Division of Physiotherapy Education

www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs

Undergraduate Studies
Contents
Welcome
Why The University of Nottingham?
What is physiotherapy?
Why physiotherapy at Nottingham?
Teaching, learning and assessment
Course structure
Student profile
Welcome to
The University of
Nottingham, Division
of Physiotherapy
Education
Physiotherapy is not only one of the most popular courses
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
at Nottingham, but Nottingham is possibly the most
popular place to study physiotherapy in the UK. We believe
that this popularity is based on our reputation for providing
education within a supportive and nurturing environment,
which not only develops the individual, but produces first
class physiotherapists.
This reputation is borne out of two philosophies We are extremely proud of our graduates and 03
which underpin our course: believe that they are a major factor in our
03 Applying for a place 14 continuing popularity; they really are a positive
• All students accepted onto the course at
advert for what we seek to achieve. It is worth
Nottingham have the capability to succeed.
04 Non-academic requirements 18 noting that they tend not to have difficulty
We believe that our central role is to ensure that
obtaining employment, despite the recent
06 The admissions process 20 this happens and we facilitate it by promoting
graduate employment issues, and are much
open access to staff, ensuring that all students are
07 Money matters 22 sought after by potential employers.
part of our supportive personal tutoring system,
and encouraging peer support and learning.
08 Frequently asked questions 24 Finally, I hope that you will consider visiting
Division of Physiotherapy Education
• We believe in a holistic approach to patient us at the Division and applying to study
10 Visiting us 26 care, which encompasses the physical, mental physiotherapy at Nottingham.
and social aspects of healthcare. Students are
13 Contacting us 27
introduced to patients at an early stage of the Grahame Pope
programme and the academic team work with Head of Division
clinical educators to ensure a wide range of
experiences are gained.

