Key Facts
BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (Blended Learning)
Chevron College is currently accepting registration of interest for a new 3-year Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Physiotherapy Degree which is being run in partnership with the University of East London.
Chevron College have a vision to educate highly-skilled Physiotherapists who will consistently provide critically-appraised, evidence-informed, and compassionate care to patients in diverse health environments.
Physiotherapists treat patients of all ages, helping them to maximise functional movement caused by accidents, illness and disability. Their expertise helps improve mobility, independence and quality of life. You’ll learn how to communicate professionally and treat patients safely and effectively. You will gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in the HSE & NHS and private sector, to prepare you for your physiotherapy career.
The programme will provide a high standard of evidence-based teaching to maximise clinical reasoning and critical thinking to prepare student for their physiotherapy career.
Learn in our state-of-the-art customed designed Physiotherapy training centre. This immersive environment mimics the professional world, offering simulation in critical care, hospital wards, rehabilitation and even a simulated home. The programme will consist of 1000 clinical hours of placement required to qualify as a registered physiotherapist in the UK and Ireland.
Physiotherapy is a professional healthcare course, meaning that all students must commit to actively participating in working with all peers in class. This will involve the touch and exposure of relevant body parts in a professional and respectful manner regardless of beliefs.
How will this programme be delivered?
This blended programme is delivered over 3 academic years consisting of 2 semesters each year. 2 classroom face to face days are required in our customed designed Physiotherapy training centre during each semester. The remaining training is delivered through a combination of online lectures and tutorials.
Blended Learning Delivery will use a combination of
- Online lectures to introduce new topic areas and theory, examine available evidence, and explore and integration current concepts
- Practical sessions with small groups to develop the practical, analytical, and evaluation skills required for clinical practice
- Anatomy labs and workshops to explore the anatomical and biomechanical systems related of the human body
- Cardiorespiratory simulation workshops will allow experiential learning, with feedback ongoing through all teaching sessions.
- Tutorials to facilitate review and discussion of critical topics, and develop of clinical reasoning related to patient case scenarios
- Independent learning; encouraging autonomy and self-directed learning. Year 3 students are expected to take significant responsibility for their own learning. Students will be expected to access the evidence base supporting each topic under review to critically analyse their choice of treatments and skill development.
The ratio of online-lectures to practical workshops will differ for particular modules, but is heavily biased towards practical workshops. Generally, when students are not on clinical placement, they will attend our custom designed Physiotherapy training rooms in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin for 2 days per week for practical workshops. Outside of clinical placement weeks the other days will be used for lectures, tutorials, and independent learning to consolidate practical teaching.
Tutor Support
You can contact your tutor by email, request a call back and for that extra peace of mind, obtain feedback on your assignments. Your tutor is available Monday to Friday 9-5:30pm.
There is also an easy to use student support forum for any learner who may have questions on their weekly content. You just post your query to the forum and your lecturer will post a response.
The Studies Advisor is available to support students with areas including academic writing, referencing skills and to develop a realistic study schedule for each module.
Protection for learners
In compliance with Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 Part 6, where Chevron College offers training programmes of 3 months duration or more, Learner Protection cover is in place via relevant financial product, should Chevron College cease to provide QQI programmes before learners have completed awards.
Course Modules
Year 1
| Introduction to Physiology 1 | This module will provide you with a foundation for understanding the human body and a knowledge and understanding of the science related to the production of movement. Key physiological systems and processes involved in defence and repair will be introduced. The module will encourage in you a self- awareness of the relevance of the knowledge for working as a healthcare professional in the clinical and modern healthcare environment. | 20 |
| Introduction to Physiology 2 | The aims of this module are to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the science related to the function of the human body. Key neuro-physiological and cardiovascular systems involved in the production and control of movement in the human body will be introduced.
The module will introduce the concept of pathophysiology and disease in application to clinical practice and emphasise the professional development of empathy from the impact of pathology.
