Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This postgraduate programme integrates the advanced clinical, theoretical, academic and research components of paediatric physiotherapy practice. The emphasis is on the management of paediatric patients with cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Flexibility in the selection of modules allows for your particular interests to be accommodated.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Pathways include:
Cardiorespiratory (TMSPHHSAPC01)
Musculoskeletal (TMSPHHSAPM01)
Neurophysiotherapy (TMSPHHSAPN01)
Paediatrics (TMSPHHSAPP01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
£17,200
Pathways include:
Cardiorespiratory (TMSPHHSAPC01)
Musculoskeletal (TMSPHHSAPM01)
Neurophysiotherapy (TMSPHHSAPN01)
Paediatrics (TMSPHHSAPP01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in physiotherapy; or an approved diploma in physiotherapy together with evidence of appropriate clinical and/or teaching experience and a commitment to continuing professional development. We expect students to have had at least 2 years post-qualification clinical experience and UK state-registration is preferred.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This programme offers you the opportunity to extend your knowledge of the key practical and theoretical aspects of Paediatric Physiotherapy. You will challenge the foundations of established but poorly justified treatments, develop and undertake clinical research and learn about new and emerging treatment options. You will also benefit from the teaching and clinical mentorship from recognised experts in Paediatric Physiotherapy.

Who this course is for

This degree is only suitable for World Physiotherapy recognised qualified physiotherapists with at least two years paediatric physiotherapy clinical experience which does not include internship.

What this course will give you

UCL is a world-class university and this well-established and popular postgraduate physiotherapy programme is highly regarded both locally and internationally. Our close relationship with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children means that much of our research and training is carried out on a joint basis. We also have close links with other paediatric specialist hospitals and research centres. You will receive expert tuition with lectures, tutorials and workshops delivered by recognised experts in paediatric physiotherapy practice.

Our students come from all over the world. This cross-fertilisation of international experience and ideas generates a powerful and inspirational platform for postgraduate physiotherapy learning that, combined with the central London location, makes UCL an attractive choice for physiotherapy students.

The foundation of your career

The programme aims to transform the way you think about expert patient care and the theoretical foundation for paediatric physiotherapy clinical practice. The programme provides a rigorous, evidence-based training in the best research and clinical practice. You will graduate with skills suitable for a range of clinical, educational or research posts.

Employability

The programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge for a career in academia or research, or a more senior clinical or management position within your chosen career field. Recent physiotherapy graduates have pursued senior careers in healthcare policy, university lecturing, private practice, management or highly specialist clinical practice. Several past physiotherapy students have used the MSc successfully to gain funding for PhD studies.

Networking

The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health offers seven MSc programmes as well as an MRes in Child Health encompassing a wide range of topics. Our students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, from the UK and overseas providing great networking opportunities within and across programmes. We hold social events throughout the year for the whole student cohort to enable networking between students. Students on the master's programmes have the opportunity to join GOS ICH events such as the Otto Woolf lectures hosted by the research and teaching departments. These cover a variety of topics and provide an opportunity to hear from national and international experts and to network at the social event that usually accompanies these events.  

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online learning and self-directed learning.

Assessment methods include: written assignments, online assignments, oral presentations, multiple choice tests, literature review and research proposal, assessed coursework, unseen and prior disclosure written examinations, and the dissertation with a written report and oral presentation.

Each 15-credit module equates to 150 hours of student effort. Most modules are delivered as blocks of study, normally over six consecutive days. Face to face or online teaching for each of these days is normally from 9-5pm. Face to face / online teaching hours normally comprises about one-third of the study hours expected for the module.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time 12 months, flexible 2-5 years) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, part-time 12 months) is offered. Students take 60 credits of core modules.