www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
04
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Why The University
of Nottingham?
Students choose Nottingham for a whole
host of reasons. If it’s academic excellence
you’re looking for then Nottingham is the
place for you. Renowned internationally
for top-class teaching and ground-breaking
research, Nottingham is respected worldwide
and offers fantastic facilities to ensure you
make a success of your studies.
In independent teaching assessments, 39 of our
subjects have been rated excellent (with scores of
at least 22 out of 24), and our scores in the latest
Research Assessment Exercise put Nottingham
amongst the top universities in the UK for carrying
out research of international importance.
If you’re more interested in great career prospects,
then we can help with that too. Nottingham is one
of the top three UK universities most often
targeted by Britain’s leading graduate employers
and the employment record of our graduates is
one of the best in the country. We have strong
and established links with businesses across the
UK and offer short courses to ensure you develop
vital transferable skills. For entrepreneurial
students, we provide business start-up training to
help you gain the skills you need to set up your
own business after graduation.
We also encourage all students to build a broad
range of skills that will appeal to employers.
Nottingham is a global institution with around
30,000 students from over 140 countries, and
more than 270 partner universities in 35 countries
around the world.
Portland Building, University Park Campus
Nottingham Castle
As a result, we offer a range of study-abroad
opportunities. Every Nottingham undergraduate,
no matter what course they choose, has the “I like the open space of a campus setting.
opportunity to apply to travel abroad during their Nottingham is perfectly located for me –
time at Nottingham (see page 24). We also have
one of the most active Students’ Unions in the far enough away but not too far!
UK, offering over 150 clubs and societies where
you can gain new skills, meet new people and
Physiotherapy student
even learn a new language.
For a great social life and an exciting city,
Nottingham fits the bill again. Our campuses are
buzzing with life, with organised events, trips and
parties taking place throughout the year. Our
Students’ Union is one of the most active in the
UK with over 150 societies on offer, and for sports
fans, our Athletics Union hosts over 75 clubs.
Nottingham itself is a thriving cosmopolitan city,
05
rich with history and culture, and packed full of
bars, restaurants and nightclubs for you to enjoy.
With theatres, cinemas, comedy clubs and a
diverse mix of music venues, there is always plenty
to keep you entertained.
To help you settle in, we guarantee all
undergraduates a place in University-arranged
accommodation so your move will be simple and
Division of Physiotherapy Education
stress-free. Your room will be on campus and you’ll
be able to meet new people, make new friends
and enjoy university life. So why not make your
next step Nottingham?
 What is
physiotherapy?
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
06
Physiotherapy is one of the healthcare
professions. It aims to optimise movement
potential in any presenting case using
physical, as opposed to pharmacological,
methods. Not only do physiotherapists treat
physically, they are also concerned with
health promotion and illness prevention
Division of Physiotherapy Education
and consider the psychological and social
wellbeing of the individual.
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession
in which practitioners aim to continually evaluate
their practice and add to the current body of
knowledge in order to provide the best possible
care for the individual patient.
“The lecturers’ energy and
enthusiasm is amazing. You can’t
help but be caught up in it. Instantly
you understand why Nottingham has
such a reputation…. they simply
inspire you to excel.”
Physiotherapy student
Physiotherapists treat an incredibly diverse range
of patients. Within a hospital setting they may
work in orthopaedics, neurology, health care of
the elderly, respiratory, out-patients, maternity,
paediatrics, mental health, women’s health,
palliative care, primary care, or burns and plastics,
just to name the most common areas. Some
physiotherapists choose to work in the private
sector or alternative settings such as charities,
industry, special needs, sports, health education,
research, academia, management, or the armed
forces, or with non-human clients in equine or
veterinary practices. This wide variety makes
physiotherapy an exciting profession in which
there are always new challenges and possibilities
for career development.
Why physiotherapy
at Nottingham?
The Division of Physiotherapy Education is
committed to excellence in both teaching
and research, and aims to promote an
environment where students can flourish
personally, academically and professionally,
with the ultimate goal of becoming
practising physiotherapists.
Throughout the course, students work on the
development of strong personal and interpersonal
skills that are vital to any person seeking to
work in a public-facing environment. They are
encouraged, through a variety of supportive
learning experiences, to manage their own
learning within both the academic and clinical
fields, and they learn to evaluate current beliefs
