PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION Course summary Final award Intermediate award Course status Awarding body School Location of study/ campus Partner institution(s) MSc Physiotherapy MSc Physiotherapy and Education MSc Physiotherapy and Management PG Certificate Physiotherapy PG Diploma Physiotherapy PG Diploma Physiotherapy and Education PG Diploma Physiotherapy and Management Validated University of Brighton Health Sciences Eastbourne or Falmer Name of institution Host department Course status 1. SELECT 2. 3. Admissions Admissions agency Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course. Direct to School Check the University s website for current entry requirements. This course is for qualified physiotherapists and applicants will normally hold an appropriate honours degree qualification in physiotherapy. Those without a first degree in physiotherapy but with a diploma qualification may be considered. In addition applicants should normally have had at least a year of physiotherapy post registration work experience. Overseas applicants normally require a degree qualification in physiotherapy, which is equivalent to a UK qualification and appropriate English language skills. For those students whose first language is not English, the following examples are English Language proficiency tests accepted by the University :- International English Language Testing System at least 6.5 overall and 6 in writing. There are two Extended Masters routes for those applicants who meet academic entry qualifications, but who do not meet the minimum English Language requirements: 12 Week Extended Masters option (30 CATS at level 6 in total) With an entry level of IELTS 5.5, with no component under 5.5 (or equivalent), students can register for the 12 week EMA route. This is 3 months (12 weeks) of subject specific English language and academic skills before the Master s degree Page 1 of 13
Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September Mode of study 8 Week Extended Masters option (30 CATS at level 6 in total) With an entry level of IELTS 6.0, with no component under 5.5 (or equivalent), students can register for the 8 week EMA route. This is 2 months (8 weeks) of subject specific English language before the Master s degree. For more information please see the Faculty of Health and Social Science Extended Masters programme specification: Or visit the Language Institute webpage: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/study-with-us/courses-andqualifications/brighton-language-institute/eap-programmes/extendedmasters/index.aspx Applicants to the 'and Management' or 'and Education' routes must normally demonstrate that their current employment has a substantial role in either field. September 2017 Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period Full-time 1 year 6 years Part-time 3 years 6 years Sandwich Select Select Distance Select Select Course codes/categories UCAS code Contacts Course Leader (or Course Development Leader) Admissions Tutor Examination and Assessment Dr Lucy Redhead Dr Lucy Redhead External Examiner(s) Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB) Name Place of work Date tenure expires Dr Mandy Jones Brunel University December 2020 AEB/CEB for Postgraduate Education School of Health Sciences Approval and review Approval date Review date Validation 1994 1 2016 2 1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). Page 2 of 13
Programme Specification Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable): Republished Sept 2012 with Extended Masters Award information. Republished Sept 2013 with no changes Republished Sept 2014 with no changes Republished Sept 2015 with no changes Editorial change and republished Jan 2017. 3 2016 4 2016 June 2021 5 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. 5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body. Page 3 of 13
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Aims The aims of the course are: Aims of the course The aims of this course are:- To provide a flexible framework for student learning through which Physiotherapists will have the opportunity to enhance the development of their analytical, evaluative and assessment skills to inform patient centred care. To help the individual to develop their own academic, personal and professional potential in the context of lifelong learning. To facilitate a critical understanding of physiotherapy practice in relation to other health professions. To enable the student to enhance their contribution to Physiotherapy as a profession, potentially increasing the profession's research base and in the long term providing widespread benefits to Health and Social Care. To inspire the student to challenge their professional practice and in so doing improve their contribution to the workplace as an advanced practitioner using both safe and evidence based practice. Specific aim MSc Physiotherapy and Education:- To enable students to develop and implement educational strategies and programmes within their professional environment Specific aim MSc Physiotherapy and Management:- To enable students to develop leadership and management skills and implement leadership and management strategies within their professional environment Learning outcomes The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6. Knowledge and theory On successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 6 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details. Page 4 of 13
