Course Description Document

Course Title	Physiotherapy (2025-26)
Course Code	9523
Award Title	Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons))
Awarding Body	University of Southampton
Teaching Institution	University of Southampton
Regulated by	Office for Students
Accreditation	Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Regulations	The Regulations of the University can be found on the University's Governance Webpages: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/governance/regulations-policies
Location of study	Southampton
Length of the course	3 Years
Tuition Fees	Fees for students can be located by the student fees page. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-fees/index.page

Course Overview

By undertaking the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at the University of Southampton you will become a registered Physiotherapist. On completion you will be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours across the four pillars of physiotherapy practice (clinical, education, research and leadership). You will be a competent newly qualified practitioner, with exceptional communication skills, capable of managing complex cases and multiple pathologies across the life span and a pro-active ambassador of health promotion. This will enable you to plan, deliver and lead contemporary high quality innovative healthcare in order to meet the challenging and complex needs of individuals and populations.
The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy curriculum has been designed with ongoing involvement from stakeholders, including students, clinical practitioners/managers and service users (patients and carers) to ensure that it is relevant to current and future practice. The theoretical content builds iteratively alongside over 1000 hours of practice-based learning over the three-year programme so that you achieve the programme aims.

Aims of the Course

On completion of the programme you will be able to:
- Confidently deliver safe, effective and evidence-based healthcare by seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. This includes health promotion and the prevention and management of long-term conditions addressing the needs of individuals and the broader society.
- Provide healthcare that is personalised; recognising and integrating the physical, emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of an individual’s life through shared decision making whilst maintaining dignity and promoting equality, diversity and belonging.
- Have developed knowledge, skills and experience across the pillars of physiotherapy practice that are transferable to a range of UK and global practice settings.
- Have the ability to adapt your knowledge, skills and behaviours to new and complex circumstances; underpinned by a philosophy of lifelong learning.
- Use clinical reasoning, research, and reflective practice skills to evaluate, monitor and progress your practice and the wider physiotherapy profession.
- Act as an advocate for the physiotherapy profession nationally and globally, demonstrating professionalism, autonomy, accountability, ethical practice, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to navigate and engage with future healthcare challenges and innovation.

Course Structure

The tables below provide a list of the modules that make up your course.

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you can take a combination of core and compulsory modules enabling you to cover key subject knowledge. Some courses have option modules which enable you to develop your own interests.

Each level of your programme requires a certain number of credits. The number of option modules you can take depends on the number of core modules at a given level and this is also influenced by the requirements of the regulatory requirements for professionally accredited courses. Some courses also have pre and co-requisites, and these are included in individual module information.

Your learning will be led by the latest research, and modules can change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. You can always find the most up-to-date information about your modules and who is teaching them via the information on our webpages and, post enrolment, via the Faculty hub.

If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an option module, it may not be offered. If an option module will not be run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

The core and compulsory modules available on your course are as follows:

Part I (Year 1)
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
HSGM0001	TT YR1 Generic Timetabling 2025-26	0	Core
HSGM1002	Introduction to Professional Practice 2025-26	7.5	Core
HSGM1003	Anatomy and Physiology 2025-26	7.5	Core
PSIO1036	Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 2025-26	15	Core
HSGM1004	Anatomy and Physiology 2 2025-26	7.5	Core
PSIO1038	Principles of Physiotherapy Practice 2025-26	15	Core
PSIO1037	Practice-Based Learning 1 2025-26	7.5	Core
Part II (Year 2)
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
PSIO2XX2	Principles of Physiotherapy Practice 2 2026-27	15	Core
PSIO2XX1	Research Methods for Physiotherapy 2026-27	7.5	Core
PSIO2XX3	Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan 2026-27	7.5	Core
PSIO2XX4	Practice-Based Learning 2 2026-27	7.5	Core
PSIO2XX5	Healthy Discussions for Physiotherapy 2026-27	7.5	Core
PSIO2XX6	Living Well with Multiple Long-Term Conditions 2026-27	7.5	Core
PSIO2XX7	Practice-Based Learning 3 2026-27	7.5	Core
Part III (Year 3)
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
PSIO3XX7	Research Project for Physiotherapy 2027-28	15	Core
PSIO3XX1	Translating Evidence into Physiotherapy Practice 2027-28	7.5	Core
HSGM3XXX	Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare 2027-28	7.5	Core
PSIO3XX4	Practice -Based Learning 4 2027-28	7.5	Core
PSIO3XX5	Transition to Practice / Pre-Preceptorship 2027-28	7.5	Core
PSIO3XX6	Practice-Based Learning 5 2027-28	7.5	Core
Part III (Year 3) Optional/Core You must select ONE module, once selected the module becomes core and must be passed.
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
PSIO3XX8	Professional Development: Preparing for On Call 2027-28	7.5	Optional/Core
PSIO3XX2	Professional Development: Independent Project 2027-28	7.5	Optional/Core
PSIO3XX3	Professional Development: Taught CPD 2027-28	7.5	Optional/Core

Learning and Teaching

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity, with each ECTS credit taken equivalent to 20 hours of student effort. While your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules you select, the information available on our webpages give an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities.

When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and for other types of assessments and examinations.

Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module information.