and practice, and synthesise the results in order to
formulate and apply the best possible programme
of physiotherapy suited to the needs of the
individual patient.
In order to achieve our aims, we promote
a challenging yet supportive and informal
atmosphere within the Division, where students
are actively encouraged to seek help from each
other and the staff.
Particular strengths of the course include the
breadth of clinical experiences available and the
element of choice evident throughout year three
of the course. The support and encouragement
we are able to offer as a small Division helped
over 87 per cent of our graduates in 2007 to
obtain either a first class or upper second class
honours degree.
Quality assurance
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
Student feedback forms an important part of
our quality assurance programme and so we
regularly ask students, through a variety of
pathways, for their views on all aspects of the
course. We evaluate the responses and act on
them as appropriate before closing the loop
by feeding back to the students.
Professional recognition
The Physiotherapy degree at Nottingham is
approved by both the Chartered Society of
Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health Professions
Council (HPC). Graduates are eligible to apply
for both membership of the CSP and registration
with the HPC.
Course location
The Division of Physiotherapy Education is situated 07
in the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) on the
Nottingham City Hospital Campus. This is
approximately four miles away from the main
University campus. The CSB is a purpose-built
structure which was opened in 1998. It contains
a 200 seat state-of-the-art lecture theatre, three
large lecture rooms, several smaller tutorial rooms,
two large practical rooms and a fully-equipped
Division of Physiotherapy Education
computer suite containing 29 fully networked
personal computers which are available for use
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Full library facilities are available to all students
across the University and City Hospital campuses.
First year students have a choice of
accommodation on the University Park Campus,
the Jubilee Campus or the City Hospital Campus.
 Teaching, learning
and assessment
Ethos of study
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
The Division of Physiotherapy Education is
committed to student support. This not only
includes pastoral care, through the tutor group
system, but extends out into our philosophy of
teaching and learning, where we believe in utilising
a wide variety of teaching methods in order to
deliver the subject in the most appropriate way.
Student support
With an intake of only 54 students, we can foster
an informal, friendly and open environment that
is beneficial to both staff and students. On arrival,
you will be allocated a personal tutor who will
work with you for the whole of your degree
programme. They will arrange regular meetings
where you will have the opportunity to discuss
your academic progress, including assessment
08
feedback, or seek confidential support and
advice on any other matters of concern.
Where appropriate, your tutor will also be able
to help you find support from outside agencies.
One outcome of these meetings is the Personal
Academic Record (PAR) which not only provides
a complete record of your progress throughout
your degree but also encourages reflection
and self-evaluation, and can contribute to the
Division of Physiotherapy Education
development of a CV and planning for your
future career. In addition to their personal tutor,
all students are encouraged to seek tutorial help
from lecturers as and when the need arises.
Teaching and learning
Years one and two of the course are taught in
a similar fashion. Each week starts with lead “The course is really well structured and the lecturers
lectures to the whole group, which will introduce are so supportive in making sure we achieve our
new topics. However, the second half of the week
sees the students working in smaller groups for potential. The teaching is so varied, and takes place
tutorials, practical sessions or small group teaching not just in a lecture setting, but through tutorials,
sessions to reinforce what has already been
practicals, and placements in local hospitals. Everyone
covered. Here students will look at the material
in greater depth, explore related issues, enhance is so friendly and helpful, and I've made so many
understanding and apply practice to the theory. fantastic friends. I feel so lucky to have had the
Assessment of the degree opportunity to study here.”
Each module within the course is assessed
and must be passed in order for the student Physiotherapy student
to progress to the next year, or graduate.
Our philosophy on assessment recognises that
students benefit from a wide range of different
09
methods, and that traditional written exams
may not be the most effective way of assessing
the wide range of modules contained within
the course.
We consider each module separately in order
to select the most fair and appropriate method
of evaluation for the material. Assessments are
therefore varied to include essays, coursework,
Division of Physiotherapy Education
multiple choice questions, viva voce examinations,
anatomy pro-section assessments, verbal and
poster presentations, laboratory reports and
assessment of practical skills.

