University of Bradford:
Postgraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Health Studies
Division of Allied Health Professions
Postgraduate Certificate Continence for Physiotherapists
Awarding and Teaching institution: University of Bradford
Final award:
Postgraduate Certificate
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title:
Continence for Physiotherapists
Duration:
–9 months or up to 2 years part-time with Distance Learning
Programme endorsed by:
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health
(ACPWH)
Date produced:
Last updated:
August 2004
September 2013
Introduction
This Postgraduate Certificate offers the physiotherapist a range of opportunities to develop theoretical knowledge and
practical skills relevant to their role in continence care and pelvic floor dysfunction the chance to extend and enhance their
clinical practice and career pathway. This award will be of benefit to physiotherapists working in the specialty of
continence care in a variety of health care settings. This is currently the only programme of its kind in the UK offering this
specialist area of study, and will be of benefit for those therapists seeking to add to their CPD portfolio.
The award of Postgraduate Certificate: Continence for Physiotherapists requires successful completion of two 30 credit
core modules. This pathway forms part of the MSc Rehabilitation Studies programme and articulates with the Learning,
Teaching and Assessment Strategies of the University. Therefore it is possible to extend study and undertake additional
modules towards the award of MSc Rehabilitation Studies with an endorsement of Continence for Physiotherapists if this
includes an extended piece of work (final stage 60-credit module) in the subject area of continence.
Members from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health (ACPWH) were involved with the
development and design of the programme and currently provide teaching and tutorial support to students registered on
the postgraduate Certificate. ACPWH is a specific interest group of the chartered society of Physiotherapy. Membership of
ACPWH is on two levels – either as an associate or full member. Full membership is open to physiotherapists who have
completed a recognised programme of study and completed a number of clinical components. On successful completion
of this programme of study students may apply for full membership of ACPWH.
The programme is delivered by means of taught blocks and in an appropriate work-based setting together with guided
distance learning. The work-based learning component comprises of up to 150 hours of clinical practice, which will include
the assessment, examination and treatment of patients with bladder and bowel dysfunction in the clinical setting together
with visits to specialist clinics, for example urology and gynaecology out-patient clinics. Each student will be allocated both
a personal tutor and a clinical mentor who is conversant with the requirements of the programme and methods of
education and assessment at Master’s level.
Programme aims
This programme is intended to:
A1
A2
Provide a flexible, part time route of study for qualified physiotherapists, with a focus on continence care,
and pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Provide opportunities for shared learning with other healthcare practitioners.
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A3
A4
Develop critical thinking and synthesis to inform and advance clinical practice and patient rehabilitation.
Develop skills for clinical leadership and management in order to implement change and provide
evidence-based practice
Enhance and develop a range of clinical skills, to maintain quality of continence care for service users.
Develop critical appraisal skills in relation to evidence based practice (EBP).
Develop learning and communication skills through reflective practice, research and clinical reasoning
Meet the requirements for membership of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s
Health (ACPWH).
Develop the skills required for further study or research in the area of continence care and pelvic floor
dysfunction.
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
Programme learning outcomes
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to
B1
3.4.1
Subject Knowledge and Skills
B1.1
Critically evaluate the anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, pathology and psychology relevant to
the pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction and integrate this to enhance physiotherapeutic
practice in continence care.
B1.2
Adapt and modify assessment and treatment techniques to meet the specific needs of continence
care spanning all stages of life, taking into account the diverse needs of the service-user in terms
of socio-economic issues, culture, religion and gender.
B1.3
Act with autonomy using clinical reasoning to determine the most appropriate management and /
or rehabilitation strategies related to current best available evidence.
B1.4
Synthesise knowledge and practice in order to apply specific physiotherapy techniques with
respect to the relevant management and rehabilitation of normal function and dysfunction to a
standard that meets the requirements of both practitioners and service users.
B1.5
With other health care professionals,. employ a holistic and patient-centred approach to promote
the health of the individual including educating people about modifiable risk factors, in order to promote health
and well-being.
B1.6
Competently assess, plan and execute appropriate physiotherapy techniques relevant to the
pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction.
