MSc
Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice MSc
Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

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Duration

18 months

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

18 months

Academic Years

Course Overview

Physiotherapy is a scientific and evidence-based health profession that takes a 'whole person' approach to improving and maintaining wellbeing. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability, using a range of interventions such as advice, education, exercise, and manual therapy and electrophysical agents.

MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice at Lincoln aims to enhance currently qualified Physiotherapist's knowledge and skills through various teaching and learning methods to equip students for current clinical practice. This includes exploring topics such as clinical reasoning and decision making, pathoanatomic and physiology, interventions, research methodology and project management applicable to physiotherapy practice.

With an emphasis on applied theory, practical development, and improving service provision, the programme aims to enhance both practical and research skills through critical engagement with evidence-based strategies for clinical practice.

Students will also be encouraged to undertake analytical reflections based on their clinical practice to direct their own personal and professional development. Students will receive support from academics who have specialist knowledge and experience in the field.

Course Overview

Physiotherapy is a scientific and evidence-based health profession that takes a 'whole person' approach to improving and maintaining wellbeing. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability, using a range of interventions such as advice, education, exercise, and manual therapy and electrophysical agents.

MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice at Lincoln aims to enhance currently qualified Physiotherapist's knowledge and skills through various teaching and learning methods to equip students for current clinical practice. This includes exploring topics such as clinical reasoning and decision making, pathoanatomic and physiology, interventions, research methodology and project management applicable to physiotherapy practice.

With an emphasis on applied theory, practical development, and improving service provision, the programme aims to enhance both practical and research skills through critical engagement with evidence-based strategies for clinical practice.

Students will also be encouraged to undertake analytical reflections based on their clinical practice to direct their own personal and professional development. Students will receive support from academics who have specialist knowledge and experience in the field.

Why Choose Lincoln

Practical sessions within clinical simulation suites

Student led Physiotherapy Clinic run jointly with local NHS trusts

Hear from industry experts

Opportunities to develop professional and research skills

Plan and undertake a research dissertation

Students in a clinical suite being spoken to by tutor

How You Study

Scheduled learning activities may include lectures, workshops, and practical sessions, which accompany independent learning and development in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

In the first year of study, modules include Leadership in Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Science and Practice, Musculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning, Musculoskeletal Interventions, and Research Methods. These are designed for students to develop evidence-based knowledge and skills for clinical and research practice to work towards the Dissertation project.

In the second year, students can apply their skills and knowledge to create and manage a research project in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Students will also have the opportunity to disseminate their research findings through different methods including journal publication, a conference presentation, or poster production and delivery.

How You Study

Scheduled learning activities may include lectures, workshops, and practical sessions, which accompany independent learning and development in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

This programme takes place over 18 months, with taught modules being delivered in the first year of study. These modules currently include Musculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning, Musculoskeletal Interventions, Leadership in Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Science and Practice, and Research Methods. These modules are designed to allow students to develop evidence-based knowledge and skills for clinical and research practice to work towards the dissertation project.

The dissertation is introduced at the end of the first year. The project involves a research project, with the opportunity to findings through various methods, including journal publication, a conference presentation, or poster production and delivery.

Muhammad Zakria

MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy

Muhammad Zakria currently holds the position of MSK physiotherapist at University Hospital Dorset, having completed MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy programme at Lincoln.