Should you wish to revisit this following enrolment, these indications have been located in a permanent resource. This can be accessed at any time via the link below:

https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/CourseSupplementaryInformation/SitePages/Study-Time.aspx

How we'll assess you

Summative assessment(s) usually take place at the end of each module, although some may have interim assessments throughout. Assessment methods might include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects for example. The marks from summative assessments count towards your module mark.

Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or formative assessment for which you receive feedback. Formative assessments are developmental and any results do not count towards your module mark, but they are an important part of your learning.

The information available on our website gives an indication of the assessment methods used on your course, at each level of your course.

Should you wish to revisit this following enrolment, these indications have been located in a permanent resource. This can be accessed at any time via the link below: https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/CourseSupplementaryInformation/SitePages/Assessment.aspx

Staff involved in delivering the different elements of the course

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on your course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners, specialists with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.

Postgraduate research students who have undertaken appropriate training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars if their research specialism is directly related to the topic of the module and may also be involved in practical classes, project work and field trips. All contributions will be carried out under the supervision of the module leader.

Fees

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Extra costs you may experience

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Depending on the nature of your course, you may be able to choose modules which may have additional costs, such as field studies, travel overseas or industrial placements which will change the overall cost of your course. Details of these costs can be found in module information.

Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations.

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

Type	Details
Calculators	Where a calculator is required, all Casio Calculators are allowed but they must be Non-Programmable, Scientific models. More information is available in the Examination Regulations https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/assessment/assess-overview/exam-regulations.page
Stationery	You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items that you may need will be specified in the relevant module profile.
Textbooks	Where a module specifies essential texts, the Library will identify the optimal option(s) to support the module via the course Reading List. This may include e-books (ideally with unlimited concurrent usage) or a digitised chapter extract, supported by a limited number of print books (where available). You may request that the Library purchases additional print copies via 'suggest a book', borrow an additional copy via our inter-library-loans service or you may prefer to buy your own copies for high demand titles.
Printing	In most cases, written coursework such as essays and projects are submitted online. However it may be necessary to submit a hard copy of some projects, business projects and dissertations. The costs of printing a hard copy for submission of such work will be your responsibility. You will also have to cover the cost of photocopying. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing.
Accommodation and Travel	This programme involves mandatory placements in all years. The placements are organised by the University and will take place with regional healthcare providers; as such students will need to travel to placements/arrange accommodation.
Clothing	Lab Coats: You will need provide yourselves with laboratory coat for use in the Centre for learning Anatomical Sciences. These can be purchased from any source.
Conference expenses	Conference attendance is not normally expected as part of the Physiotherapy programme. If you decide to attend conferences then you will normally be expected to cover the cost of accommodation, travel and admission.
Equipment and Materials	Medical Equipment and Materials: Fobwatch; stethoscopes: A number of essential items for use in practical sessions will be provided to you e.g.: goniometers; tape measures; electrotherapy consumables; examination gloves; plastic aprons. However you will need provide yourselves with a fobwatch; stethoscope (advice will be given at the appropriate time regarding which models) for use in the practical classes and whilst on clinical placement.
Insurance	This programme involves mandatory placements in all years. Insurance for students on placement and the necessary immunisation/vaccination is provided by the University.
Optional Visits (e.g. museums, galleries)	Some Physiotherapy modules may include optional visits to specialist healthcare facilities, etc. You will normally be expected to cover the cost of travel and admission, unless otherwise specified in the module profile.
Paying for immunisation and vaccination costs before being allowed to attend placements	This programme involves mandatory placements in all years. Insurance for students on placement and the necessary immunisation/vaccination is provided by the University.
Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)	If you have been approved to participate in an Erasmus+ Study/Work Placement you will automatically qualify for an Erasmus+ grant and details of this will be sent to you as part of the application process. Students who participate in the Erasmus+ scheme can benefit from an EU-funded grant. It is not intended to be a maintenance grant but rather a contribution towards the extra costs associated with studying abroad. The International Office will calculate your grant for you once you have given them the dates of your placement. You will be sent an Erasmus Grant Agreement confirming the amount of your grant and conditions of participation. Students who participate in the Erasmus+ scheme can benefit from insurance that is provided by the university.
Travel Costs for placements	This programme involves mandatory placements in all years. The placements are organised by the University and will take place with regional healthcare providers; as such students will need to travel to placements/arrange accommodation. From August 2017, new students in England who pursue a career in Nursing, Midwifery and most Allied Health Professional (AHP) pre-registration courses will have access to the standard student support package of tuition fee loans and support for living costs, instead of receiving an NHS bursary. Students who are on an eligible programme may be entitled to claim travel and accommodation expenses incurred over and above daily travel costs to the University. The costs must be related to essential practice placements.

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

You may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs.

If you are a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

Financial Support

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice regarding student finances. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course. You can find more information about financial support via our webpages: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-support-fund/index.page

Academic support

The Student Support Hub is your first point of contact when it comes to seeking support. The team will answer your questions or concerns about your wellbeing, fees and funding, accommodation and visas. The team will help make sure you receive the support you need, guiding you to further support services where required. You can find more information about student support via our webpages:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/index.page

One of the most important people you will meet while you are a student at Southampton is your Personal Academic Tutor, who will be allocated to you for your arrival at the University and who is normally a member of academic staff in your own or a closely related subject area. Your Personal Academic Tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have. You can find out more via our webpages:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/academic-support-guidance/personal-tutor.page

Disclaimer

As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this course may be revised during a student's period of registration; however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student's course.