robert gordon university physiotherapy

Last Updated on December 23, 2022

Physiotherapy - Midland Healthcare

This practically applied Master of Physiotherapy course at Robert Gordon University will enable you to analyse and evaluate your practice as you effectively assess and treat a wide variety of patients, with competencies beyond those expected of a graduate.

As a Physiotherapist you’ll work to promote patient’s health and wellbeing, and restore their movement and function to as near normal as possible, in a wide variety of health settings; from intensive care units to Premier League sports clubs.

The vital clinical placement aspect will provide you with practical and real-world experiences which will help you stand out to future employers. This rewarding career path allows you to make a difference as you work with people to improve their quality of life.

We’re ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in physiotherapy (Complete University Guide 2022) and 1st in the UK for health professions (Guardian University Guide 2021).This course has one study option

Course Summary

This course is an accelerated programme which builds on prior learning and experience to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice physiotherapy and make a difference to patients’ lives. It is a two-year course with an exciting and varied mix of academic and clinical learning.

The course is a rewarding learning experience, which will prepare you for work in demanding clinical settings where you will be working as part of a diverse team of people to promote health and well-being. The course will enable you to effectively assess and treat patients, continually analyse and evaluate your practice and meet the demands of the rapidly changing health sector.

Mode of Attendance

  • On Campus

Mode of Study

  • Full Time

Start DateSeptember

Course Length 4 years

This is a 4 year physiotherapy degree in Scotland, where you’ll have the chance to learn about all aspects of physiotherapy. Discover more about some of these areas.

Year 1

You’ll develop a foundation in anatomy and pathophysiology, normal structure, function, movement, exercise and behaviours. You’ll learn the ethos of improving health and supporting behavioural change through working in partnership with individuals and groups. Students will develop assessment and treatment skills with the opportunity to consolidate these skills on clinical placement at the end of year 1.

Year 2

You’ll develop knowledge, analysis and evaluation of abnormal function and its impact upon movement and function as well as physical, psychological, and social aspects of rehabilitation. Skills in assessment, treatment, health promotion, research, team working, leadership and clinical reasoning will also be developed. Two placements will consolidate your learning.

Year 3

You’ll integrate academic and clinical areas to develop skills in managing complex long term conditions, treatment modifications using more independent study skills. You’ll study effective and evidence based practice along with policy and its impact on physiotherapy practice. From the two clinical placements, one will be elective.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll further develop a critical approach to: practice, clinical reasoning and life-long learning; developing confidence, flexibility in approach and self-evaluation of your skills ensuring you attain clinical competency.  You will work collaboratively and in partnership with other health professions students focusing on leadership, management and service evaluation.

Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.

Learning Methods

HOW LONG IS A DOCTORATE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSE?

The Doctorate of Physiotherapy at RGU can be successfully completed in 3 years 5 months.

You will be taught via a mixture of problem-orientated, enquiry-based learning, with practical workshops, projects and simulation, working with volunteer patients, and in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre which includes our METIman facility.  During the course, we also frequently invite external speakers including expert clinicians.

You will work in groups, and undertake practical and tutorial sessions with some group and individual project work, facilitated by experienced tutors with current clinical experienced.

The Doctoral thesis will allow in-depth study of a clinically or service relevant area to PhD level and you will work with a group of experienced clinicians and academics.   

Professor Kay Cooper, [email protected], is the programme director. 

Independent Study

You will develop substantial initiative and autonomy through learning methods which will require a significant amount of independent study. Although supported, the thesis is a significant piece of self-directed work which tests your higher cognitive skills in problem-solving and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and selectivity and improves your ability to learn.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.


Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

  • Academic writing
  • Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
  • Maths and statistics
  • English language
  • Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You will undertake six placements spread over the first 2 years of the course. The final placement is an elective arranged by you, and can be undertaken in any country if the required conditions are met. The Thesis will be undertaken at a clinical or academic site with a clinical supervisor in addition to the research supervision team. Please note that for students from the USA planning to apply for a Federal Loan, no placements can take place in the USA to comply with the requirements of the FERPA.

Job Prospects

The university’s MSc Physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills.

Students will be eligible for HCPC and CSP registration on completion of their DPT after transfer from their PGDip. A DPT is a requirement for registration in the United States. The addition of the PhD is likely to add to graduates prospects in clinical research and academic careers.

Internationally, CAPTE have from 2016 onwards changed the minimum level of qualifying programmes to doctoral level which means the qualification will be in high demand by those wishing to pursue a career in the US and beyond. We have welcomed a number of students from the United States and Canada as well as students from other countries who wish to practice in the USA to this course.CAREERS

WHAT IS NEEDED TO STUDY DPT DOCTORATE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Applicants typically possess a Bachelor’s undergraduate degree in a science subject, such as biological, or sports science, and should contain human anatomy and physiology with a 1st Class honours classification, or a minimum GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 Scale, or equivalent. Those with a 2.1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.3-3.5 will be considered on an individual basis.

Experience of the research process is an essential requirement for the course. Relevant work experience in the field of Physiotherapy and healthcare would be desirable.

Applicants from the USA will also be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken all the prerequisite subjects in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Educational Section of the American Physical therapy Association. Further information for US applicants:

Applicants from other countries should hold an equivalent award in a relevant subject.

English Language Requirements

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, are required to have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7.0 in all aspects of the test or an appropriate equivalent, on application to the course.  

All applicants who pass the application screening stage must attend for a mandatory interview.  Interviews are held in North America in April and August each year and in the UK at RGU campus in May and September. 

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

Our Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSP) is available for students who have not yet reached the required English level and those who would like to improve their language competency.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact [email protected] for further information.

Fees and Funding

This Physiotherapy Doctorate has the following tuition fees:

For Academic Year 2021/2022

  • UK Students: £9,670 per academic year
  • EU Students: £9,670 per academic year
  • International Students: £17,920 per academic year

For Academic Year 2020/2021

  • UK/EU Students: £9,670 per academic year
  • International Students: £17,920 per academic year

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

  • The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
  • Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
  • Accommodation and Living costs
  • Printing

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Student Funding

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
There are also sources of funding that are applicable to categories of student.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.  

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