module specification

In this module, you will develop foundational knowledge of the psychological, social and behavioural principles that underpin health behaviour and its relevance to physiotherapy practice, including an introduction to pain science. Aligned with the early expectations of Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Graduate Attributes, you will explore how behaviour is shaped by capability, opportunity, motivation and wider determinants of health, and how these constructs inform person‑centred care and early therapeutic engagement.

You will be introduced to psychological and the biopsychosocial model, alongside key constructs in motivation, habit formation, health inequalities and cultural influences. You will also develop an introductory understanding of communication, examining approaches such as coaching, supportive dialogue, shared decision‑making and motivational principles that set the foundation for effective therapeutic relationships.

At level 4, your learning focuses on conceptual understanding, analysis and reflection, rather than full applied practice. You will explore how these ideas relate to professional identity, values, ethics and inclusivity, preparing you to recognise the impact of behavioural factors on patient presentation, experience and health outcomes.

This module contributes to the award by establishing essential theoretical building blocks that support your development across later modules in clinical practice, treatment and management formulation, leadership, education and research.
 

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Available for Study Abroad? No

This module introduces you to foundational psychological theories, behaviour‑change models and communication principles relevant to physiotherapy. You will explore core frameworks such as COM‑B, the Behaviour Change Wheel, and concepts from behavioural, cognitive and social psychology, focusing on how these shape health behaviours and influence engagement with physiotherapy. You will examine determinants of health, cultural and societal influences, and the role of person‑centred communication. Emphasis is placed on building conceptual understanding rather than applied clinical decision‑making, providing you with the theoretical literacy needed for later study. The science of pain perception and how this links to patient presentations will also be delivered. This grounding prepares you to progress into subsequent levels, where you will apply, integrate and evaluate these behavioural models within increasingly complex clinical scenarios and therapeutic encounters.

Learning and teaching on this module use an applied, learner‑centred blended approach that introduces key behavioural concepts through a combination of interactive lectures, small‑group seminars, and practical communication skills workshops. Lectures provide structured overviews of behavioural models and psychological theories, while seminars use case examples and guided discussion to support students in analysing behaviour in familiar contexts. Skills workshops allow students to practise introductory communication techniques, with opportunities for observation, peer feedback and supported rehearsal, in line with early HCPC expectations for developing professional conduct and communication competence.

The University’s virtual learning platform will be used extensively to provide the students with appropriate learning materials, as well as formative activities and video resources to promote flexible engagement and help students prepare for in‑person discussion and application, reflecting CSP’s expectations for digital literacy and active participation.

LO1: Describe key foundational psychological theories and behaviour change models relevant to health and wellbeing.
LO2: Explain how psychological factors may influence health behaviours in physiotherapy related situations.
LO3: Identify social, cultural and environmental determinants of health using established public health frameworks.
LO4: Apply an understanding of psychological and wider determinants of health to illustrate the importance of person centred approaches within introductory physiotherapy practice.

Link to reading list: https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/lists/3C10553C-08A8-9FB8-998C-42635AF99B57.html