About Alec
I am Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning within the School of Health Professions. Until recently, I was also the programme lead for the MPhysio (Hons) Physiotherapy integrated masters programme, having previously led BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. I have been part of the Physiotherapy team here at Plymouth since 2005, having also been the admissions tutor for many years. In addition, I am also the academic liaison person for the University of Plymouth's validated courses at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCNO), London and a new partnership with IOE in Bordeaux.
I have experience of multi- and inter-disciplinary teaching and support of students from various other programmes, including the MSc Advanced Professional Practice and Non-Medical Prescribing programmes and also previously acted as programme lead for the DipHE in Operating Department Practice. In addition to teaching, I also continue to support health professions students on clinical placement and undergraduate and postgraduate research. I am regularly involved with extra curricular and outreach activities, which has previously included organising the physiotherapy service at the Plymouth Half Marathon and a successful pilot Occupational Health Physiotherapy Clinic for University staff.
Until the end of 2024, I have been involved with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's (CSP) South West Regional Network as a member of the core team since 2017 and then as chair for the last 4 years. This involved arranging continuing professional development for those in the region, both as online meetings and webinars, as well as an in-person annual conference. Prior to this I had previously chaired the national admissions tutors' forum of the CSP
Prior to joining the University, I worked in various positions as a physiotherapist in the NHS, in London and then the South West (including Torbay and Derriford Hospitals), where I began specialising in the management of chronic pain. this included setting up and running physio-led biopsychosocial-based exercise programmes in addition to the full pain management programme with the Clinical Psychologist, as well the development of an Extended Scope Practitioner role within a local Pain Clinic.
Teaching
BSc (Hons) /MPhysio (Hons) / MSc pre-registration Physiotherapy
- Module lead for various module over the years, including Anatomy & Physiology, Applied Movement Science and Movement in Health and Disease
- teaching/facilitating: Muscoloskeletal, Complex Case Management and Problem-Based Learning/Enquiry Based Learning
Previously:
EOE3414 Sports Injuries
MSc Work and Wellbeing - Module lead WWB503 Facilitating change: the person, work and environment
MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Work and Wellbeing) - module lead ADV701 Contemporary Issues in Work and Wellbeing
Masterclasses (condition management/return to work)
Non-medical prescribing/Supplementary Prescribing for Health Professionals (Associate tutor) - level 6 and 7
Contact Alec
InterCity Place, Plymouth Railway Station, North Road East,, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
+44 1752 588850
alec.rickard@plymouth.ac.uk
