Doctorate of Physiotherapy

There is a firm emphasis on the development of doctorate-level research skills in conjunction with the clinical reasoning and practical skills required of a Physiotherapist.

Academic modules have been developed to allow you to develop strong core assessment, treatment and research skills, and a deeper knowledge of core areas such as exercise prescription and health improvement theory.

Integrating the core practice areas of cardiovascular respiratory, neurology and musculoskeletal encourages you to think holistically about your patients and to embed this in your practice. The thesis allows the transfer of practical and academic elements to the clinical application of research.

Learning Methods

How long is a Doctorate of Physiotherapy course?

The Doctorate of Physiotherapy at RGU can be successfully completed in 3 years 5 months.

You will be taught via a mixture of problem-orientated, enquiry-based learning, with practical workshops, projects and simulation, working with volunteer patients, and in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre which includes our METIman facility. During the course, we also frequently invite external speakers including expert clinicians.

You will work in groups, and undertake practical and tutorial sessions with some group and individual project work, facilitated by experienced tutors with current clinical experienced.

The Doctoral thesis will allow in-depth study of a clinically or service relevant area to PhD level and you will work with a group of experienced clinicians and academics.

Professor Kay Cooper,k.cooper@rgu.ac.uk,isthe programme director.

Independent Study

You will develop substantial initiative and autonomy through learning methods which will require a significant amount of independent study. Although supported, the thesis is a significant piece of self-directed work which tests your higher cognitive skills in problem-solving and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and selectivity and improves your ability to learn.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

You will undertake six placements spread over the first 2 years of the course. The final placement is an elective arranged by you, and can be undertaken in any country if the required conditions are met. The Thesis will be undertaken at a clinical or academic site with a clinical supervisor in addition to the research supervision team. Please note that for students from the USA planning to apply for a Federal Loan, no placements can take place in the USA to comply with the requirements of the FERPA.

Student Outcomes

Job Prospects

The university’s MSc Physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills.

Students will be eligible for HCPC and CSP registration on completion of their DPT after transfer from their PGDip. A DPT is a requirement for registration in the United States. The addition of the PhD is likely to add to graduates prospects in clinical research and academic careers.

Internationally, CAPTE have from 2016 onwards changed the minimum level of qualifying programmes to doctoral level which means the qualification will be in high demand by those wishing to pursue a career in the US and beyond. We have welcomed a number of students from the United States and Canada as well as students from other countries who wish to practice in the USA to this course.