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| Anatomy and Assessment Skills 1 | The overall aim of the module is to provide you with foundations for clinical practice in Physiotherapy. We introduce the concepts of anatomy and biomechanics involving the study of the anatomical structure and function of the lower limb. Additionally, the module incorporates basic practical competencies of assessment and evaluation of movement and function of the lower extremities. This lays the groundwork for further study by integrating theory and practical skills with an applied approach to patient care. You will have the opportunity to work alongside clinical colleagues during the practical sessions to help develop the application of your learning for the clinical setting | 20 |
| Physiotherapy Skills | The overall aim of the module is to provide you with the foundations for clinical practice related to introductory physiotherapy skills you are likely to encounter on clinical placement, including manual handling; assessment and facilitation of mobility; and basic exercise prescription. This module lays the groundwork for further study by integrating evidence based transferable physiotherapy skills with a case-based approach to the care of patients. Practical sessions will prepare you for the Health & Safety and regulatory requirements which are statutory prior to your first clinical experience. | 20 |
| Anatomy, Assessment and Treatment Skills-Upper Limb | The overall aim of the module is to provide you with foundations for clinical practice. We will introduce concepts of anatomy related to physical activity and skilled movement. The study of anatomical structure and function of the upper limb will incorporate basic practical competencies of assessment, management and evaluation of | 20 |
| Practice Based Learning 1 | [insert link to Practice Placement Information] | Includes 180 hours of work-based learning |
Year 2
| Research Methods | In this module you will develop an understanding of some of the methodologies commonly used so that you may contribute to the design of appropriate investigations and to an evaluation of the likely limitations and possible implications of the completed study. (These will include qualitative research methodologies, e.g. ethnography and phenomenology, as well as quantitative, e.g. the cross-sectional survey, case control and cohort studies, and the double-blind randomised controlled trial.)
The module will develop your ability to organise, analyse and interpret data so that you may draw your own conclusions and may check whether researchers’ claims appear to be reasonable and/or offer a distorted representation of the evidence.
You will develop an understanding of some of the questions commonly asked so that you may contribute intelligently to the collection of service-related data and be ready to modify your thinking and amend practice accordingly. (These will include questions about the cause of a condition, the relative efficacy of alternative interventions, and the relative cost of alternative modes of delivery, but they will also include questions about the effect of practice on outcome, the extent to which professional standards have been implemented, the management, evaluation, and improvement of performance, and the satisfaction of patients.) |
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| Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy | In this module you will continue to build on the principles introduced at Level 4 related to the assessment and management of patients with cardiovascular & respiratory presentations. You will develop a problem-solving approach to diagnosis and management by improving your understanding of common pathologies, exploring the efficacy of various approaches and treatment modalities, and considering acute and chronic patient management from a holistic and reflexive point of view. | 20 |
| Neurological Physiotherapy | The aims of this Neurological Physiotherapy module are to develop and expand on assessment and treatment principles within a neurological context. You will expand your knowledge and understanding of normal central nervous system development and use this as a reference for problem solving and recognising how acquired neurological deficit can impact on movement control.
This level 5 module will encourage your understanding of motor learning principles to problem solve and develop solutions and strategies for patients with acquired neurological conditions. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of your self-awareness and evaluation skills, therapeutic physical handling and treatment and develop strategies to empower patients through coaching and therapeutic communication skills. |
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| Practice Based Learning 2 | [insert link to Practice Placement Information] | Includes 300 hours of work-based learning |
| Physiotherapy Rehabilitation | This module builds on the basic background knowledge and skills gained from level 4. Patient cases will be utilised to demonstrate the application of fundamental Physiotherapy rehabilitation principles.
Exercise prescription skills introduced in level 4 will be developed by applying knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics and anatomy. By the end of the module, you will be able to design, facilitate and progress basic, safe, appropriate and effective rehabilitation plans for patients presenting with movement dysfunction. Clinical reasoning will be introduced to interpret clinical findings, provide a rationale for treatment choice(s) and assist in the evaluation of proposed interventions. Knowledge of common pathologies across the human lifespan will be applied to patient presentations. Analysis and evaluation of assessment and intervention will be supported by reference to current literature and evidence-based practice.
