may be considered.

GCSEs

Grades

Five subjects graded 4 (C) or above

Subjects

Five subjects which must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Additional information

We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

International Baccalaureate

If you are applying on the basis of International Baccalaureate, you need to meet both our Higher Level and Standard Level requirements, as outlined below.

Award

Full Award Diploma

Scores

Overall score of 34

Subjects

16 points at Higher Level. Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

At Standard Level, a minimum score of 4 must be attained in Maths and English, if at least a 4 (C) has not previously been attained in GCSE/IGCSE Maths and English. For Maths, we accept both Mathematics: analysis & approaches and Mathematics: applications & interpretations. For English, we accept A (language & literature) or B (language).

Access Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of an Access Diploma, you must meet both the Access Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

Award

Full award diploma (in a science or healthcare subject)

Scores

60 credits at level 3 (45 graded and 15 ungraded)

Subjects

30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

Additional information

Any additional level 3 credits outside of the 60 credit diploma will not be accepted. The course should be QAA recognised.

GCSEs

Grades

Two subjects graded 4 (C) or above

Subjects English Language and Maths

Additional information

We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

Other UK Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

DDD

Must be in a science or healthcare subject.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Pearson BTEC Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

DD with an A Level at grade B

Must be in a science or healthcare subject.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of a Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

D3, M1, M1

Three principal subjects. Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).

Scottish Highers

If you are applying on the basis of Scottish Highers, you must meet the Highers, Advanced Highers and National 5 requirements below.

Highers: ABB

Advanced Highers: BB

Science or social science subjects may be helpful but are not essential.

English Language and Maths National 5 at grade C or higher is required.

UK Undergraduate Degree (science or health related)

If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements.

2:2 Honours

UK Undergraduate Degree (not science or health related)

If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements.

2:1 Honours

Other

We accept other qualifications on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with qualifications not listed above, or a combination of level 3 qualifications, your application will be considered.

If you would like further information, please contact us.

International Qualifications

We welcome applications from applicants around the world. For information on the requirements for your country, please visit our International Qualifications page.

Contextual Admissions

At St George’s, we want to attract students who share our mission to improve the health of society, regardless of their background. That’s why our Contextual Admissions schemes take into consideration additional information from your application, like the school you attended or the area you live in or if you have been in care, to make the admissions process fairer. Further details on Contextual Admissions are available here.

Other academic Requirements

View all Close all

English Language

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements outlined here. This is a group 1 course.

Non-academic Requirements

View all Close all

Personal Statement

In addition to meeting the academic criteria for admission, you should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in and commitment to working with people, be able to identify relevant transferable skills that would make you a good physiotherapist, and demonstrate a broad awareness of the scope of physiotherapy. All of this should be evident from your personal statement. Applicants who do not demonstrate this are unlikely to be invited for an interview.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses here.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2024 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Tetanus

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practise as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2020), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

Year 1

In year 1, your study will primarily be university-based, building a foundation of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as learning the foundation skills necessary to undertake the assessment of a person, considering their function, activity and participation level. In simulated activities including, for example, assessment of functional movement, strength or lung function, you’ll start to develop a range of essential interpersonal and professional skills. These include maintaining dignity and confidentiality, developing effective observational and communication skills, learning to appreciate cultural and ethical issues, as well as health and safety, such as infection control procedures.

Our Essentials for Allied Health Professionals programme brings together students on other health courses to work together, so you can begin to appreciate the concept of multidisciplinary healthcare teams and the role of each of the professionals you will engage with – nurses, doctors, clinical physiologists, diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, for example.