Modules

Full-time students will take modules to the total of 180 credits over one year. All students will take the compulsory modules:  Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy, Part 1 (CHLD0010),  Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination (CHLD0013), Applied Statistics for Health Research I (CHLD0064 ) and Research Project (CHLD0026). Students will then need to choose a minimum of two compulsory modules from this list:   

  • Paediatric Neuro-Physiotherapy (CHLD0017)
  • Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (CHLD0018)
  • Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  (CHLD0020)
  • The Young Athlete: Injury Prevention and Management (CHLD0022)

Depending on which compulsory modules are chosen from the list above, the remainder of your 180 credits will be made up of optional modules. Please see below the list of optional modules.

In Term 1, you are likely to focus on your compulsory modules, as these modules set the foundation for your degree.  
 
In Term 2, while you may still be completing your compulsory modules, you will also begin optional modules and developing the concepts you learnt in Term 1. You will be choosing your research topic during this time and beginning work on this project.  

In Terms 2 and 3, you will work on your research project, as well as completing your optional modules. You will hand in your research project towards the end of the academic year. 
 

Part-time students will take modules to the total of 180 credits over two years. All students will take the compulsory modules:  Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy, Part 1 (CHLD0010), Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination (CHLD0013), Applied Statistics for Health Research I (CHLD0064 ) and Research Project (CHLD0026). Students will then need to choose a minimum of two compulsory modules from this list:   

  • Paediatric Neuro-Physiotherapy (CHLD0017)
  • Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (CHLD0018)
  • Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  (CHLD0020)
  • The Young Athlete: Injury Prevention and Management (CHLD0022)

Depending on which compulsory modules are chosen from the list above, the remainder of your 180 credits will be made up of optional modules. Please see below the list of optional modules.

In the first year, you will need to undertake 90 credits comprising both core and optional modules. In the second year, you will register on the remaining 90 credits including the 60-credit research project module. The clinical placement is undertaken after you have successfully completed the relevant core theoretical modules. This may be in either the first or second year.

Modular/flexible students have five years to complete the programme, completing modules worth a total of 180 credits. All students will take the compulsory modules: Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy, Part 1 (CHLD0010), Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination (CHLD0013), Applied Statistics for Health Research I (CHLD0064 ) and Research Project (CHLD0026). Students will then need to choose a minimum of two compulsory modules from this list:   

  • Paediatric Neuro-Physiotherapy (CHLD0017)
  • Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (CHLD0018)
  • Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  (CHLD0020)
  • The Young Athlete: Injury Prevention and Management (CHLD0022)

Depending on which compulsory modules are chosen from the list above, the remainder of your 180 credits will be made up of optional modules. Please see below the list of optional modules.

The 60-credit research project is usually taken in the final year and the clinical placement is undertaken after you have successfully completed the relevant core theoretical modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics.

Placement

There is a compulsory three-week placement (105 hours of contact time) and an optional second placement. These placements are part of the Clinical Education in Advanced Physiotherapy modules.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400 £17,200

Pathways include:
Cardiorespiratory (TMSPHHSAPC01)
Musculoskeletal (TMSPHHSAPM01)
Neurophysiotherapy (TMSPHHSAPN01)
Paediatrics (TMSPHHSAPP01)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

There may be additional costs for students on the Advanced route during their compulsory clinical placement, which may include:

  • Travel to the placement site. The cost of travel will vary as some students may choose to carry out their placement in London, while others may wish to undertake their placement elsewhere.  
  • Accommodation, if students need to live nearer to the site for the three-week placement. The cost of accommodation will depend on where the student chooses to under their placement. 
  • Uniform costs: purchase simple white polo tops, blue trousers and blue/black shoes. These items can be purchased very reasonably from £5 - £20 per item. 
  • Occupational Health check. The cost of an occupational health check can range from £75.00 to £500.00 in the UK. 

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Bursary

Up to ten students registered for an MSc or MRes at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health can receive up to £3,000 towards the fees for a full-time student OR up to £1,500 per year for a student taking an MSc on a part-time basis, paid over two years. The award amount will be deducted from the cost of fees at the start of the programme.

Find out more.

External funding opportunities:

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics at graduate level
  • why you want to study Advanced Physiotherapy: Paediatrics at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree
  • what is your research experience and research interests

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.