www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
10
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Course structure
Year one: qualifying year
The marks gained in the qualifying year do not
count towards the overall degree classification;
the year provides the fundamental basis of the
academic concepts and practical skills required
for professional practice.
Year two
This year is divided between academic study,
where students are introduced to a variety
of pathological conditions and their
physiotherapeutic management, and four four-
week blocks of supervised clinical experience.
Year three
We pride ourselves on the flexible approach to
education which we are able to offer in year three.
In addition to the compulsory year-long modules,
students may choose two optional modules in
each semester (see year three modules, page 11
for a list of those currently on offer). This enables
them to dictate a course of study based on their
own interests and preferences. Please note that
these modules may change slightly from year to
year
as new options are added. As with year two,
time is divided between academic study and
clinical practice.
Year one modules
Neuro-musculoskeletal Studies
Studies the anatomical structure of the body and
its role in the production and control of normal
movement. Also introduces the basic manual therapy
skills and the tools to measure normal movement.
Patho-physiology
Considers normal physiology and how this may
be affected by the basic pathological processes
of inflammation and tissue repair. Pain theory
is also introduced.
Musculo-skeletal Disorders and Disease
Introduces commonly encountered conditions
affecting the musculo-skeletal system and their
therapeutic management. Includes soft tissue
injuries, fractures and the arthritides.
Evidence Based Practice (research)
Reviews basic research methods and considers
the importance of research relative to the practice
of physiotherapy.
Personal and Professional Development
Introduces a three-year theme that develops
personal study and communication skills. Discusses
the effects of disease on the individual and their
carers, and starts to develop a familiarity with
the concept of health and social care. Introduces
reflective writing skills and the development
of a personal portfolio.
“The constant support provided by
personable and approachable tutors,
who are dedicated to helping each
student succeed, makes the challenge
of the physio course an enjoyable one.”
Physiotherapy student
Year two modules
Therapeutic Studies
Continues the development of manual therapeutic
skills and introduces the study of both
electrotherapy and hydrotherapy.
Respiratory & Cardio-vascular Disorders
and Disease (Semester 3 only)
Involves a mixture of theoretical and practical
sessions to enable students to identify patient
problems and select appropriate management
strategies for people with cardio-respiratory disease.
Neurology and Health Care of the Elderly
(Semester 4 only)
Introduces the pathology, progression and effects
of neurological diseases on patients and carers
and discusses the rehabilitation strategies, based
on research evidence. Additionally, it investigates
the effects of the natural ageing process on the
physical and psycho-social wellbeing of patients.
Teaching methods include evidence-based paper
reviews, videos and patient scenarios as well as
more traditional methods.
Research Methods and Planning
Introduces statistics and the start of the
student’s own project with the submission
of a research proposal.
Personal and Professional Development
Discusses issues around team leadership
and management skills. Stress-management
and counselling are introduced.
Year three modules
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Optional modules (Semester 5):
Clinical Reasoning; Exercise Science and Health;
Management of Pain; Physiotherapy in Mental
Health; Physical Activity and Health; Rheumatology;
Spinal Rehabilitation; Women’s Health.
Optional modules (Semester 6):
Acupuncture for Pain Relief; Analysis of Human
Movement; Burns and Plastic Surgery; Cardio-
respiratory Rehabilitation; Neuro-rehabilitation;
Paediatric Care; Sports Medicine and Sports Injuries.
Research
Every student undertakes a research project in their
third year. This can be a lab-based investigation,
a survey, a clinical investigation, an educational
development or a literature review. Students have
11
a choice of topics and are allocated a staff supervisor
to guide them through the process. The project
allows students to demonstrate their abilities to
conduct a substantial piece of work and to manage
and organise their time appropriately. We encourage
students to take this work forward post-graduation
and present at conferences or be published.
Personal and Professional Development
Division of Physiotherapy Education
In order to prepare the students for their first
position as a qualified physiotherapist, this module
focuses on the development of transferable skills
for the modern healthcare service and discusses
current developments within the field of health
and social care. It also looks in detail at the
construction of curriculum vitaes, personal
statements, application forms and interview skills
and considers different working patterns and goal-
planning for a future career in physiotherapy.

