Advanced Physiotherapy Cardiorespiratory

This postgraduate programme integrates the advanced clinical, academic and research components of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice. The emphasis is on the management of patients with cardiorespiratory disorders. Flexibility in selection of modules allows for physiotherapists with particular interests to be accommodated.

This MSc offers physiotherapy students the opportunity to extend their understanding of key areas in this field, including challenging the foundations of established but poorly justified treatments, developing and undertaking clinical research and practice, learning about new and emerging treatment options, and enjoying the mentorship of recognised experts in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits) three optional modules from 11 choices (45 credits) and the research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time 12 months, flexible 2-5 years) is offered. Students take 75 credits of core modules and 45 credits of optional modules.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, part-time 12 months) is offered. Students take 60 credits of core modules

Core modules

• Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy Part I
• Respiration through Life, Health and Disease
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Skills

Optional modules

• Cardiorespiratory Theory for Physiotherapists
• Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy Part II
• Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
• Physical Activity and Clinical Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease
• Health Management and Clinical Exercise for Pulmonary Disease
• Muscle and Exercise Physiology in Health and Disease
• The Heart Through Life, Health and Disease
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Clinical Knowledge and Decision Making
• Information Law and Governance in Clinical Practice
• Patient Safety and Clinical Risk

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a substantial report and an oral examination.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of teaching and self-directed learning, and includes up to six weeks of clinical placements. Assessment is through clinical assessments, written assignments, oral presentations, multiple choice tests, submission of the literature review and research proposal, assessed coursework, unseen and prior disclosure written examinations, and the dissertation with an oral presentation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Physiotherapy; or an approved Diploma in Physiotherapy together with evidence of appropriate clinical and/or teaching experience and a commitment to continuing professional development. We expect students to have had at least 2 years post-qualification clinical experience and UK state-registration is preferred.