1. Demonstrate a high level knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of physiotherapy. 2. Demonstrate development in physiotherapy expertise which will lead to improvements in working practice and patient centred care. 3. Demonstrate by means of an independent research project their ability to produce a piece of work which displays conceptual, organisational and analytical qualities at level 7 and informs their physiotherapy practice. Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills. 4. Interpret, synthesise, apply and reflect upon information from a wide range of sources to inform physiotherapy professional practice. 5. Demonstrate ability to present, discuss and defend concepts and opinions of the science of physiotherapy effectively through written and spoken language. 6. Analyse and critically appraise his/her own professional role as a physiotherapist within the context of the Health Care setting. QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable) 7 There is no QAA subject benchmark statement for MSc Physiotherapy courses. The course team have taken account of the document 'Master's degree Characteristics' (QAA 2010) in the development of this course. PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable) Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included. Endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This means that the course will be recognised by the CSP as suitable and of a good standard for qualified physiotherapists. It will be listed on the CSP website in their area for PG education. LEARNING AND TEACHING Learning and teaching methods This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. Course Philosophy The aim of the MSc Physiotherapy course team is to offer a flexible and up to date programme of study which meets students individual professional and learning needs and includes the option for face to 7 Please refer to the QAA website for details. Page 5 of 13
face or online study. The student group will have a wide range of clinical and cultural experiences and the level and scope of each individual s practice may vary. This wealth of experience is utilised to support the collective learning experience in each module. Lectures are kept to a minimum and more student centred learning is encouraged utilising action learning sets, on-line learning, learning contracts, tutorial group discussions, seminars, workshops, facilitated group work, role play and where appropriate laboratory based sessions. Several modules use reflective practice and experiences from the clinical field to facilitate learning and further develop clinical reasoning. The course team is committed to providing the best learning environment possible and make every effort to engender a student centred approach to learning. The course aims to build capability and expertise in physiotherapy in an environment which allows students to achieve their full potential. The student group will be mature students, have a wide range of clinical experience, but the level and scope of each individual s practice may vary. This wealth of experience will be utilised to support the collective learning experience in each module. Lectures will be kept to a minimum and more student centred learning will be encouraged utilising action learning sets, on-line learning, learning contracts, tutorial group discussions, seminars, workshops, facilitated group work, role play and where appropriate laboratory based sessions. Several modules use refelective practice and experiences from the clinical field to facilitate learning and further develop clinical reasoning. The exact percentage of student effort related to each learning and teaching method will vary according to the modules the student takes. The course team is committed to providing the best learning environment possible and will make every effort to engender a student centred approach to learning. Each 20 credit level 7 module is equivalent to a notional 200 hours of student effort. Modules will normally have some required preparatory work, a period of attendance (extensive or intensive) and a period of supported independent study prior to submitting the module assignment. ASSESSMENT Assessment methods This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. Learning Outcome Assessment method Module Number of credits 1. Demonstrate a high level knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of physiotherapy. 3000 word evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapy management HE715 Current Issues in Neurological Rehabilitation 20 2.Demonstrate development in physiotherapy expertise which will 3000 word evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapy management. and HE714 The Health Professional as an Educator 20 Page 6 of 13
lead to improvements in working practice. related critical reflection 3.Demonstrate by means of an independent research project their ability to produce a piece of work which displays conceptual, organisational and analytical qualities at level 7 and informs their physiotherapy practice. Dissertation HS796 Dissertation 60 4.Interpret, synthesise, apply and reflect upon information from a wide range of sources to inform physiotherapy professional practice 3000 word evaluation of an aspect of cardiovascular or pulmonary rehabilitation practice HE709 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 20 5 Demonstrate ability to present, discuss and defend concepts and opinions of the science of physiotherapy effectively through written and spoken language.. Poster and verbal presentation HE708 Analysis of Function 20 6. Analyse and critically appraise his/her own professional role as a physiotherapist within the context of the Health Care setting. 3000 word exploration of an aspect of the ESP role HE773 Extending Practice in Musculoskeletal Settings 20 The matrix above is only indicative. Students have a choice of modules and so will meet the learning outcomes of the course in different ways. Assessment is considered as a key aspect of learning and is consistent with the University s Assessment Policy. The varied module content and method of delivery necessitates varied assessment strategies. A uniform approach to assessment is inappropriate. For each module the method of assessment reflects the module learning outcomes, module content and style of delivery and ensures that whenever Page 7 of 13
possible students will benefit from each others' learning experiences.. Assessments have been designed to foster critical thinking; to facilitate the evaluation of contemporary developments in the field; to further develop analysis of practice. Seminar presentations using power-point, and poster displays enhance communication and ICT skills. SUPPORT AND INFORMATION Institutional/ University Course-specific Additional support, specifically where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include: All students benefit from: University induction week Student Handbook: the University and you Course Handbook Extensive library facilities Computer pool rooms (indicate number of workstations by site) E-mail address Welfare service Personal tutor for advice and guidance In addition, students on this course benefit from: Access to course and module areas in studentcentral Online tools such as discussion boards, wikis, blogs where relevant Dissertation handbook PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS Page 8 of 13
COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here. MSc Physiotherapy / PG Diploma / PG Certificate Students will be given a guided choice for their course in discussion with the Course Leader between the following routes: Post Graduate Certificate Physiotherapy 60 M credits Post Graduate Diploma Physiotherapy 120 M credits MSc Physiotherapy 180 M credits 1 optional module 1 Research Methods Module 3 Optional Modules 1 Research Methods Module 3 Optional Modules 60 Credit Dissertation MSc Physiotherapy and Education 3 Approved Education Modules Three recognised education modules or PG Cert Transforming Professional Practice for Health Professionals through Education 60 M credits Postgraduate Diploma Physiotherapy and Education 120 M credits MSc Physiotherapy and Education 180 M Credits 3 Education modules as above and 1 Research Methods Module 3 Education modules as above and 1 Research Methods Module 60 Credit Dissertation MSc Physiotherapy and Management 3 Approved Management modules 60 M Credits For example:- Commissioning for Quality Care Knowledge Management for Commissioners and Service Leaders Leadership and Change Management in Clinical services Leadership roles and responsibilities Leading and Transforming Services Leading Service Developments and Business Planning for Allied Health Professionals Managing Change Managing Finance in the Public Sector Page 9 of 13
Managing People in the Public Services Organisations, Partnerships and Networks Service Planning Social Marketing Staff and Team Leadership in Clinical Services Strategy and Planning in the Public and Voluntary Sectors Quality, Safety and Service Improvement in Clinical Services Postgraduate Diploma Physiotherapy and Management 120 M credits MSc Physiotherapy and Management 180 M Credits Discuss choices with Course Leader 3 Management modules as above and Research Methods Module 3 Management modules as above and Research Methods Module 60 Credit Dissertation Mandatory or optional physiotherapy modules for MSc Physiotherapy (and Education / Management courses) :- HE739 HE714 HE709 HE703 HE708 HE711 HE715 HE773 HE712 HE771 HE723 HE778 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Evaluating Practice The Health Professional as an Educator Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Work Focused Interventions in Health and Social Care Practice Analysis of Function Exercise in Rehabilitation Current Issues in Neurological Rehabilitation Extending Practice in Musculoskeletal Settings Developing Expertise in Healthcare Reasoning Later Life - Contemporary Issues in Health, Well being and Rehabilitation Practice Development Through Independent Learning Exploring Pain All students on the MSc Physiotherapy (and Education/ Management) will take two of the physiotherapy modules above as their mandatory modules. Those on the MSc Physiotherapy course may take other modules from this list as optional modules in their programme of study. A research methods module is mandatory for the MSc / PG Diploma Physiotherapy courses. Although HE707 Research Methods in Healthcare is normally recommended, other research modules from the SHS Postgraduate Education Programme may usually be substituted. Page 10 of 13
Modules Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules)* A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules) *Optional modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change, depending on timetabling and staff availability Level 8 Module code Status Module title Credit 7 M Research methods module 20 7 M Physiotherapy module 20 7 M Physiotherapy module 20 7 O Optional module with the approval of the course leader 20 7 O Optional module with the approval of the course leader 20 7 O Optional module with the approval of the course leader 20 7 HS796 M Dissertation 60 Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules)* A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules) *Optional modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change, depending on timetabling and staff availability 8 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module. Page 11 of 13
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award Final MSc Physiotherapy (and Education / Management) Select Select PG Diploma Physiotherapy (and Education / Management) Total credits 9 Minimum credits 10 Ratio of marks 11 : Class of award 7 Total credit 180 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 180 7 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award 120 PG Physiotherapy 7 Total credit 60 Minimum credit at level Certificat of award 60 e Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select *Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award: Level 7 marks Level 7 marks Level 7 marks Select Select Postgraduate degree Postgraduate (taught) de Postgraduate (taught) de Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate 12 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS) 70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction 60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit 50% - 59.99% Lower second (2:2) Pass 40% - 49.99% Third (3) Pass Select Select 9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 10 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 11 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 12 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters. Page 12 of 13
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section. The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral). Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses. Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board A PG Certificate Health may be awarded for those students who complete 60 level 7 credits but do not attain the mandatory modules for the MSc Physiotherapy awards or those who fail to progress and would like to exit with recognition of the academic credits they have achieved. Document template revised: 2010 Page 13 of 13