Physiotherapy
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This MSc Physiotherapy programme provides opportunities for you, as a qualified physiotherapist (achieved either in the UK or internationally), to further develop your knowledge, skills, and expertise. For our internationally trained physiotherapists, the focus will be on supporting the transference of knowledge and skills to different healthcare contexts within a global employment market, including UK practice.
For physiotherapists already registered and practising in the UK, you have the option of choosing which route to follow. In the first year, there is the option to choose the two enhanced practice modules or follow the alternative master's route.
The programme will facilitate you in identifying, evaluating, and mapping your knowledge, skills, and behaviours, and mapping portfolio evidence to relevant professional standards. As a graduate, you will be equipped for roles as physiotherapists in a range of health and social care settings.
You will:
- Learn to identify contextual and cultural factors influencing patient care and adapt appropriately to those factors.
- Develop skills required for effective, evidence-based physiotherapy, including understanding the role of research, planning, and methods of enquiry.
- Learn the relevance of research, leadership, and education alongside clinical expertise, including communication, mentoring, supervision, and delegation skills.
- Think critically and challenge appropriately to make well-justified decisions that are safe, person-centred, and equitable.
- Enhance your skills to improve professional development opportunities, including reflection, evaluation, action planning, and evidencing achievement.
- Learn enhanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients relevant to their area of practice and specialism.
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You want to further develop your practice and professional autonomy.
You have more than 12 months of experience working as a qualified physiotherapist, either nationally or internationally.
You want to experience simulation-based learning within UK university healthcare environments.
You want to enhance your evidence-based practice skills.
You have an interest in research, leadership, and education.
All about the course
The programme has four compulsory modules, each worth 30 credits, plus a research project worth 60 credits.
For full-time learners, this will run over one year from September to August.
Modules include:
- Preparing for Research in Health (30 credits)
- Neuromusculoskeletal Assessment and Reasoning (30 credits)
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Management and Rehabilitation (30 credits)
- Professional Skills for Global Healthcare Practice (30 credits)
- Research Project (60 credits)
For part-time learners, the programme will run over three years, requiring 60 credits per year.
Single-module learners can complete modules over five years.
Enhanced Practice route:
- Foundations of Enhanced Practice (30 credits)
- Developing Enhanced Practice (30 credits)
Candidates for entry will also be accepted for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) if the modules are comparable.
Neuromusculoskeletal Assessment and Reasoning
In this module, you will further develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in relation to clinical assessment and diagnosis of peripheral joint and spinal neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. You will develop clinical and critical reasoning skills utilising person-centred assessment approaches to further develop your physiotherapy practice.
The module will challenge your current thinking, requiring you to critically evaluate and rationalise clinical decision-making and risk management skills to promote safe and effective care for diverse service users and populations. You will develop skills to explore, critically analyse and synthesise the evidence base and utilise best practice guidelines to drive improved outcomes for patients and service users.
Assessment
Summative Assessment: A 40-minute practical and viva utilising two case studies (one seen, and one unseen).
Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Management and Rehabilitation
This module aims to support you in developing enhanced knowledge and skills in planning and delivering physiotherapy management and rehabilitation for individuals with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. You will explore and apply strategies to support diverse populations to reach their rehabilitation goals and live well.
You will be able to critically analyse and integrate the evidence base to deliver high-quality care and improve and measure patient outcomes. You will be supported to develop clinical reasoning and reflective practice skills, fostering autonomy, decision-making and leadership skills to prepare you for increasingly complex challenges in neuromuscular physiotherapy.
Assessment
Summative Assessment: A 40-minute practical and viva utilising two case studies (one seen, and one unseen). The assessment comprises a viva voce component with an annotated bibliography.
Preparing for Research in Health
On this module, you will work with peers on a research theme, supported by a programme tutor or member of staff from the wider school research staff. You will be supported to systematically search for high-quality evidence to inform research needs and plan effective methods of addressing questions. You will learn approaches for the systematic appraisal of research quality to inform practice and the value of research in terms of hierarchy of evidence. You will be introduced to a variety of methodologies and evaluate the link between method, outcome and purpose.
The module will allow you to develop knowledge of how to approach information, data and research literature from a critical standpoint. You will be encouraged to consider inclusive and patient-focused research design which can bring about meaningful improvements in practice. You will explore ethical principles in relation to research and how informed consent can be achieved. You will be supported to develop accurate, concise, and professional written communication including how to harness digital skills and technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in research and writing.
Assessment
Summative Assessment 1: You will produce a brief critical review of published literature to justify the need for further study within your allocated research theme. You will use the literature to develop an accurate and feasible research question.
Summative Assessment 2: Building from the literature review in assessment 1 you will develop a clear, methodologically appropriate proposal to address your research question. This will link to the research project to be completed within the final trimester.
Professional Skills for Global Healthcare Practice
This module will prepare you for employment in a health and social care setting within the UK or internationally. The module will focus on you as a healthcare professional and you will explore global healthcare systems and practices and evaluate the key concepts in population health challenges.
You will have the opportunity to reflect on your current practice and apply your learning to map to relevant professional body regulatory frameworks in preparation for applying for employment. You will reflect on your experiences and build on current knowledge, skills, and behaviours to further develop effective healthcare practices and skills for lifelong learning.
