Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement. Physiotherapists work as autonomous practitioners using physical methods (for example exercise and manual techniques) in working with a wide range of people who have illness or injury. They also help individuals to maintain or improve their movement potential through advice, exercise and education.
This degree programme is well established and has an excellent reputation. We have enthusiastic and motivated staff including practising physiotherapists and we also share learning with other health professionals. If you enjoy working with people this could be the course for you. There is plenty of scope for you to develop a wide range of professional, technical, academic and interpersonal skills.
This course aims to attract students with a commitment to the physiotherapy profession therefore observational work experience within the NHS (hospital base) is considered essential to gain the necessary insight into this career. The course is intensive and prepares students to become Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council, so it is important to appreciate the full breadth of the profession.
How is the course structured?
The course is three years in 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 five six-week placements in a variety of hospitals throughout the Sussex, Kent and Surrey. The final semester is in Eastbourne for dissertation completion.
How is the course funded?
This is a three-year full-time BSc(Hons) course which is fully funded by the Department of Health. 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. Home students may be eligible for a means-tested bursary, and payment of secondary accommodation costs when on clinical placement. For this information relating to the means-tested bursary please refer to www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
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 the Health Professions Council will not register individuals without appropriate police clearance. Applicants should note that working within health care you will be exposed to biological hazards and as such you will be advised on the vaccination requirements in relation to this.
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 grade C in English, Maths and a 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 within three years of the start of the course.
- GCE A levels:
Minimum entry requirements are ABB (320 UCAS points) one of which should be a biological science or Physical Education minimum grade B, preference is given to applicants who have followed a science/health route. In addition to A2 levels consideration may be given to other subjects studied at AS level. We do not accept General Studies as an entry qualification. We require all qualifications to have been achieved within the past three years, with the exception of an honours degree where will consider completed study within the past five years.
The following are recognised as equivalent:
- BTEC ND:
For BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) awards a strong profile (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. - European Baccalaureate:
A mark of 75%. Applicants whose first language is not English will also be required to obtain English at the higher level
Mature student (21 years at the start of the course) may also enter by the following routes
- GCE A levels:
A recent high grade (A/B) in a Biological Science, which has been completed within the last three years. - Open University:
Human Biology (SK277), Minimum of Pass at grade 2. - Access:
A QAA recognised Access to Science course with an overall distinction profile with a total of 60 credits, 45 of which must be at level 3, the remaining 15 credits will be at Level 2. At least 30 of the level 3 credits must be at Distinction and must include Biological Science. There must also be level 3 units in Mathematics. - Science Foundation Degree:
Considered on individual merit, but a high standard pass (70%) is required. - Honours Degree:
Appropriate degrees (ie biological science, sport science, health related) with a 2:2 minimum classification completed within the last five years.
EU students
Applicants from the European Union 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. International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 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, so this is the acceptable standard for applicants whose first language is not English.
International students
More than 3,000 students from outside the UK join us each year and come from 150 different countries, studying on various degrees at our sites in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. We welcome applications from international students for the Physiotherapy BSc(Hons) degree. The university offers 40 international scholarships worth a reduction of £4,000 off the cost of tuition fees for each year of the course – see details on how to apply for an international scholarship.
See the course fees for international students.
Please contact us directly to check that your qualifications meet our entry requirements, sohpadmissions@brighton.ac.uk
Experiential profile
All candidates must be able to demonstrate good knowledge of physiotherapy as a profession, by visits to departments, talking to qualified physiotherapists, reading relevant material etc. This should provide an insight into how this experience has informed their decision to become a physiotherapist. Observational experience of physiotherapists working within an NHS/hospital 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 this may be accumulated, and consideration will be given to applicants who have been unable to fulfill this requirement due to local circumstances.
How do I apply?
If you meet the above entry requirements please make an application via the University and Colleges Admission Service by mid-January 2014 (please check UCAS). Applications received after this date will be considered 'Late' and are likely to be rejected.
Will I be required to attend an interview?
Competition for places is incredibly high; for 2013 entry we received over 700 applications for 50 places. We will read all UCAS application forms and select the strongest candidates for interview. 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 about your chosen university. Selection events/interviews are held once a month from November to March preceding the September of entry. The afternoon 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 interview with a member of staff or one of our physiotherapy clinicians. The event is normally finished by 5pm.
As communication skills are an essential part of providing quality health care, an applicant's ability to express themselves clearly and appropriately during an interview is regarded as very important. The individual's motivation, bearing and attitude will also be explored at interview in addition to their commitment to the course and physiotherapy in general.
What about accommodation?
Eastbourne is well-served in this respect. Student Services is the university department that organises where students live which may vary from halls of residence to local private accommodation. Access to Student Services is open to prospective students who have accepted the offer of a place. See the university's accommodation wepages for more information.
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?
The university will be holding two open days: one on Wednesday 19 June 2013 (places can be booked online from April onwards) and the other on Saturday 19 October 2013 (places can be booked online from September onwards). Please note that places fill quickly. Further information and online booking is available at www.brighton.ac.uk/opendays
