Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)
Welcome
Welcome to BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – we are thrilled that you have chosen to undertake your physiotherapy education at Birmingham Newman University.
We are pleased to welcome you to our community, we look forward to being able to support you on embarking on a new journey in your career; we will ensure you feel welcome and inspired.
You are joining a large, diverse profession that has a proud history. In the course of your career, you will make a real difference to people’s lives and help individuals and families through life changing moments.
As a School of Nursing & Allied Health (SoNAH) student, you will join a community who are committed to improving healthcare in Birmingham and the surrounding areas by providing professional, compassionate and exemplary care that is based on the best and most up-to-date evidence.
As well as developing the values, knowledge, skills and attributes required to be a physiotherapist, we also hope that you will establish lifelong friendships with classmates and colleagues and that your time as a student will be very memorable.
As part of the course, you will undertake practice placements. Details regarding time commitment involved for these placements will be provided by the subject area at a later point.
For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable where some aspects can change on a weekly basis.
Normally classes will be distributed across 3 to 4 days per week between 9am to 6pm.
On-campus days in semester 1 are:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Friday
- with some limited Wednesdays and Thursdays
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
There is no compulsory reading to complete prior to the start of Semester 1.
However, you will be expected to be familiar with the organisation (cells, tissues, organs, systems) and functions of the human body.
Don’t panic, we are sure you already have this knowledge from your previous qualifications but if you need to refresh your understanding, ‘Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology by Martini, Nath and Bartholomew, or YouTube resources such as ‘Khan Academy’ or ‘Crash Course’ in Anatomy and Physiology may be helpful.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website has lots of useful information relevant to you as a student physiotherapist.
Having a browse will introduce you to some current issues that are affecting the profession which we will cover during your first year.
Online information session
We would like to invite you to you join us for an online information session (via TEAMS) on:
- Thursday 21 August 2025
- 10am to 11:30
This will be an opportunity to meet with others who are joining the course, find out more about the programme and have your questions answered by the programme team.
Please email a.masson@staff.newman.ac.uk for the link.
Course starts:
- Monday 1 September 2025
- 10am
- Room ST002
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
- Dr Annabel Masson – Head of Subject for Allied Health and Programme Lead
- Charlotte Crowther – Senior Lecturer in Allied Health ( Physiotherapy)
- Laura Ellery – Senior Lecturer in Allied Health (Physiotherapy)
- Rebecca Lees – Senior Lecturer in Allied Health ( Physiotherapy)
- Megan Oseland – Lecturer in Allied Health ( Physiotherapy)
During your first few days, we will also introduce you other members of the SoNAH, such as Ronnie Meechan (Head of SoNAH) and Matthew Aldridge (Head of Placements and Simulation), as well as other members of the teaching team.
During Semester 1 you will be introduced to 4 modules:
- Introduction to Professional Healthcare Practice
- Human Function in Health and Disease
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Person Centred Rehabilitation
All modules are taught face-to-face on campus and are a mix of theory and practical sessions.
Outside of the taught sessions, you will be guided to undertake ‘pre session’ and ‘post session’ tasks to support your learning.
During the November of Semester 1, you will also experience your first practice based learning block – a 2 week ‘care based placement’ where you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice.
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
Key information
Induction
- Monday 1 September 2025
- Tuesday 2 September 2025
- Thursday 4 September 2025
You will required to attend on each of these days for a variety of activities designed to support your transition to university.
This will include uniform fitting and meeting your personal tutor.
Teaching starts
- Monday 1 September 2025
Subject Lead
- Dr Annabel Masson
Contact details
- a.masson@staff.newman.ac.uk
- 0121 387 4746
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook
Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)