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Year 1 modules

Modules

Taught

Essentials for Allied Health Professionals

Taught

Principles of Physiotherapy Assessment

Taught

Factors Influencing Professional Practice

Taught

Pathology, Health Promotion and Rehabilitation

Assessing your progress

Assessment methods include a combination of written and practical examinations, academic coursework (including reports and presentations), and assessment of clinical skills whilst on placement. In your final year, we ask you to produce a problem-based report on an aspect of interdisciplinary practice, a group research project, and a poster related to holistic patient management and physiotherapy practice.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will advance your knowledge, practical and research skills through your studies and on clinical placement, encouraging a holistic patient assessment that identifies risk factors, such as age, smoking status, obesity, and considers the influence of psychological, social and health behaviour. You look at more complex health issues, such as breathing pattern disorder, spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy, and management of patients across different care pathways and settings, for example, rehabilitation, long-term management, acute and end-of-life care. You’ll appreciate the importance of considering the person at the centre of patient assessment, adopting a problem solving and evidence-based approach. You will also learn how to manage the assessment and management of patients with the help of our specialist clinicians.

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Year 2 modules

Modules/placements

Taught

Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy

Taught

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Taught

Neurological Physiotherapy

Taught

Evaluation and Research

Clinical

Practice Placements 1 & 2 - Becoming a Reflective Physiotherapist

Year 3

In the final year, the focus is on integrating your knowledge, analytical and practice skills to select, justify and implement appropriate health promotion and management, exercise and rehabilitation strategies for a variety of service users. You will complete your final practice placement, working with greater autonomy and competency. You will also undertake a comprehensive research project. Students are able to choose their topic of research; examples of past research include experiences of students on placement, accuracy and reliability of worn technology, effect of saddle height on cycling injury, experiences of applicants to physiotherapy degree programmes and many more! Many, such as one group of students who worked with Crisis at Christmas to interview the homeless about their experiences of physiotherapy, get the opportunity to publish their work in international journals and present at major conferences, including Physio UK and the World Confederation for Physiotherapy.

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Year 3 modules

Modules/placements

Taught

Personalised Professional Development

Taught

Research Project

Taught

Quality and Innovation in Health & Social Care

Taught

Complex Management

Clinical

Critical Practice - Placements 3, 4 & 5

Placement

The variety and volume of placement opportunities we offer is what students tell us they like most about our course – practice placements are undertaken in a variety of health and social care environments, including acute NHS hospital trusts, community-based services, charitable organisations, elite sport and private practice.

The supervised, hands-on experience you get with service users on placement is the best way to consolidate your learning. You will gain experience of working as part of a team, demonstrating professional behaviour and 'putting learnt knowledge and skills into practice.

On placement, you are supervised by experienced clinicians and practice educators. You receive support from your visiting academic tutor who will visit you regularly.

Below is a list of hospitals that offer clinical placements:*

  • Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
  • King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Kingston Hospital NHS Trust
  • St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • University College Hospitals NHS Trust

*This list is subject to change and should be used as a guide of where students may be able to go.

At St George’s, we offer a broad range of learning environments underpinned by case-based learning and problem solving. We pay particular attention to developing your practical skills for effective communication, professionalism and leadership in healthcare so, for example, you may be asked to prepare a presentation on a typical scenario, for example, the management of a child with cystic fibrosis.

You’ll spend time practising how to use skills and equipment on other students and mannequins, for example, measuring range of movement or applying active cycle of breathing techniques, progressing to more advanced techniques, such as suctioning, use of non-invasive ventilation and joint mobilisation. This all helps to build a portfolio of clinical and professional skills and competencies, to the standard expected by professional organisations.

One of the many benefits of studying at St George’s is the opportunity to study and work with students on other healthcare-related courses, including medical, biomedical, occupational therapy, diagnostic radiography and therapeutic radiography, to lay the foundation for future practice as part of a multidisciplinary team. This collaborative inter-professional education helps you develop invaluable communication and team-building skills and appreciate the roles of other professionals.

Teaching methods include classroom-based learning, simulated practical exercises, case-based learning, individual and group working, and clinical placements. You will also benefit from the support of a personal tutor, peer-group learning and a range of web-based learning materials and online discussion forums.

Small group tutorials allow you to discuss particular aspects of study or practice, for example, when learning about the theory of communication, you’ll be encouraged to share your own experiences of communicating with patients.