The Clinical Programme
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
In order to comply with the requirements of the
Health Professions Council, each student must
undertake a minimum of 1000 hours supervised
clinical experience. At Nottingham, this is divided
into eight four-week placements plus a three-
week ‘elective placement’ at the very end of the
course. Each week comprises 32.5 hours and
whilst there are no weekend or night shifts, the
times for each placement may vary slightly.
All core clinical placements are arranged for
students by our team of Clinical Link Tutors and
take place in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire,
Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. Because placements
are split over four counties, we do our best to
arrange them so that no individual does more
than their fair share of travelling or living out.
12
The Clinical Link Team also arranges accommodation
for students whose placement is outside a 24-mile
radius of the Division. We aim to give students no
more than one “live-out” placement per year and,
providing the student is eligible for a bursary, the
cost of one set of accommodation will be
met by the NHS.
Division of Physiotherapy Education
In year two, students undertake two placements
per semester in the core specialities of orthopaedics,
basic outpatients, primary care and integrated
medicine. Year three has three specified placements
in advanced outpatients, neurology and respiratory
medicine. For the fourth placement, students are
able to choose from a variety of options depending
on their individual interests. Current options
available include mental health, adult learning
disabilities, women’s health, burns and plastic
surgery, rheumatology, oncology, RAF rehabilitation
and paediatrics.
There is also a three-week elective which forms
the ninth and final clinical placement of the
course, and takes place at the end of year three.
It is organised by the students themselves and
can be in any specialisation in any country in the
world with the sole proviso that the student finds
a supervisor who is eligible for registration with
the Health Professions Council.
For the duration of each placement, students
are allocated to a senior physiotherapist who will
guide and support them, aiming to provide the
best learning environment possible. The assessment
process is continual and is undertaken by the
supervising clinician in conjunction with an
academic tutor, who visits each student twice
during the four weeks.
Student Profile
Will Collett
Course and year of study:
Physiotherapy
(Second year)
Age: 20
Will is also President of the
Physiotherapy Society
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
“At school, they would often give us those tests designed to identify your ideal career and my
results always pointed back to medicine or something related. As I love biology and sports,
physiotherapy seemed to fit the bill, although I now know that there is a lot more to physiotherapy
than just treating sports injuries! I arranged some work experience and loved it, so I then looked
for suitable courses.
Physiotherapy at The University of Nottingham is taught in a dedicated building at the City Hospital,
a short bus ride from the main University campus. The facilities are cutting-edge – we have access
to electro-therapy equipment, such as ultrasound and TENS, and respiratory dolls, for example, which
replicate different breathing patterns.
The first year is very much about laying the groundwork, but I am now on the first of four, four-week
placements which will take place during my second year. These placements can be anywhere within
the Trent region and can encompass orthopaedics, integrated medicine, primary care and outpatients.
In my final year, I can choose an elective placement in whatever field interests me most.
As a physiotherapy student, I do work long hours, but these hours reflect what you can expect
in practice. However, being based at the City Hospital means that everyone on the course pulls 13
together across the years, so you never feel isolated.
Don’t get me wrong, there are still lots of social opportunities too. I lived in self-catered accommodation
in my first year and really loved the independence this gave me, as well as living in a student
community. I play a lot of sport and belong to the Real Ale Society, Cocktail Society and the Physio
Society. When I come to the campus, there’s always something going on.”
Top tip: “Think about what type of accommodation would suit you most in your first year.
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Self-catering was great for me but, for other people, halls are preferable. There’s no right
or wrong answer.”

www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
14
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Applying for
a place
Admissions information
All applications must be made through UCAS.
They can be made either electronically over the
web at www.ucas.com or by contacting UCAS
at the following address or telephone number:
UCAS, (B160)
UCAS Enquiries
UCAS, PO Box 28
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ
t: +44 (0) 870 1122211
It is the stated policy of UCAS that late applications
(received after the mid-January deadline) are
considered at the discretion of the individual
institutions. Due to the popularity of the course
at Nottingham we do not normally consider
late applications.
Academic requirements
Whilst the majority of applicants to Nottingham
offer traditional qualifications we are also
happy to consider non-traditional qualifications
on an individual basis; these must however
be taken in relevant subjects and passed at
an equivalent standard. For individual advice,
please contact the Admissions Secretary,
eileen.evans@nottingham.ac.uk.
The minimum academic requirements for
each of the most common applicant profiles
are listed here.
School leavers
For the purposes of admission to this course
a ‘school leaver’ is defined as a student who
will be under 21 years of age on the date of
commencement of the course.
GCSEs:
This profile is required from all school leavers:
• minimum of six subjects at A or B grades to
include maths, English language and either
biology or integrated/combined sciences
In addition to our standard GCSE requirements,
school leavers would generally be expected to
present with one of the following qualifications:
• AS & A2 levels
• BTEC National or Higher National Diploma
• Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education.
AS levels:
• we require a minimum of three subjects at AS
level (although four is the norm), with three
of these continuing on to A2 level
• the grades achieved at AS level will assume
significance if an applicant has only taken three,
or narrowly fails to achieve the ABB offer at A2
level in one of the academic subjects (excepting
the biological science/physical education)
• if a school does not offer the breadth of
provision that enables a student to follow more
than three subjects at AS level, this should be
stated in the school reference.
A2 levels:
• ABB in three A2 levels, one of which must
be in biology or physical education, or an
acceptable biological science, i.e. human
biology or social biology
• general studies is not accepted.
Alternative qualifications:
• BTEC Higher National Diploma:
– 16 units, majority in biology and the
life sciences
– merit>distinction profile (MMD).
• BTEC National Diploma:
– 18 units, majority in biology and the
life sciences
– distinction>merit profile (DDM).
• Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education:
– Double Award, 12 units
– AB or BB grade profile
– science or healthcare related options
– plus one A2 level, or two AS levels at
A or B grades.
Please note: the grade achieved with the AVCE
plus the A2 must equate to ABB in any
combination.
• Irish Leaving Certificate:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
– six Leaving Certificate papers at Higher
Level, taken at one sitting
– minimum of two grade As and four Bs,
(over 440 points)
– to include maths, English and a
biological science.
• Scottish Highers:
– five Highers
– two A and three B grades (24 points) – three,
preferably four, to be taken at one sitting
– to include two sciences, maths and English
– Advanced Highers are also considered.
15
• International Baccalaureate:
– 32 points, with 6 in biology
– minimum of three subjects at Higher level,
including biology.
• European Baccalaureate:
– 75 per cent Diploma score, including
biology at a high grade.
Division of Physiotherapy Education
• French Baccalaureate:
– average mark of 14 (bien), with 15
or above in biology.

