Doctorate of Physiotherapy

There is a firm emphasis on the development of doctorate-level research skills in conjunction with the clinical reasoning and practical skills required of a Physiotherapist.

Academic modules have been developed to allow you to develop strong core assessment, treatment and research skills, and a deeper knowledge of core areas such as exercise prescription and health improvement theory.

Integrating the core practice areas of cardiovascular respiratory, neurology and musculoskeletal encourages you to think holistically about your patients and to embed this in your practice. The thesis allows the transfer of practical and academic elements to the clinical application of research.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

How long is a Doctorate of Physiotherapy course?

The Doctorate of Physiotherapy at RGU can be successfully completed in 3 years 5 months.

You will be taught via a mixture of problem-orientated, enquiry-based learning, with practical workshops, projects and simulation, working with volunteer patients, and in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre which includes our METIman facility.  During the course, we also frequently invite external speakers including expert clinicians.

You will work in groups, and undertake practical and tutorial sessions with some group and individual project work, facilitated by experienced tutors with current clinical experienced.

The Doctoral thesis will allow in-depth study of a clinically or service relevant area to PhD level and you will work with a group of experienced clinicians and academics.   

Professor Kay Cooper, k.cooper@rgu.ac.uk, is the programme director. 

Independent Study

You will develop substantial initiative and autonomy through learning methods which will require a significant amount of independent study. Although supported, the thesis is a significant piece of self-directed work which tests your higher cognitive skills in problem-solving and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and selectivity and improves your ability to learn.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You will undertake six placements spread over the first 2 years of the course. The final placement is an elective arranged by you, and can be undertaken in any country if the required conditions are met. The Thesis will be undertaken at a clinical or academic site with a clinical supervisor in addition to the research supervision team. Please note that for students from the USA planning to apply for a Federal Loan, no placements can take place in the USA to comply with the requirements of the FERPA.

Student Outcomes

Job Prospects

The university’s MSc Physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills.

Students will be eligible for HCPC and CSP registration on completion of their DPT after transfer from their PGDip. A DPT is a requirement for registration in the United States. The addition of the PhD is likely to add to graduates prospects in clinical research and academic careers.

Internationally, CAPTE have from 2016 onwards changed the minimum level of qualifying programmes to doctoral level which means the qualification will be in high demand by those wishing to pursue a career in the US and beyond. We have welcomed a number of students from the United States and Canada as well as students from other countries who wish to practice in the USA to this course.

Entry Requirements

What is needed to study DPT Doctorate of Physiotherapy?

Applicants typically possess a Bachelor's undergraduate degree in a science subject, such as biological, or sports science, and should contain human anatomy and physiology with a 1^st Class honours classification, or a minimum GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 Scale, or equivalent. Those with a 2.1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.3-3.5 will be considered on an individual basis.

Experience of the research process is an essential requirement for the course. Relevant work experience in the field of Physiotherapy and healthcare would be desirable.

Applicants from the USA

Applicants from the USA will also be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken all the prerequisite subjects in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Educational Section of the American Physical therapy Association. Applicants from the USA must normally hold a bachelors degree in a science subject with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3 out of a scale of 4, plus the following prerequisites:

• Knowledge of human behaviour from an individual and societal perspective: 2-3 courses(6-9 semester hours)
• Biology: 2 courses (8 semester hours) or 1 course (not botany) (4 semester hours)
• Chemistry: 2 courses (8 semester hours)
• Physics: 2 courses (8 semester hours)
• Anatomy/Physiology: 2 courses (8 semester hours)
• Statistics: 1 course (3 semester hours)

Total: 10-12 courses (37-44 semester hours).

This is in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Education Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Applicants from other countries

Applicants from other countries should hold an equivalent award in a relevant subject.

English Language Requirements

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, are required to have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7.0 in all aspects of the test or an appropriate equivalent, on application to the course.  

All applicants who pass the application screening stage must attend for a mandatory interview.  Interviews are held in North America in April and August each year and in the UK at RGU campus in May and September. 

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

CAPTE Student Financial Fact Sheets