Overview
This programme is aimed at physiotherapists working in the speciality of Women's Health in a variety of health care settings.
- MSc Rehabilitation Studies: Physiotherapy in Women's Health
- PGDip Physiotherapy in Women's Health
- PGCert Physiotherapy in Women's Health
It offers physiotherapists a range of opportunities to develop an evidence based approach to clinical reasoning through the ability to identify, analyse and interpret the current best available evidence and apply this to the rehabilitation and promotion of Women's Health using appropriate assessment and therapeutic intervention skills.
Students will study in-depth issues including pelvic girdle pain, ante- and post-natal care, continence, exercise, bone health and menopause. The modules include teaching blocks at the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford to encourage shared learning. Further learning and teaching on the practice module occurs in the clinical setting.
Students must therefore have access to an appropriate clinical caseload in order to be able to undertake the practice module. Each student will be allocated a clinical mentor for the practice module. Peer physical examination is used during teaching in the practice module, viable alternatives are available if required.
This is the only programme of its kind in the UK offering this specialist area of study. The Certificate was developed jointly and is regularly reviewed by Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP), (formerly the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health) and the University of Bradford.
This ensures the continued clinical relevance of the programme. A further strength of the programme is the use of external lecturers who are specialists within their field and continue to have a clinical caseload.
Professional accreditation
The programme is endorsed by the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP). Physiotherapists who successfully complete the Certificate are eligible for full membership of POGP.
Entry requirements
Students should:
- Hold a relevant professional qualification normally at Bachelors degree level (Ordinary or Honours) or equivalent.
- Be a physiotherapist registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) if you are intending to undertake the practice module
- Normally have two years post qualification experience
- Normally be working in the field of women's health and/or continence care
- Have access to appropriate clinical practice whilst undertaking the practice module (the theory module can be undertaken without this)
Admission is on the basis of submission of an application form, curriculum vitae, references, letter of support from your physiotherapy manager (if relevant), and possible advisory interview (to discuss the content and expectations of the programme).
English language requirements
Overseas students whose first language is not English must satisfy the University that they meet the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). An overall band score of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no banding below 6.0 is required.
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details »
What you will study
The core modules, which consist of theoretical and practical components, are delivered in residential blocks and in an appropriate clinical setting. Each student will be allocated a clinical mentor.
Successful completion of both core modules will result in the award of a postgraduate certificate.
Modules
Postgraduate Certificate Core
Theory of Physiotherapy in Women's Health
Practice of Physiotherapy in Women's Health
Postgraduate Diploma Options
Physiotherapy Management of Spinal Dysfunction
Physiotherapy Management of Peripheral Joint Dysfunction - upper limb
Physiotherapy Management of Peripheral Joint Dysfunction - lower limb
Independent Study
Continence Theory for Physiotherapists
Preparing for primary research
Preparing for Systematic Review
MSc Options
Pursuing a Clinical Dissertation
Fees, finance and scholarships
Tuition fee 2018
2018/19:
Fees are dependent upon the number of credits required.
- 10 credits £515
- 20 credits £1,030
- 30 credits £1,545
Financial support
See our fees and financial support website.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careerswebsite.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Career prospects
This programme offers the physiotherapist a range of opportunities to develop advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to their role in Women's Health the chance to extend and enhance their clinical practice and career pathway.
The programme is endorsed by the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP). Physiotherapists who successfully complete the Certificate are eligible for full membership of POGP.