Mature applicants
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
Mature applicants are welcomed and form
approximately 25-33 per cent of each cohort.
Academic requirements are as follows –
• Previous degree:
– 2:1 in a relevant subject within the last three
years (if in a non-relevant subject, or outside
the three-year limit, contact the Division
of Physiotherapy Education for advice)
– applicants are required to take a year out
between completion of one degree and
commencement of another. Some use this
to gain further experience of physiotherapy
by working as a physiotherapy assistant.
This not only confirms their choice, but also
strengthens their application by proving that
they are familiar with the requirements and
16
demands of the profession. Others choose
to seek paid employment elsewhere, or
travel for a year. Obviously a combination
of all three is also possible.
• Other previous academic suitability:
– mature students who have not studied for
three or more years but who would otherwise
have been considered academically suitable
Division of Physiotherapy Education
must show evidence of recent academic study,
usually in the form of one A2 level or two AS
levels. These should be a biological science or
physical education, unless previously achieved
in which case we recommend sociology
or psychology.
• No previous academic suitability:
Applicants who have no relevant academic
qualifications, or failed to achieve the required
grades are expected to present with a GCSE grade B
in maths and English language or its equivalent,
plus one of the following:
– AS/A2 levels:
two academic A2 levels or three AS levels
(to include a biological science or physical
education) at B grades
– BTEC Higher National and National Diplomas:
as for school leavers (see page 15)
– Access courses (QAA approved only):
science or health based
majority of credits in biology & life
science subjects
minimum of 72 credits with at least 48
passed at level 3 (or 24 and 16 if not OCN)
if you are unable to take 72 (24) credits
please contact the Division for advice
– Open University qualifications:
60 points at Level 2, accrued within one
year at Pass Grade 2
the following modules are recommended:
S204: Biology: Uniformity & Diversity
(60 points) or
SK277: Human Biology (30 points) plus
SD226: Biological Psychology:
Exploring the Brain (30 points).
“Physiotherapy is a friendly course
with about 50 students in my year,
all of whom I know well.”
Physiotherapy student
Deferred applications If you need further advice on the level of
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
We welcome applications from students wishing your English language, the Centre for English
to take a gap year and encourage them to use Language Education – which is located on the
the year creatively. Gap year students form main University campus – is there to assist.
approximately 10-15 per cent of our annual intake. They can be reached via any of the following:
Overseas applicants Centre for English Language Education
All places on the course are NHS funded, Highfield House
apportioned to us by the Trent Multi-Professional The University of Nottingham
Workforce Deanery. We are therefore unable to University Park
consider students who would not be eligible for Nottingham
an NHS funded place. This ruling affects non-EU NG7 2RD
students. Applicants should confirm their eligibility t: +44 (0) 115 951 4405
using the Department of Health website: f: +44 (0) 115 951 4992
www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/eligiblecourses e: cele-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk
Channel Island and Isle of Man students are eligible
to apply and can be offered commissioned places
(i.e. treated as home students) providing that they
17
can supply a copy of their award letter from the
Channel Island or Isle of Man governments.
Physiotherapy students need to be fluent in the
English language in order to both understand
and complete the course and to communicate
effectively with patients and members of the
multidisciplinary team. For students whose first
language is not English we require a TOEFL score
Division of Physiotherapy Education
of 600 or IELTS score of 7 with no lower than a 6
in any element. Please note that a pass at GCSE
English language with a B or above will normally
be regarded as meeting this requirement.
 Non-academic
requirements
Non-academic requirements –
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
work experience
A BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy is a vocational
degree. Consequently applicants need to be
enthusiastic about the profession and sure
in their own minds that they really want to
be a physiotherapist, in whatever field.
In order for you to be able to make an informed
decision, we require that you undertake as much
physiotherapy work experience as possible.
Since a student’s clinical education is conducted
primarily within the NHS hospital and community
setting, it is important that you gain experience
in these settings prior to applying. Experience
in other areas, such as special schools, private
practice, sports clinics, and centres for the elderly
will all strengthen your application.
18
Your experience should give you a feel for the
breadth, depth and requirements of the profession
and for the personal qualities and characteristics
that are necessary in a physiotherapist.
At interview, you will be questioned on what you
have seen in order for us to evaluate whether or
not you are applying with an understanding of,
and commitment to, the profession. To be able
Division of Physiotherapy Education
to discuss this fluently, you will need enough work
experience to make you positive, in your own mind,
that you have made the right career choice.
We understand that it may be difficult to gain
work experience since, due to the popularity
of the degree, many hospitals are swamped by
requests. In recognising this we recommend that
you write to a large number of both NHS and
private hospitals in your region, considering
the smaller general hospitals as well as the large
teaching hospitals. We prefer a candidate to
spend two or three days in a variety of different
areas than spend a week in the same one.
It is important to note that without work
experience it is likely that your application will
be rejected automatically at the initial stages.
Criminal offences and other related matters
Owing to the particular nature of this course,
the University uses the services of the Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB) to assess the suitability
of applicants to work with a vulnerable population.
This is common practice in healthcare professions,
and the University undertakes not to discriminate
unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on
the basis of a criminal conviction or information
revealed. Candidates should be aware that the
disclosure will list all convictions and cautions
received. Certain offences may lead to the
candidate being refused entry onto the course,
or subsequently being asked to withdraw.
On completion of the course, graduates are
required to provide another CRB check as part
of the State Registration processes.
Disclosure information will be handled and
disposed of securely in compliance with the CRB
Code of Practice, the Data Protection Act and
other relevant legislation.
“I visited Nottingham University
on an open day and thought the
facilities were amazing.”
Physiotherapy student
Students with disabilities or health concerns
Disabilities and health concerns do not necessarily
form a bar to entry onto the BSc (Hons)
Physiotherapy. In line with the Special Educational
Needs & Disability Act (2001) we treat all
students fairly, offering ongoing support and
making reasonable adjustments where necessary.
However the Division of Physiotherapy Education
has a responsibility to ensure that all students
admitted to the course will be able to meet the
Standards of Proficiency set out by the Health
Professions Council (HPC) and therefore be
eligible for registration by both the Chartered
Society and the HPC on graduation. It is expected
that any condition, past or present, will be
controlled and stable and, as such, will not impair
the student’s ability to complete the course,
or care for patients.
Any applicant who is offered a place on the course
is required to complete a medical questionnaire.
This is then forwarded to the Occupational Health
Department who may choose to offer the applicant
a full medical examination. It is therefore important
to note that all offers of a place on the course are
conditional on the student obtaining a clear bill of
health from our Occupational Health Department.
In line with UCAS guidelines, disability or health
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
concerns can be disclosed on the UCAS form
and/or in a letter addressed directly to the
Admissions Tutor. This includes, amongst others,
conditions such as hearing or visual deficits,
dyslexia, diabetes, epilepsy, depression or eating
disorders. All of the information disclosed is
treated as completely confidential.
Accepting someone who is unlikely to fulfil
the rigorous demands of professional fitness
to practise would not be in the interests of the
student and would be contrary to the Division’s
overriding duty of care to the public. For that
reason, students with disabilities should seek
advice from the Admissions Tutor well before
the deadline for UCAS submissions so that each
case can be given individual consideration.
19
Division of Physiotherapy Education
 The admissions “I went to Nottingham University twice over for
two different degrees and can say with conviction
that it is probably the best university in the
process world. My second degree was in physiotherapy.
The placements were excellent, with most of
them being near to Nottingham, and the
teaching prepared me well for my first junior
physio job. It’s a forward-thinking department
with friendly and approachable staff.”