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Our expertise

You’ll be taught by staff with recent experience of working in various practice settings, including chartered physiotherapists, midwives, health visitors, speech therapists and occupational therapists, who will share their up-to-date knowledge, experience and recent anecdotes. Where possible, service users – patients – are invited to talk to you directly about their own experiences of being unwell, for example, living with lung disease.  

Assessment methods

We use a range of assessment techniques, chosen to match the competencies being learned and tested within each module. These include written (essays, posters, presentations, reflective writing, case reports) and practical assessments of physiotherapy skills during lab-based sessions and on placement.

In your final year, we ask you to produce a problem-based report on an aspect of interdisciplinary practice, a group research project and a poster related to holistic patient management and physiotherapy practice. Topics are often linked to NHS/Government health initiatives, such as, for example, physio intervention to prevent ill health in train drivers.

While the St George’s programmes are recognised by many different countries, applicants are advised to check with their own individual national authorities if they wish to practise in their chosen country.

With an ageing population and increasing numbers of people living with long-term conditions and multiple health issues, more physiotherapists are needed to provide essential healthcare services to people of all ages to help them return to normal activities following an acute injury or illness or to live well with a long-term condition.

As a result, career prospects are excellent with opportunities for career progression within the NHS, private practice, charities and other organisations through professional practice and development into Senior physiotherapist roles, as well as progression into leadership, management, education and training, or academic career pathways.

Careers advice and skills for employability are embedded into our teaching, not least through the currency of course content and references to current government legislation. We also hold careers events with local employers and offer specific careers support, such as guidance on writing CVs and applying for jobs.

On completion of this degree, you will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the HCPC and become a member of the CSP. If you are an EU or non-EU (international) applicant, you should check with the professional registration body in your country to ensure that you will be eligible to practice there.

Working in multidisciplinary teams and practising within a variety of settings, including patients’ own homes, you will work with people of all ages in a wide variety of settings, such as: intensive care; mental health units; stroke units; rehabilitation centres; and sports and leisure facilities. You’ll support the rehabilitation of people who have suffered physical impairment due to accidents, operations or illnesses, using exercises and therapeutic treatments to help them recover their mobility and maximise their quality of life. Within the community, you may be supporting patients with physical disabilities, mental health needs, learning disabilities and serious medical conditions, providing the best possible care and support.

There are many exciting opportunities for career advancement, further study or research, including further postgraduate study at St George’s, for example, on our MSc Advance Clinical Practice programme.

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Careers

  • Acute health and social care

  • Armed forces

  • Community clinics

  • GP surgeries

  • Health clubs

  • Hospices

  • Hospitals

  • Housing departments

  • International services

  • Mental health services

  • Older people’s services

  • Private practice

  • Specialist clinics

  • Sports clubs

  • Voluntary organisations.

Facilities

St George’s is the only UK university based on a hospital site, St George’s Hospital, which is where the Channel 4 television series 24 hours in A&E is filmed. We offer a unique opportunity to study and work alongside the full range of clinical professionals and their patients. Based in the thriving multi-cultural hub of Tooting in South West London, our location has the added advantage of being just a short tube ride from Central London and all that the city lifestyle has to offer.

We enjoy close links with the Physiotherapy Department: staff contribute to the teaching and learning on our programme and also employ some of our graduates.

We also have a range of specialist health and academic facilities to support your learning, listed below.

Physiotherapy skills laboratory

The physio lab represents a realistic clinical environment featuring hospital beds, simulated stairs, mannequins, treatment plinths, walking aids and a treadmill. It provides a safe environment in which you can familiarise yourself with different techniques including assessment of lung function, gait and strength. The lab is staffed by dedicated lab technicians with a huge amount of knowledge and expertise.

Anatomy suite

The anatomy suite is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or expand on their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body, through access to high quality anatomy resources. These include plastinated (preserved) specimens, osteological materials, anatomical models and digital/imaging resources such as Anatomage tables and Complete Anatomy.

