Marjon launches Physiotherapy degree for 2022

Released: 14.10.21

Plymouth Marjon University have announced the launch of a new Integrated Master’s Physiotherapy (MPhysio) degree for 2022.

It is a four-year pre-registration course which has been designed for undergraduate entry. It will equip physiotherapy graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to work in the ever-evolving health care sector.

Due to an ageing population with long term conditions and complex presentation in the UK, there is a bigger emphasis on the need for physiotherapists. Their role is to promote health and wellbeing and to support users and carers in primary care and community settings.

Students will have the unique opportunity to be out in the community on placements. They will work with the likes of Livewell South West, St Luke’s Hospice and University Hospitals Plymouth. There will also be opportunities with Devon County Council to provide physiotherapy as social care to people in their own homes, after having time to find their feet in the on-site training clinics.

The new Physiotherapy degree incorporates leadership and quality enhancement in its modules, providing students with knowledge and experience that is highly desirable to healthcare providers. Employers recognise that future practitioners need these skills to contribute effectively to the flexible and responsive service delivery needed in the profession. The course is currently going through the validation process ready for a September 2022 start.

Professor of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation, Gary Shum, says: “The students will have opportunities to learn from a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, psychotherapists and osteopaths. We have tailor made our course to prepare our graduates to work in different settings including acute, community and extended rehabilitation.

“The students will also have opportunity to conduct their Master's project in our state-of-the-art biomechanics, physiology or strength and conditioning labs with expert support from the teaching team.”

End of Life Care Lead Educator for St Luke’s Hospice, Gemma Quinn, says: “The values, ethos and programme design will equip the physiotherapy graduates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in today’s evolving health care settings.

“Here at St Luke’s Hospice, Plymouth we are delighted to see innovation in preparing physiotherapy students to work in the community with patients who have long term and complex conditions, as this mirrors our patient profile with the majority of our patient’s palliative and end of life care occurring at home.

St Luke’s Hospice, Plymouth, are committed to supporting Plymouth Marjon University with physiotherapy placements as we work together in developing the health care professionals of the future.”

After graduating, Physiotherapists have an increasing variety of opportunities for work across a range of health care settings and other workplace environments. These include the NHS, primary and social care, education, research, private practice and industry. Starting salaries for physiotherapists within the NHS range from £25,655-£31,534 (band 5). Salaries in private practice can be higher.

The new MPhysio degree is the latest offering from Marjon Health and Wellbeing which already runs 14 training clinics. Students train as health professionals (such as Speech and Language Therapists, Osteopaths, Sports Therapists, or Health and Wellbeing Practitioners) by working with real patients alongside expert tutors and local health care organisations, providing community-based support programmes.

Book on to Marjon’s next on campus Open Day on Wednesday 24 November to find out more about the Integrated Masters in Physiotherapy course and what else Marjon has to offer.