B2
Core Academic Skills
B2.1
Analyse and resolve complex clinical problems.
B2.2
Generate hypotheses and formulate appropriate management plans for the patient with bladder
and bowel dysfunction.
B2.3
Demonstrate an evidence - based approach to clinical reasoning through the ability to identify,
analyse and interpret the current best available evidence and apply this to practice of continence
care using appropriate assessment and therapeutic intervention skills.
B3
Personal & Key Skills
B3.1
Demonstrate reflective practice, time and change management, leadership and organisational
skills both independently and within the multi-disciplinary team.
B3.2
Implement effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrating advanced problem
solving and Communication & Information Technology (C&IT) skills.
The Curriculum
The programme is modular and part-time in nature. You will study two core 30 credit modules (units) Continence
Theory for Physiotherapists (HPP-704T) and Continence Practice for Physiotherapists (HPP-705T) amounting to
60 credits at level 7.
Learning Teaching and Assessment Strategies
A variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies are employed including lead lectures, seminars, peer group
presentations and clinical reasoning and self-directed study to encourage independence and development of critical
thought.
Outcomes B1.1 – B1.2 will be addressed through critical appraisal of papers, tutorials and practical workshops in small
groups and through the Virtual Learning environment (VLE) B1.2-B1.6 through practical workshops, clinical practice,
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discussion using case studies, reflection on practice and as a result of the synthesis of new information from clinical
specialists in lead lectures. B2.1 will be core to all learning activities whether individually or through tutorials or small
group activities. Outcomes B2.2- B2.3 will be facilitated primarily as a result of the 150 hours of clinical practice but also
through activities such as discussion of case studies. B. 1 –B3.2 will be achieved in all teaching and learning activities
covering both the theory and practice modules. B3.2 will be achieved, for example, in the assessment and examination of
the patient with bladder and bowel dysfunction communication skills must be sensitive as this is often a very distressing
problem for the patient and their families. Both formal and informal feedback will help guide and facilitate the development
of independent learning, time management and profession-specific skills to enable the individual to influence and lead in
the development of professional practice, addressing all the learning outcomes.
You will be required to undertake a considerable amount of self directed study away from the University, making use of
the virtual learning environment (VLE) for teaching, learning and communication with peers and tutors via discussion
groups. The directed study will include advanced literature searching, critical appraisal of papers, revision of relevant
anatomy and physiology and preparation for all forms of assessment. The directed study hours for Continence Practice for
Physiotherapists module will be used mainly for the critical discussion on how undertaking the clinical visits and
observational sessions has advanced and informed the student’s practice and preparation for the clinical examinations.
The assessment strategies for each of the units are varied and will allow for the students’ differing learning styles and to
assess the achievement of all the learning outcomes. B1.1 will be addressed in the presentation and in the clinical
examinations,. B1.2 – B1.3 will be addressed primarily in the clinical examinations. B1.4-B1.5 will be addressed in clinical
practice, by the examinations and criticla discussion of the clinical visits and observational sessions. B2.1 – B2.3 are core
learning outcomes, which will be addressed in all forms of assessment. B2.2 will be particularly assessed in the clinical
examinations. B3.1- B3.2 are core learning outcomes which will be developed during the theoretical and practice
elements of the programme as a result of both formative and summative methods of assessment.
Students will be required to undertake directed study for both modules. This will involve critical revision of relevant
anatomy, pathophysiology, advanced literature searches and critical appraisal, which may be used for completion of all
forms of assessment and in preparation for the clinical component.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers
are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is
our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular
programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the
University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules
contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you
are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise
you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
You should demonstrate that you:
 Hold a relevant professional qualification normally at Bachelors degree level (Ordinary or Honours) or Level 6
equivalent.
 That you are a physiotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or other
relevant regulatory body 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 module (practice module only).
 Supply written support from your manager if supported by the Yorkshire and Humber Local Education and
Training Board (LETB) or evidence of support from an alternative sponsor where relevant.

Students from outside the UK/EU must also meet the following requirements:

Meet the current visa and entry requirements for study in the UK.