Senior II Physiotherapist, graduated 2000

We have a transparent selection process 5. Due to the extremely high demand for places, we Interviews Timescale of the admissions process
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs

through which we aim to select the highest
calibre of applicant in order to make
offers. This selection process is free from
discrimination of any kind and is outlined
below.
Selection for interview
We receive in excess of 1000 applications per
year for 54 places. In 2006/7 we interviewed
approximately 200 people. We select for interview
using the following procedure:
1. Initial reading of the UCAS forms is
undertaken, against strict selection criteria,
by the Central Admissions Office.
2. Applicants are rejected in the first instance
20 because they do not fulfil our academic
requirements or they lack work experience.
3. The remaining applicants are considered to
have acceptable forms. These forms are divided
into ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ and the ‘good’ ones
are then, unfortunately, rejected. In 2006/7
we had more than 350 excellent forms.
4. Each of the ’excellent’ forms are read and
re-read by the Admissions Tutor in order to
Division of Physiotherapy Education
run a system of ‘cancellation interviews’ whereby
those candidates with excellent forms who did
not receive an interview initially may be offered
an interview slot vacated by someone who has
withdrawn their application. Cancellation
interviews are offered on the understanding
that they may be at short notice.
Completing a UCAS form
An excellent UCAS form includes:
• a strong academic profile with either traditional
or non-traditional qualifications on offer
• a highly supportive reference (normally an
academic reference)
• a personal statement which tells us all
about the applicant.
The personal statement is paramount in deciding
who will be chosen to go forward for interview.
We read the statement to see if the applicant
knows what the profession involves, not just in
terms of actual work, but also in terms of the
traits and characteristics that they believe are
necessary in a physiotherapist. We look to see if
the applicant demonstrates, through everything
It is currently our policy to interview for all places.
The interviews are relatively informal with no
written or practical tests and are scheduled to
take place in December, January and February.
Each candidate has two 20 minute interviews
with two separate members of staff. The interview
process is designed to assess:
• insight into physiotherapy via work experience,
courses, reading etc.
• motivation
• ability to communicate, to discuss and
form opinions
• personal attitudes and attributes
• non-verbal communication skills
Following the two interviews, the interviewers
meet to discuss each candidate. Their comments
are forwarded to the Admissions Tutor who makes
offers to those students who scored highest
overall at interview.
Re-applications
If you apply one year and are not invited for
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
UCAS forms arrive at the Division continually
between September and January. Students who do
not meet our academic requirements, who have no
work experience, or whose personal statements do
not suggest an in-depth knowledge of, and wish to
join, the profession (see previous information and
advice), are rejected as quickly as possible to enable
them to consider other courses.
Forms that we consider to be very good take longer
to process since they are continually compared
against each other in order to select the best. This
means that although you may submit your form in
September, you may not hear from us with regard
to an interview date until December or January.
We accept this delay as inevitable if we are to be
fair and equitable to all students who have applied
21
within the UCAS deadline, and as a consequence
do not fill our final interview slots until we have
received the last non-late application.
If you will be unavailable for interview at any point
during December, January or February, please write
or email and let us know since, whilst we will do
our best, it is not always possible to reschedule an
interview. Offers of a place are all sent out during

Division of Physiotherapy Education

select the 200 applicants who, it is felt, have
the very best overall forms. Inherent time and
resource restraints mean that it is impossible for
us to interview all applicants and consequently,
unfortunate though it is, we reject some
exceptional candidates.
they have done, that they have those traits and
characteristics, and could go on to complete the
course and become a credit to the profession.
interview you can apply again for another year. the last week in February or the first week in March.
You will need to submit your application through
UCAS in the usual way. It is our practice not to
reconsider candidates who have previously been
rejected post interview.

www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
22
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Money matters
Course fees
All places on the course are NHS funded and
therefore the decision to charge students £3,150
per year of study top-up fees does not currently
apply to the Division of Physiotherapy Education.
If however you are unsure as to whether you are
eligible to have your course fees paid please read
the Department of Health’s ‘Financial Help for
Healthcare Students’. This can be downloaded at
www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/forms/booklets/
students_financial_help.pdf
or by contacting The Department of Health:
t: +44 (0) 8701 555455
f: +44 (0) 1623 724524
e: doh@prolog.uk.com
w: www.nhspa.gov.uk
You can also contact the Student Grants Unit
on 08453 586655 (student helpline), or at the
following address: NHS Student Grants Unit,
NHS Pensions Agency, 200 – 220 Broadway,
Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8SS.
“I did a lot of research into the
available degrees, and physiotherapy
at Nottingham was the best.”
Physiotherapy student
NHS bursaries for NHS funded courses
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
Students on NHS funded courses may be entitled
to a bursary (this being defined as an award to
cover your day-to-day living costs whilst you
are studying). To find out if you are eligible, read
the Department of Health’s ‘Financial Help for
Healthcare Students’ (see left for details). In
addition to the standard bursary, extra allowances
are available for other situations, involving such
variables as dependants, single parents and
disabled students.
Students who are entitled to a bursary will be able
to claim back some or all of their accommodation
costs whilst on clinical placement (dependant on
the amount of the award) so that they do not
incur a double rent.
Student loans 23
In order to apply for a student loan to cover
Course costs
living costs (you do not need one to cover
Candidates should be aware that certain items or Skeleton: we loan a half skeleton to each first
course fees since these do not currently apply
requirements of the course will lead to additional year student for a hire fee of £30.
to physiotherapy students) you need to contact
expense/costs. The following are examples of
the Department for Education & Skills (DfES).
these additional costs. Books: we do not have a compulsory book list,
To check your eligibility for a loan (including
and the core texts can be found in both the
EU & overseas) look on the DfES website:
Uniform: clinical uniforms are required for both City Hospital and University libraries; however
www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport or contact
clinical exams and placements. The cost of two students often choose to purchase copies of
Division of Physiotherapy Education
+44 (0) 1325 392822. Loans are administered by
clinical uniforms can be claimed back when their particular favourites.
the Student Loans Company, whose website is
registered on the course. Practical classes require
www.slc.co.uk. Photocopying/inter-library loans/printing:
the student to be dressed appropriately. The
Division of Physiotherapy Education has a supplier during the course, students will incur some costs
who provides a range of clothing for these associated with these items. The Division aims
purposes which can be ordered prior to starting the to keep these to a minimum.
course, and which will arrive during Freshers’ Week.

