University Calendar 2008/9
Section VIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
School of Health Sciences



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ARCHIVE 2002/3
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School School of Health Sciences
Final Award Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Programme(s) Physiotherapy (Part-time)
Last modified 30 June 2008

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Sections IV and V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where the School has been granted an opt-out by the University, the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.


1. Admissions
 
Candidates for admission must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Courses as specified in Section IV of the General Regulations and meet the entry requirements for either school leaver or mature applicants stipulated for this professional route.

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to specific health requirements (consistent with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995). This is to comply with statutory requirements laid down by the Health Act (1999) and the Health Professions Council. Prospective students are required to inform the Head of Programme of any health problems relevant to their future employment as a health professional. All students will be subject to an occupational health check.

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to consideration of any criminal convictions. The programme is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1986). This is to comply with statutory requirements laid down by the Health Act (1999) and the Health Professions Council. Prospective students are required to inform the Head of Programme of all criminal convictions. All students will be subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Students holding a professional qualification in Physiotherapy may register for individual units and, on satisfactory completion of that module, may be awarded the appropriate credit.

All units involved in the undergraduate and taught programme referred to below are credit-rated in line with national recommendations. Details of the CATS arrangements are included in the relevant student handbooks.

Equality Statement
The School wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of physiotherapy. The University and the School are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current students should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment and state registration as a professional physiotherapist.

The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.

Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary and whether at the end of the programme, the graduate would meet the HPC Standards of Proficiency.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential/Certificated Learning (APEL/APCL)
APEL/APCL will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the University regulations for APCL.

The decisions about the equivalence of applicant’s learning will be informed with reference to the BSc programmes’ specifications and statements of learning outcomes.

Students completing the University of Southampton Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care by following the dedicated progression route are also awarded advanced standing of 120 credits at HE level 1 (APCL)

Students will be awarded a maximum grade of 40% for successful APEL and APCL claims.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The part-time programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy shall be of four years' duration. The maximum period of registration shall normally be six years. This period of registration will incorporate periods of suspension of studies.

The first level of the curriculum shall extend over three semesters.

The second level of the curriculum shall extend over three semesters.

The third level of the curriculum will extend over two semesters and a long practice placement.

Progress from one level of the programme to the next will depend upon the successful completion of the appropriate examination and coursework requirements, and the satisfactory completion of practice work and placements.

The outline of the content of each module shall be specified in the Module Profiles and made available to students in the programme handbooks.


3. Progression
 
In each year, students shall be examined by means of in-programme assessments, practice assessments and formal examinations. A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners will normally be re-examined during the following summer vacation. The opportunity for in-year retrieval for Level 3 students allows an option to take Semester One referred examinations during the Semester Two examination weeks at the decision of the student. This would allow them to graduate with their cohort. Failure at re-examination will normally result in a recommendation for termination of the programme. Under normal circumstances, only one opportunity to re-take assessment will be permitted.

In order to progress from one level of the programme to the next, students must successfully complete the appropriate examination and coursework requirements, practice placement and other practical work in the particular level of study.

In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Examiners may allow the retake of an entire academic level, although this opportunity will be permitted on only one occasion and is subject to the payment of fees through the normal contract arrangements.


4. Assessment
 
To graduate from the programme, students must have satisfactorily completed all components including the required practice placement hours.

Where a fail mark has been recorded by the Board of Examiners, and where medical or other exceptional and substantial circumstances have affected a candidate's performance, the candidate may be granted a concessionary attempt at the examination or part thereof without recording the previous attempt.

Student should refer to the School Assessment Guidelines for more information.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
In order to qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, candidates must:
  1. have satisfied the entry requirement;
  2. have followed the four-year curriculum and passed all the required assessments and examinations;
  3. have completed to pass-level all practical work, clinical placements and other coursework as required;
  4. be judged as of good character and worthy of admission to the Health Professions Council's register.
All candidates registered for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy shall be candidates for an Honours degree since this is the minimum level of attainment laid down by the professional body and the Health Professions Council as a pre-requisite for registration as an physiotherapist.

Students who are successful at all level one assessments but are unable to complete their full degree studies shall be eligible for the exit award of a Certificate of Allied Health Studies.

Students who are successful at all level two assessments but are unable to complete their full degree studies shall be eligible for the exit award of a Diploma of Allied Health Studies.

Any student who experiences grave or terminal illness/injury which prevents them from continuing on their programme of study and achieving qualification may be eligible for a posthumous or aegrotat degree named BSc with Honours in Allied Health Studies. The award cannot be named as BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy since the term 'physiotherapy' is a title protected under the Health Act (1999) for those who are fully qualified and registered as Physiotherapists.

Any student who accrues more than 300 credits (120 at level I, 120 at level II and 60 at level III), but is unable to complete their full degree studies, shall be eligible for the award of a BSc in Allied Health Studies. The award cannot be named as a BSc Physiotherapy since the term 'Physiotherapy' is a title protected under the Health Act (1999) for those who are fully qualified and registered as Physiotherapists.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
Placements form an integral part of the programme and students are required to pass in order to be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.


7. Other
 
These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.


School of Biological Sciences
School of Health Sciences
School of Medicine
School of Psychology


Submitted by the Secretariat
Last reviewed: 17-Jul-2008
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