•
For Overseas students whose first language is not English you must satisfy the University that you meet the
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). An overall band score of at least 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent with
no banding below 6.0. Admission is on the basis of submission of an application form, curriculum vitae, letter of support
from your physiotherapy manager and possible advisory interview. An advisory interview may be used to discuss the
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content and expectations of the programme. The letter from your physiotherapy manager should indicate that support will
be given to undertake an appropriate period of clinical practice (practice module only).
You may be eligible to apply for funding in the form of an educational award from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
(CSP), ACPWH or your local CSP Branch/Board.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of Management provide a wide range
of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own,
and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each
School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will
help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You
can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are
available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information
and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Assessment Regulation and Progression
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html a waiver has been obtained requiring that
students must achieve a minimum pass mark of 40% for each element of the assessment for module codes that start with
HPP. This includes all physiotherapy based modules.
To be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate, you must achieve at least 40.0% in individual units If you attain
an overall average of at least 58.0% in the initial attempt in the assessments for the units concerned you will be eligible for
the award of a Postgraduate Certificate with Merit and if you achieve at least 68.0% in the initial attempt in the
assessments for the units concerned you will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction .
For eligibility for membership of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health (ACPWH) you must
successfully complete all elements of the theory and practice of continence for physiotherapists modules.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme
Team. You will be allocated a personal academic tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any
academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable
to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks on line that you can consult on
a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. Each
student will have the opportunity to develop an individual study plan in conjunction with one of the programme leaders.
The postgraduate Certificate: continence for physiotherapists has a dedicated programme co-ordinator and module
leaders, supported by other lecturers and experts in the field as well as support from the administrative team. There is
excellent support from the Learning Support Service (LSS) within the School of Health Studies together with a well–
stocked library and electronic journals. The subject Librarian and other members of the LSS provide additional support
including help with literature searching. Use is made of the virtual learning environment which includes a large range of
supporting electronic learning materials. Students are encouraged to make use of the Learner Development Unit (LDU)
and take advantage of a range of short programmes which are available to all students.
During attendance at the taught blocks, tutors will be available for both individual and group tutorials. At the end of each
taught block students will be able to feedback on the content and organisation of the module which will help to inform
future taught blocks. Each student will also be allocated a clinical mentor for the practice module who will be responsible
for facilitating clinical practice, undertaking assessments as well as providing tutorial support.
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Students are also able to evaluate each of the modules via unit (module) and stage (programme) evaluation forms as well
as informal feedback to the programme team at the end of each module. This currently forms the basis for the staff
student liaison committee. These comments are analysed and discussed by the programme team at the end of semester
and end of year review meetings. The findings are reported in the Postgraduate Programme Enhancement Plan (PEP)
which is done each semester
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student
representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of
Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any
aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you
with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International
Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a
career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate
from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate
recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship
programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops
delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access
Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their
web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months
after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a
range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for
each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career
Development Services’ website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university,
study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of
interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular faceto-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of
student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about
adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information
contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity and education for sustainable development
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our
decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. The
focus of the modules and award pathways held within the framework is to facilitate your continuing development as
lifelong learners who have developed critical thinking and analysis skills which you can apply into your work place.
Inherent within the learning outcomes for the modules and awards are the values we aspire to in providing high quality
education to support high quality care whatever professional discipline, sector or organisation you work for.
The core work of the School of Health studies is the focus on health and well being and developing professionals such as
yourselves who can work within multidisciplinary teams, work across care sectors and different types of organisations
using clinical, educational, research or management and leadership skills to improve practice, services or improve
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organisations and their cultures and influence change. Modules from across the framework offer these opportunities, the
core research modules are taught by a multidisciplinary team with a range of different backgrounds and experiences to
students such as yourself also from a variety of backgrounds. This combined focus enables your education to have a
sustainable component in terms of your future career as well as the sustainability of your services by maintaining and
improving what you provide for your local communities. For more information please go to
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
I
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The Admissions Office
School of Health Studies
The University of Bradford
Horton A Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 236367
http://www.brad.ac.uk/health/index.php
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme
approval, enhancement and review procedures.
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