Pathology museum

Our on-site museum houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including a number of original specimens donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials by students across all of our courses as an educational tool to help you understand the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our modern health sciences library offers a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources to support you. You will also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas virtual learning environment

and our Hunter discovery service to help you find the information you need. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises silent, quiet and group learning areas, as well as four group discussion rooms.

IT facilities

We have five computer suites housing 260 workstations. Three of these suites are accessible 24 hours a day. It’s easy to find a free space with our handy real-time computer locator. We also have 75 self-service laptops available. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole campus, including all accommodation. You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Student support

Whether you are heading off to university straight from school or college, or returning to education after a break, we want to ensure your experience is positive from the outset. At St George’s, you’ll be welcomed by a multicultural student and staff body of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds, all with one thing in common – an interest in healthcare, science and medicine.

Students frequently tell us they greatly appreciate the diversity of our student and staff body, as well as the patients who access healthcare services in the borough of Tooting. The University attracts a substantial number – over two-thirds – of ‘mature’ students, aged 21 or over when they start; many of whom have family and caring responsibilities.

We offer a full range of academic support and student services across all institutes, departments and faculties, some of which are listed below. We take pride in offering a transformative educational experience underpinned by cooperation and collaboration between staff and students. Our innovative Student-Staff Partnership Grants (SSPGs) provide funding for small projects led jointly by students and staff, such as a project to train our students in British Sign Language.

Personal tutor

Once you arrive, you will be allocated a personal tutor – someone with whom you can have regular contact, who you ask questions and discuss problems with, both academic and personal. The main purpose of a personal tutor is to monitor your progress, pick up and help you resolve any problems, whether academic or welfare related. Even if they don’t have the answer they will point you in the right direction towards the best people to deal with specific problems.

Induction programme

Within your first week at St George’s, you’ll take part in an induction programme to help with your orientation and introduce you to various study skills, including interprofessional learning and use of the Anatomy Suite. Additional sessions provide advice and guidance about the Registry, Students’ Union, personal tutor system, safety, occupational health and sexual health awareness.

Academic staff support

You’ll have access to your lecturers, usually by arrangement via email.

Academic link tutor

The Academic Link Tutor provides you with support on placement, acting as your link with the University and monitoring your achievement and assessment.

Placement support

Placement in practice is formalised through a placement management agreement. You will receive preparation sessions before your placement and be supported by our practice educators during your placement. These individuals are HCPC registered clinicians who supervise you to ensure you receive the learning opportunities necessary to meet the required placement outcomes. They will also assess your competence throughout the placement, providing regular feedback to you about your progress and supporting you to obtain any additional development required. A halfway feedback session between the student and the Practice Educator is required for all placements, supported by the Academic Link Tutor. 

Student Life Centre

Our Student Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life: finances, accommodation, exams and assessment, academic procedures, admissions, international queries, disability and wellbeing, even finding your way around – whatever it takes to make you feel at home. Each course has a designated contact within the student centre to link to and your personal tutor can signpost you to relevant support, including a confidential counselling service.

Careers service

Our careers service works to support current students and recent graduates to find and maintain the career of their dreams. We work with careers tutors from each course area to ensure that careers activities specific to your programmes and future profession come to you.

Apply for this course through UCAS (the University and College Admissions Service) by the UCAS January deadline in the year of entry.

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Application checklist

You must provide:

  • full details of your Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) qualifications with grades
  • full details of your Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualifications with achieved/predicted grades
  • a personal statement (more information about this document is available on the UCAS website)
  • an academic reference from your current or most recent institutions with predicted grades

Deferred entry

We will consider applications from applicants who wish to defer entry by a year, provided you plan to use the time constructively. If you are offered a place on the course and subsequently decide to defer, you must inform us by 1 June of the year of application.

After application

Acknowledgement emails are sent out as soon as we receive your application. Please make sure that your email account is able to accept communications from St George’s as we will mainly communicate with you via email.

Apply now

Duration

Three years, full-time

Application Deadline

30 April 2024 (2024 entry), 29 January 2025 (2025 entry)

UCAS Code

B160, institution code S49

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