Boosting career potential with a Master’s in Physiotherapy

MSc Physiotherapy student Mike outlines his postgraduate journey
Group of happy students chatting at the Minerva Café (full-bleed)
MSc Physiotherapy student Mike outlines what his postgraduate journey looked like, and how his drive to develop his career prospects got him back into study.

I wanted a bit of challenge and to push myself; it felt like a logical step to complete a postgraduate qualification. I think the job opportunities available to me after having graduated and thinking longer term about my career was probably the biggest driver to study a postgraduate degree.

Mike MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) student - circle transparent background

A growing interest in physiotherapy

I have always been interested in physiotherapy and whilst my grades were good, I didn’t have an additional A level to be able to study it at undergraduate level, so I chose something similar instead.
Having since completed my first degree I think my interest in physiotherapy has only grown, partly due to the lack of opportunities available to me with my previous degree (sports therapy), pay and career progression – but also because of the opportunities to work so diversely, both geographically and in terms of the role you work in.
Physiotherapy students training in Intercity Place

Hands-on experience

The University of Plymouth is a widely respected, high achieving university and having studied at a smaller institution previously it’s more like what I expected from a university experience. The fact that staff are both active clinicians, practitioners and academics as well was hugely appealing.
The new facilities were one of the biggest draws to the programme. It’s such a luxury to be able to transition from theoretical teaching into a practical within the same room. Having these specialist spaces for such a practically driven course and vocation was a big draw. Having a designated floor specifically for Physiotherapy as well as a building – InterCity Place – specifically for our school (School of Health Professions) is fantastic and has really made us feel valued.
Intercity Place Physiotherapy Lab
Intercity Place physiotherapy labs
Physiotherapy students

Support every step of the way

From mental health, financial, academic, pastoral etc, I have been blown away by the additional services and resources that are available to me at the University. There are multiple different academic writing support options available, which was a real positive as I have never been the strongest academically. This really helped me to get back into the swing of things having had eight years out of education. Having a specific postgraduate induction week was helpful in getting me back up to speed with being a student again.

Money matters

The cost was probably the main hurdle I had before applying and starting the programme. I think having access to further funding from the Student Loans Company, the NHS bursary (Learning Support Fund), having some savings coming into the programme, and a supportive partner have been the building blocks that have enabled me to overcome this hurdle.
I also currently work as a subject-specific Student Ambassador for the University. I find this quite beneficial as I can pick and choose work that comes up and manage it alongside the commitments of the course.

A thriving waterfront city

There’s been a significant amount of investment and development within the city, from infrastructure to commerce, tourism and leisure. There is a wide variety of food and drink places from chains to local businesses scattered all over Plymouth.
If you love getting outdoors, Plymouth has plenty to offer from Dartmoor National Park, the Barbican, the Hoe, plenty of beaches locally and being so closely situated to Cornwall. The city is easy to get around, even if you don’t have a car.
Group of postgraduate students on the Hoe on a sunny day
Female student in a demim jacket and green skirt walking down a cobbled street on the Barbican, in Plymouth, UK. 
Two students walking by palm trees on the Hoe in Plymouth
Students looking out over the city centre from Roland Levinsky building

Plans for the future

I am hoping to go straight into employment upon successfully graduating. There was recently an opportunity to attend a careers fair. Having access to both face-to-face and online careers support is something that is always available, as well as the staff providing bespoke feedback to our cohort on applying for jobs and advice on our CVs.

Advice for aspiring physiotherapy students

Make sure you really read around the course and make sure you know what you are getting in for. As you are constantly told by staff, you need to have the right expectations and not underestimate the challenge the course does provide. Furthermore, make sure you familiarise yourself with the support available to you and make sure you use it when you need it! Lastly, come in with the right attitude that you are here to learn new skills, absorb knowledge, and build relationships with other aspiring healthcare professionals.