Overview

Few professions shape everyday independence as directly as physiotherapy, which helps people move, recover and live more fully after injury, illness or long-term health conditions. The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course at Bournemouth University builds a detailed understanding of human movement and function, so that students can help each patient reach their full potential. Students learn to treat people of all ages with a wide range of problems, managing physical, psychological and social wellbeing together. Practical learning takes place in simulation facilities, including a rehabilitation suite, which mirror clinical and community workplaces in a safe setting. Teaching comes from academics and lecturer practitioners who still practise, which keeps the course closely tied to the profession, and the degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council. Five practice placements introduce students to hospital, community and outpatient care as well as newer areas such as research and leadership, and some students gain experience in the BU Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. The course suits caring, motivated and team-minded students who have real insight into what physiotherapists do. Graduates finish with the clinical skills and professional confidence to apply for HCPC registration and to join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as professional members.

What You'll Learn

• Anatomy and physiology of the body systems

• Applied anatomy and physiology in assessment and treatment

• Cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy

• Neurological physiotherapy

• Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

• Research methods and evidence-based practice

• Communication skills and professionalism

• Critical reflection and clinical reasoning

• Innovation in healthcare practice and service leadership

• Advanced holistic physiotherapy practice across the lifespan

• Five supervised practice placements in varied clinical settings

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand the body from foundational anatomy and physiology through to the demands of complex conditions, and how these shape physiotherapy assessment, treatment and management across the lifespan. They will be able to assess and treat people with cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, reason clinically and reflect critically on their own practice in line with professional standards. Placements and simulation-based sessions build hands-on competence and inclusive, effective communication with patients and interprofessional teams. Students learn to locate, synthesise and critically evaluate research evidence, and they carry out an independent research project on a health-related topic. They also develop leadership and initiative by proposing and justifying an innovation in service provision, presented at a student conference. This prepares them to work in the NHS, private practice, sport or education, with room to specialise in a chosen area of practice.