Frequently asked
questions
Where will I be based and where will I live?
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
Physiotherapy students are based at the
Nottingham City Hospital, four miles from
University Park Campus, and have the option
to live on the City Hospital Campus, University Park
Campus or the Jubilee Campus. We guarantee all
first year students a place in University-arranged
accommodation for at least one year*.
Can I study abroad?
All undergraduate students at The University
of Nottingham have the opportunity to study or
work abroad during their time here. However, as
physiotherapy students are funded by the NHS
these opportunities are limited. You will have the
chance to organise a three-week physiotherapy
placement overseas to be undertaken at the end
of your third year, but this must be self-funded
24
and arranged by you. We can offer you advice
and contacts from past placements but the
emphasis will be on you to organise your trip.
What sports facilities are there?
The University has excellent facilities for
badminton, cricket, football, hockey, rugby,
snooker, squash, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
The sports centre on University Park Campus is
Division of Physiotherapy Education
one of the largest in the university sector, and
includes 12 indoor sports courts, seven squash
courts, and a climbing wall. There is a 25m eight
lane swimming pool, a floodlit astroturf pitch,
three tennis courts, and a modern two-storey
fitness centre. The Athletics Union hosts over
75 sports clubs so you can get involved in a
wide range of sporting activities.
*Students must firmly accept their course place and apply
for accommodation by 1 August 2008 to be eligible.
Trent Building, University Park Campus
What other opportunities are there
outside of my course?
Our Students’ Union is one of the most active “Physiotherapy is very hands-on – there’s a lot
in the UK and hosts over 150 clubs and societies, of interacting with people.”
from the Art Society to the Yoga Society. The Physio
Society runs socials, sporting events, organises balls,
and provides welfare support for physiotherapy Physiotherapy student
students. The Students’ Union also runs its own
magazine, along with an award-winning radio
station and student TV station where there are
opportunities for writing, presenting and producing.
The New Theatre is a student-run theatre group
that puts on around 20 productions a year, some
of which travel to the Edinburgh Festival.
What career opportunities are there for
physiotherapy graduates?
In the UK most physiotherapists work within the
25
wide range of specialities offered by the NHS.
There are physiotherapists in virtually every area
including burns and plastics, health care of the
elderly, maternity, mental health, neurology,
orthopaedics, out-patients, paediatrics, respiratory,
and women’s health. However, there are many other
settings including research or academia, patients’
homes, charitable organisations, industry, special
schools, sports centres, the armed forces, social
Division of Physiotherapy Education
services and veterinary practices.
 Visiting us
Divisional open days
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
In addition to the general University open days,
the Division of Physiotherapy Education holds
its own open days. These start with a lecture in
the Clinical Sciences Building at 1.30pm (given by
the Admissions Tutor) on choosing your university,
completing a UCAS form, the physiotherapy
degree course at Nottingham and a brief history
of the profession. Following the lecture you will
have the chance to ask general questions about
the Division and the course, and individual
questions with regard to your specific application.
You will also have the opportunity to meet
current staff and students, and look around
the Clinical Sciences Building where all of the
physiotherapy lectures take place.
26
Division of Physiotherapy Education
Nottingham City Hospital
NHS Trust Campus
If you are interested in attending one of our
open days, please contact the enquiry line on
+44 (0) 115 951 5559 or email undergraduate-
enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk
How to find us
The Division of Physiotherapy Education is
situated within the Clinical Sciences Building
at the Nottingham City Hospital (NCH). This is
approximately four miles from the main University
campus. Full directions to NCH can be obtained
from their website at www.nuh.nhs.uk/patients-
visitors/transport/directions-car.htm
Contacting us
For further information please contact: For international student enquiries,
Admissions Secretary please contact:
Division of Physiotherapy Education
The International Office
Clinical Sciences Building
t: +44 (0) 115 951 5247
Hucknall Road
f: +44 (0) 115 951 5155
Nottingham
e: international-office@nottingham.ac.uk
NG5 1PB
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/international
UK
t: +44 (0) 115 823 1783
f: +44 (0) 115 823 1791
e: eileen.evans@nottingham.ac.uk
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/chs
We hope that this brochure has answered any questions
you may have had about studying physiotherapy at the
University of Nottingham. If however you have any
further queries please contact the Admissions Secretary.
This document is available in large print on request.
If you require an alternative format, please discuss your
needs with our Disability Liaison Officer who can be
contacted through the Admissions Secretary.
For general undergraduate
enquiries contact:

The Enquiry Centre t: +44 (0) 115 951 5559

Marketing and Communications f: +44 (0) 115 846 8062
King’s Meadow Campus e: undergraduate-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk
Lenton Lane w: www.nottingham.ac.uk
Nottingham
NG7 2NR
UK