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| Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment | This module builds on the basic background knowledge and skills you gained from level 4. Patient cases will be utilised to demonstrate the application of fundamental musculoskeletal principles.
Manual therapy skills introduced in level 4 will be developed by applying knowledge of peripheral joint biomechanics and anatomy. By the end of the module, you will be able to carry out basic, safe, appropriate and effective assessments and treatments of patients presenting with musculoskeletal movement dysfunction of the peripheral joints. Clinical reasoning will be introduced to interpret clinical findings, provide a rationale for treatment choice(s) and assist in the evaluation of proposed interventions. Knowledge of common pathologies across the human lifespan will be applied to patient presentations. Analysis and evaluation of assessment and intervention will be supported by reference to current literature and evidence-based practice.
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Year 3
| Neuromusculoskeletal Assessment and Trauma | This module builds on your knowledge and skills gained from the Level 5 Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment module. Examples from the evidence base will be used to introduce current concepts and practice within a Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) and Trauma context, focusing on more complex and unpredictable presentations. Patient cases will be utilised to develop problem solving and diagnostic skills within these concepts. You will be encouraged to apply skills and knowledge acquired throughout their programme to a range of more complex patient presentations and pathologies across the human lifespan. Analysis and evaluation of assessment and intervention will be supported by reference to current literature and evidence based practice. | 20 |
| Practice Based Learning 3 | [insert link to Practice Placement Information] | Includes 180 hours of work-based learning |
| Complex Practice 1 | This module focuses on the clinical reasoning and physiotherapy practice with patients with systemic conditions, which present as complex, unpredictable. This may encompass such patients who have multi-pathology or a high dependency of care who may require an adapted approach to meet their changing needs in an acute episode. The module will examine current concepts of practice and service provision for this patient population as well as exploring theoretical frameworks, guidelines and models of clinical reasoning underpinning practice. The overall aim of the module is to enhance your clinical decision making and planning of intervention for patients who present with complex or unpredictable conditions within a critical care environment.
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| Practice Based Learning 4 | [insert link to Practice Placement Information] | Includes 180 hours of work based learning |
| Complex Practice 2 | This module focuses on the clinical reasoning and physiotherapy practice for patients with long term conditions. This will include patients who have multi-pathology or a high dependency of care who may require an adapted approach to meet their changing needs throughout life. The module will examine current concepts of practice and service provision for these populations as well as exploring theoretical frameworks, guidelines and models of clinical reasoning underpinning practice. The overall aim of the module is to enhance your clinical decision making and planning of intervention for patients who present with complex problems. This may include patients with multi-pathology requiring long term rehabilitation or who need to explore opportunities to increase their activity.
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| Practice Based Learning 5 | [insert link to Practice Placement Information] | Includes 180 hours of work based learning |
Course Summary
Each year, students will spend approximately 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These will include lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module. An approximate breakdown of hours is:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching – 360 hours; guided independent study – 840 hours. 150 hours of clinical practice in term 2.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching – 360 hours; guided independent study – 840 hours. 300 hours of clinical practice across the year.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching – 120 hours; guided independent study – 270 hours. (Please note, terms 1 and 2 in level 6 are shortened to accommodate clinical placements). 600 hours of clinical practice across the year.
Course Details
- +Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
The award is a level 6 award on the UK NFQ and comparable to a level 8 on the Irish NFQ. Further information on comparability between Irish and UK awards can be obtained on Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries Guide.