The program has been instrumental in facilitating my employment within the NHS, where I am able to apply the broadened scope of assessment and holistic treatment approaches acquired during my studies. I'm really grateful for the opportunities the course provided me.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Dissertation 2024-25 PHS9007MLevel 72024-25The National Health Service, social care sector, and public services place a high value on research-informed practice. The health and care workforce needs to consist of change agents, informed entrepreneurs, creative, engaged, and influential clinical leaders, skilled in research design and investigation. Conducting research enables students to explore and develop their professional practice, contributing to and extending the knowledge in their sphere of practice. This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand how research can directly inform practice and provides the opportunity to enhance patient care through direct experience of completing a research project. The module is designed to support the development of research skills commensurate with Master's level study and promote development of a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination. Students can undertake focused exploration of an area of professional interest, applying their understanding of the research process to design and conduct a research project or service investigation relating to their area of professional practice. Students are expected to autonomously to write up the findings of the project, employing a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination.CoreLeadership in Physiotherapy 2024-25PHS9008MLevel 72024-25The module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of leadership in the context of contemporary clinical practice. A range of leadership topics will include legal, ethical and professional issues in Physiotherapy and how culture, diversity and values can impact on clinical practice. In addition, students will learn the importance of collaborative working and interpersonal skills in the context of leadership. Students will also learn theories and models of leadership, continued professional development and apply critical reflection to self-assess and enhance their own leadership capabilities. The aim of this will be to equip students with the ability to critique their clinical practice and generate methods of improvement at an individual, departmental and professional level. The knowledge and skills gained from this module will be utilised in future clinical practice to support learners to contribute to transformational change through their practice as a Physiotherapist.CoreMusculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning 2024-25PHS9010MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in assessing patients in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. Students can develop a professional and patient-centred approach to assessing patients in order to arrive at a reasoned and evidence-informed clinical impression. Clinical reasoning and decision-making theory and application are covered relative to assessment and diagnosis/hypothesis. A range of approaches to patient assessment and documentation will be explored, with a focus on the role of effective communication as a key skill in modern physiotherapy practice. Students can also consider the role of wider biopsychosocial aspects to patient presentations and the assessment process.CoreMusculoskeletal Interventions 2024-25PHS9011MLevel 72024-25This module explores a range of interventions used within the physiotherapy profession to treat, educate, support, and enable patients.  These interventions include the therapeutic use of physical activity and exercise, manual therapy techniques, electrotherapeutic modalities, and techniques and equipment to facilitate functional human movement. Students can  also reflect and critically evaluate their knowledge and skills to adapt techniques to meet individual needs and specialist populations to promote wellness, lifestyle change, and self-management.  This  module is designed to build on students' clinical reasoning and decision-making skills  for their clinical practice.CorePerson Centred Practice 2024-25 PHS9009MLevel 72024-25This module aims to promote the development of clinically applied knowledge in health and social science relevant to person centred practice.  Students can develop beyond the biomedical model and apply, psychological, and sociological sciences in the physiotherapy context. Learning through a series of  theoretical and practical teaching sessions, students can benefit from enquiry-based learning to develop an holistic, person centred approach utilising shared decision making.CoreResearch Methods - Taught 2024-25HEA9456MLevel 72024-25The module aims to increase students' understanding of research methods, enabling deeper evaluation and use of research findings in contemporary practice. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal that can be carried on to dissertation.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Dissertation 2025-26 PHS9007MLevel 72025-26The National Health Service, social care sector, and public services place a high value on research-informed practice. The health and care workforce needs to consist of change agents, informed entrepreneurs, creative, engaged, and influential clinical leaders, skilled in research design and investigation. Conducting research enables students to explore and develop their professional practice, contributing to and extending the knowledge in their sphere of practice. This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand how research can directly inform practice and provides the opportunity to enhance patient care through direct experience of completing a research project. The module is designed to support the development of research skills commensurate with Master's level study and promote development of a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination. Students can undertake focused exploration of an area of professional interest, applying their understanding of the research process to design and conduct a research project or service investigation relating to their area of professional practice. Students are expected to autonomously to write up the findings of the project, employing a high standard of academic writing suitable for publication and dissemination.CoreLeadership in Physiotherapy 2025-26PHS9008MLevel 72025-26The module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of leadership in the context of contemporary clinical practice. A range of leadership topics will include legal, ethical and professional issues in Physiotherapy and how culture, diversity and values can impact on clinical practice. In addition, students will learn the importance of collaborative working and interpersonal skills in the context of leadership. Students will also learn theories and models of leadership, continued professional development and apply critical reflection to self-assess and enhance their own leadership capabilities. The aim of this will be to equip students with the ability to critique their clinical practice and generate methods of improvement at an individual, departmental and professional level. The knowledge and skills gained from this module will be utilised in future clinical practice to support learners to contribute to transformational change through their practice as a Physiotherapist.CoreMusculoskeletal Clinical Reasoning 2025-26PHS9010MLevel 72025-26This module aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in assessing patients in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. Students can develop a professional and patient-centred approach to assessing patients in order to arrive at a reasoned and evidence-informed clinical impression. Clinical reasoning and decision-making theory and application are covered relative to assessment and diagnosis/hypothesis. A range of approaches to patient assessment and documentation will be explored, with a focus on the role of effective communication as a key skill in modern physiotherapy practice. Students can also consider the role of wider biopsychosocial aspects to patient presentations and the assessment process.CoreMusculoskeletal Interventions 2025-26PHS9011MLevel 72025-26This module explores a range of interventions used within the physiotherapy profession to treat, educate, support, and enable patients.  These interventions include the therapeutic use of physical activity and exercise, manual therapy techniques, electrotherapeutic modalities, and techniques and equipment to facilitate functional human movement. Students can  also reflect and critically evaluate their knowledge and skills to adapt techniques to meet individual needs and specialist populations to promote wellness, lifestyle change, and self-management.  This  module is designed to build on students' clinical reasoning and decision-making skills  for their clinical practice.CorePerson Centred Practice 2025-26 PHS9009MLevel 72025-26This module aims to promote the development of clinically applied knowledge in health and social science relevant to person centred practice.  Students can develop beyond the biomedical model and apply, psychological, and sociological sciences in the physiotherapy context. Learning through a series of  theoretical and practical teaching sessions, students can benefit from enquiry-based learning to develop an holistic, person centred approach utilising shared decision making.CoreResearch Methods - Taught 2025-26HEA9456MLevel 72025-26The module aims to increase students' understanding of research methods, enabling deeper evaluation and use of research findings in contemporary practice. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal that can be carried on to dissertation.Core

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          How you are assessed

                          Students' knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout the programme utilising a broad range of methods including practical assessments, written assignments, and presentations.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly.

                          How you are assessed

                          Students' knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout the programme utilising a broad range of methods including practical assessments, written assignments, and presentations.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly.

                          Physiotherapy Clinic

                          In 2024, a joint project between the University of Lincoln and the local community NHS trust launched a student led physiotherapy clinic. This voluntary clinic is an opportunity for students on the programme to gain valuable experience in a setting supervised by qualified physiotherapists seeing NHS patients.

                          Sports therapy students undertaking practical work.

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          How to Apply
                          A student listening in a seminar

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          - Applicants should hold a degree in physiotherapy at 2:2 classification or above or a qualification that allows you to register to practice as Physiotherapist in your home country.

                          - Applicants must also be registered or eligible to register as a physiotherapist/physical therapist with the relevant professional body or association in their home country.

                          International Applicants
                          All international applicants require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element for students whose first language is not English. Applicants must provide a valid IELTS certificate at the point of application.
                          Students who have completed a UK degree within 5 years of their proposed enrolment at the University will not be required to provide IELTS.
                          For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          If you would like further information about entry requirements or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          - Applicants should hold a degree in physiotherapy at 2:2 classification or above or a qualification that allows you to register to practice as Physiotherapist/physical therapist in your home country.

                          - Applicants must also be registered or eligible to register as a physiotherapist/physical therapist with the relevant professional body or association in their home country.

                          International Applicants
                          All international applicants require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element for students whose first language is not English. Applicants must provide a valid IELTS certificate at the point of application.
                          Students who have completed a UK degree within 5 years of their proposed enrolment at the University will not be required to provide IELTS.
                          For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          If you would like further information about entry requirements or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          Interviews

                          Interviews are undertaken to allow us the opportunity to discuss your previous experience and why you want to study this programme. It is also a great opportunity for you to speak to a member of the programme team about the programme and if it is right for you.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Alina Khan

                          MSc Contemporary Physiotherapy

                          The program's focus on clinical reasoning skills, ethical practices and professionalism instilled in me a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of care. This helped me in getting a job in as a Physiotherapist in UK within a few months. Overall, my postgraduate education has given me the comprehensive skillset and knowledge required to thrive in this rewarding profession.

                          Career Development

                          Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us. 

                          Why Postgraduate Study?

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Explore Funding Options
                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          David Cann
                          DCann@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          Upcoming Postgraduate Events
                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.