Assessment
Summative Assessment: This module has two linked components of assessment:
1. Reflective Portfolio mapped to Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (20%)
2. Professional discussion around portfolio (80%)
Research Project
This module will support you in developing a systematic search for relevant and high-quality information to inform decision-making for clinical practice or service design and delivery. Using existing information and published research, you will develop a design which is appropriate for further methods of enquiry.
You will consider the ethical implications of your plans including patient perspectives and service needs. You will develop skills to systematically collect, critically analyse and interpret data. You will relate your findings to the current evidence base with consideration of relevant local, national, and global guidelines as appropriate.
You will prepare your findings to effectively disseminate information to specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will develop self-efficacy in managing your project, negotiating focus, scope, and timelines for completion. Through this module, you will gain a greater appreciation of the importance of evidence-based practice and research in developing a culture of continuous improvement.
Assessment
Your project can be a qualitative, qualitative, or mixed methods study, a systematic review (including meta-analysis if appropriate) of literature or a service improvement Quality Improvement design. The scope and focus of your project will be negotiated with your allocated supervisor.
Written assessment with viva voce: You will prepare a written report appropriate for dissemination of findings from the completed project work. The assignment will be presented in the format of a submission to a relevant selected journal and formatted in relation to their publication guidelines. You will be required to demonstrate a sound understanding of your methodology and a detailed understanding and application of any statistical or qualitative analysis. You will be required to write in a concise, accurate and professional style.
A short 15- minute viva voce: The following submission will allow you to explain the relevance of your project to wider practice, discuss your project management, justify you approaches and decisions and identify your professional development.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
Facilities
You will have access to practical and simulation facilities at The University of Salford: including virtual wards, immersive simulation caves, an online virtual community, and the state-of-the-art Centre for Medical Imaging with the latest X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and mammography scanners. We also have a fully operational Podiatry Clinic, Prosthetics and Orthotics Workshops, and Gait and Movement Analysis Laboratories.
In addition, we have fantastic Sport Science Laboratories, including Strength and Conditioning Suites with multiple rehabilitation spaces.
We also have a range of leading academics in the following areas who can help support your bespoke journey: public health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, diagnostic radiography, prosthetics and orthotics, podiatry, pelvic health, nursing, midwifery, social work, policing, strength and conditioning, psychology, research, and education.
Teaching Staff
Joint programme leader and physiotherapy lecturer, private practitioner and senior Higher Education Academy fellow.
Clinical areas of research and publication interest are neurological rehabilitation, outcome measurement and quality of life.
Duncan Mason
Module Leader, physiotherapy lecturer, private physiotherapy practitioner and sports coach and trainer.
Interests and publications relating to biomechanics and kinematics of running and risk factors for commonly occurring lower limb injuries in runners.
Raymond Healy
Physiotherapy lecturer and private physiotherapy practitioner.
Interest and publications relating to biomechanics and the assessment and management of the shoulder.
What about after uni?
Our graduates have gone on to secure roles within the UK National Health Service (NHS) as well as within private practice. These roles are at varying levels, including bands 5, 6, and 7. We also have graduates who have progressed into senior leadership and PhD roles. Some of our international graduates have returned home to open their own practices and share their knowledge and skills with others.
Career Links
The programme team maintain strong ties to practice, with many continuing their roles as physiotherapy practitioners. Additionally, they have close connections with health authorities across the North West, serving as visiting lecturers.
What you need to know
The application window for 2024 entry has now closed. Please note that you may not hear about the outcome of your application until after the closing date for applications. If you submit your application after the closing date, we may not be able to consider your application.
Applicant profile
- You are a national or international physiotherapist moving beyond preceptorship and now want to develop further as an autonomous, evidence-based practitioner.
- You have some experience working as a qualified physiotherapist and want to work with others to develop and challenge your practice across all four pillars of practice: clinical, leadership, education, and research.
- You want to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in different healthcare contexts within a global employment market, including UK practice.
- You are open to identifying and considering how contextual and cultural factors influence patient care and how to adapt appropriately to those factors.
- You want to learn enhanced clinical and communication skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients relevant to neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Personal statement
To gain a place on the programme, you must submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply. Find out more about what to include in your personal statement via our guidance page.
Undergraduate degree
For entry into the MSc Physiotherapy programme, applicants must have:
- A recognised professional qualification in Physiotherapy, UK or overseas.
Plus one of the following:
- A 2:1 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in Physiotherapy.
- A 2:2 Undergraduate honours degree in Physiotherapy with at least 1-year clinical practice supported by appropriate references.
The University requires all applicants to have a minimum level of literacy and numeracy, at least Grade C or 4 in both GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics or equivalent. If you are an international student, and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. Please see our English language qualifications page for details.
Undergraduate Studies (Single Modules)
For students completing Single Modules* applicants must have one of the following:
- A 2:1 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a relevant healthcare subject.
- A 2:2 Undergraduate honours degree in a relevant healthcare subject with at least 1-year clinical practice supported by appropriate references.
*Applicants without a Physiotherapy qualification will not be permitted to register for the full MSc Physiotherapy programme or be awarded the MSc Physiotherapy.
The University requires all applicants to have a minimum level of literacy and numeracy, at least Grade C or 4 in both GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics or equivalent. If you are an international student, and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. Please see our English language qualifications page for details.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100 per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000 per year |
| Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. See the full range of our International Scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact our course enquiries team:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545