Strict Entry Requirements are:
- 120 AS points from 3 A Levels Grades BBB
- *Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent
1: Prior to 2017
- 4 Honours subjects at B1 or higher
- 3 A1 Honours with a fourth B2 Honours
2: 2017 and onwards
- 4 subjects at H2 or higher
- 3 H1 subjects with a fourth H2 subject
Applicants holding an Irish Leaving Certificate Qualification can alternatively insert their results to https://www.ucas.com/applying/you-apply/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points to calculate their UCAS Tariff Points.
BTEC Extended National Diploma in Applied Science: DDM
*Equivalent to Irish Level 6 or Level 7 Degrees, Diplomas, or Certificates in Applied Science. Note. There is no advanced standing (i.e. progression into Level 5 Physiotherapy at UEL) from any other course of study. Personal Training, massage therapy, and beauty therapy courses are not recognised as relevant academic study.
Access to HE diploma
* from https://www.qqi.ie/sites/default/files/2023-08/Qualifications%20Can%20Cross%20Boundaries-Aug-2023_0.pdf “The Access to HE Diploma is regulated by QAA but is not part of the FHEQ or part of the OfS’s sector recognised standards.”
In addition
- GSCE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
- *Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent is Grade C or higher in Ordinary Level (prior to 2017) or H6 or higher (2017 and onwards)
- GSCE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics
- *Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent is Grade C or higher in Ordinary Level (prior to 2017) or H6 or higher (2017 and onwards)
- Website Link: Physiotherapy at University of East London – UCAS
- +Who much can I earn as a Physiotherapist?
- 2025 HSE Physiotherapist salary ranges:
- Basic Grade Physiotherapist €39,993 – €58,483
- Senior Physiotherapist €60,999 – €71,993
- Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist €73,498 – €85,354
- Managerial Roles €80,796 – €95,337+
Teaching and learning strategy
All students entering this degree programme complete an intensive induction process. This induction prepares the novice learner to transition successfully to study in an online Higher Education environment. Our tailored induction process is comprised of a 1:1 induction meeting and skills session with their personal Studies Advisor. This 1:1 induction session will teach the student how to access our virtual learning environment and how to use zoom. These sessions are tailored to meet the needs of individual students. At Chevron College we are aware that IT skills vary between students. These sessions are therefore designed to meet each student at their own level. By the end of this 1:1 session each student will have learned how to access our VLE and online zoom meetings. All students will therefore have developed the skills to participate in the intensive 4 day class induction sessions.
The four induction sessions for the class group take place during the month prior to course commencement. At these sessions, students will be introduced to their course tutors and their class community. These sessions will teach students the skills required to succeed in an online Higher Education environment where continuous active engagement with resources and formative assessments is required. Students will learn academic writing and presentation skills. They will learn critical reading writing and thinking skills and they will learn how to conduct literature searches. These sessions teach the students the foundational thinking and IT skills required to participate in our blended learning degree programme.
Each semester runs for 12 weeks; students study 2 modules each semester. Students should allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week for each module.The weekly module content is released on the Virtual Learning Environment on a Monday morning at 6am. Each week there is a recorded lecture, a workshop/webinar and an Educational Action to complete for each module.
The lectures function to provide a content overview of the week’s learning and establish the expected aims and learning outcomes as well as the criteria for measuring their achievement. During the lecture key concepts, ideas and theories are introduced and contextualised. This reinforces the relevance of the material for the students with the use of examples
The workshops and webinars function to support students to investigate, question and develop critical thinking skills about the weekly topics. Students are supported to take part in active discovery within their class community. This supports students to develop their Higher Order Thinking Skills and to apply these ways of thinking and practicing to Case Studies, Problem Solving Scenarios and Ethical Dilemmas. The skills required to perform educational actions for example writing skills, analysis, using info-graphics, evaluation of a source etc are also scaffolded during the workshops/webinars.
Each week students are required to complete an educational action. This provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. If they take part students are provided with feedback and feedforward on performance on the Learning Outcomes and expectations are clarified for demonstrating achievement in the final module assessment.
How to enrol?
Enrolment and payment are completed over the phone. To secure your place, please click Enrol Now: