How is the course structured?
The course is of three years duration and is comprised of academic, practical and clinical components. The first 18 months of the course is academic and practical in nature and based in Eastbourne. This period ensures that students are well prepared when they begin to work with patients. The next phase – Clinical Education – consists of 5 six-week placements in a variety of hospitals throughout the South East. The final semester is in Eastbourne for dissertation completion.
How is the course funded?
The course is funded by the NHS for UK and EU residents. To be eligible for a funded place, applicants must have been resident in the UK or EU for the last three years prior to the commencement of the course. UK students may be eligible for a means tested bursary.
For further details visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Fees for international students are available on request.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must satisfy both academic and experiential conditions prior to registration on the course. In addition to this candidates must show that they are fit and healthy and have no criminal record. Candidates are reminded that they may be required to practice in places where there are vulnerable patients and that the Health Professions Council will not register individuals without appropriate police clearance.
Academic profile
Applicants should normally possess a strong GCSE profile. This is evidence of ability across a wide range of subjects. These should include a minimum of grade C in English, Maths and Science. GCSE requirements may be relaxed for those mature applicants who are upgrading academic profiles, but English and Maths are expected or evidence of qualification at an equivalent standard.
The entry qualification should be acquired no more than 3 years prior to the start of the course, but this condition is not rigid and consideration may be given to applicants whose profiles may differ in this respect.
A-levels:
Typical entry requirements for 2012 entry are 320 UCAS points (ABB) to include biological science or Physical Education at grade B or above. In addition to A2 levels, consideration may be given to other subjects studied at AS level.
BTEC ND:
DDD in a Science course, combined with A level Biology or Human Biology grade B is required.
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Typically 3 As (A1 – A2), 3 Bs (B1 – B2) at the higher level, which must include Biology and English.
Scottish qualifications:
Typically 3 As and 2 Bs at higher level, which must include Biology and English.
International Baccalaureate:
A minimum of 34 points to include Biology at the higher level. Applicants whose first language is not English will
also be required to obtain English at the higher level
Degree:
Appropriate degrees with a 2:2 minimum classification.
Mature student (21 years at the start of the course) may also enter by the following routes
A-levels:
A recent high grade (A/B) in a Biological Science.
Open University:
A grade 2 pass in Human Biology and Health (SK277).
Access:
QAA recognised Science courses are preferred but other health courses may be considered providing they contain an appropriate level of science. We require applicants to gain a minimum of 60 level 3 credits with an overall Distinction/Merit profile.
For further information about individual courses contact the Open College Network Co-coordinator for your geographical area.
Science Foundation courses:
Considered on individual merit, but a high standard pass (70%) is required.
EU students
These applicants must have a strong academic profile from their home country which can be interpreted to ensure equivalence with the qualifications above. An additional English qualification is normally required e.g. Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C), or International English Language Testing System. Recent information indicates that the Health Professions Council will require a level of at least 7.0 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other element of the test.
International students
The school welcomes applications from international students. You would need equivalent academic qualifications and an appropriate experiential profile would be an advantage.
An additional English qualification is normally required e.g. Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C), or International English Language Testing System. Recent information indicates that the Health Professions Council will require a level of at least 7.0 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other element of the test.
Experiential profile
All candidates must be able to demonstrate good insight into physiotherapy as a profession, from talking to qualified physiotherapists, visits to departments, reading relevant material etc. and show how this experience has informed their decision to become a physiotherapist. Observational experience of physiotherapists working within an NHS setting is regarded as essential but this may be complimented by observing physiotherapists in other settings e.g. private practice, private hospitals or sports clubs. Experience of working in other caring environments and/or voluntary work is also beneficial. A minimum period of one week is preferred but consideration may be given to applicants who have been unable to fulfil this criterion due to local circumstances.
Will I be required to attend an interview?
Yes, we feel that it is important for you to have the opportunity to visit the school so that you are able to make an informed choice if you get more than one offer. Selection events are held from November to March, preceding the September of entry. The event begins at 1pm, and consists of a guided tour of the Eastbourne site, a presentation about the course and an opportunity to meet staff and students. This will be followed by an individual discussion with a tutor or clinician. The event is normally finished by 5pm.
What criteria or qualities do you look for during the interview?
As communication skills are essential in the healthcare context, an applicant's ability to express themselves clearly and appropriately during an interview is regarded as very important. The interview will also explore an individual's commitment to the course and physiotherapy in general.
Are there any additional costs during the course?
Students are expected to buy small items of equipment (such as a stethoscope). There will also be additional accommodation and travel costs during the clinical education period. Students will be expected to live away from the university on some placements or travel daily to other clinical sites. Those students who are eligible for the NHS means tested bursary will be able to claim back some of the additional costs. It should be remembered that this course does not attract a personal contribution fee, which more than compensates for the expense incurred during clinical placements. The school will always try to place students in clinical placements that reduce these costs wherever possible, but it must be accepted that arrangements should be perceived to be fair to all students over the clinical education period as a whole.
Will you be holding any open days?
A university open day for the Eastbourne campus is held in October each year. Further information and booking details will be available on the university website from September onwards.
Can I visit the school if I am unable to attend an open day?
Individuals are permitted to visit the campus providing they make prior contact with the school office on 01273 643772. It should be noted that no academic staff will be available and advisory interviews are not possible because of the high number of applicants and the time involved. Equal opportunities legislation indicates that individual applicants should not gain an advantage over others in this manner.
