module specification

This Level 5 module develops students’ confidence, capability, and professional identity by deepening their understanding of professional behaviour, communication, and collaborative practice as physiotherapists in training. 

Building on the foundational knowledge, professionalism, and communication skills established in Level 4, students now apply HCPC and CSP frameworks with increasing independence and judgement while preparing for more complex multidisciplinary and interprofessional environments.Students explore how organisational, socio‑political, cultural and ethical factors influence physiotherapy practice, team dynamics, and the delivery of equitable, person‑centred care.

The module strengthens students’ ability to navigate challenging or sensitive communication encounters, support shared decision‑making, manage professional boundaries, address conflict, and raise concerns through appropriate whistleblowing processes.

Through case‑based learning, simulation, reflective practice, and interprofessional learning opportunities, students integrate the biopsychosocial (BPS) model and the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) to inform collaborative clinical reasoning and MDT communication. 

The module also supports Level‑5 academic development, including the use of evidence to justify decisions, critical analysis, reflective evaluation, and the synthesis of theory with practice to support progression toward clinical placement readiness.

Available for Study Abroad? No

Health & Social Care Context, Policy and Professional Standards (LO1)
(NHS values, policy drivers, trends in practice, HCPC & CSP standards, ethical use of AI, safeguarding)

Ethics, Equality, Diversity and Professional Values (LO1, LO3)
(EDI, accountability, values‑based practice, digital professionalism)

Communication for Practice (LO3)
(Culturally competent communication, consent, confidentiality, record keeping, rapport‑building, de‑escalation)

Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice (LO3)
(MDT roles, teamwork theories, IPE, professional boundaries and responsibilities)

Biopsychosocial (BPS) and ICF Frameworks (LO3)
(Collaborative assessment, clinical reasoning, shared decision‑making)

Reflective Practice, CPD and Professional Development (LO2, LO4)
(Advanced reflective models, CPD processes, portfolio development, PDP

This module will be delivered using didactic teaching, self-directed study, group learning activities, workshops, small group study and self-reflection activities. Students will be provided with opportunities to design a personal development plan to support their own learning.

1. Apply HCPC and CSP legal, ethical and professional frameworks to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour and clinical scenarios.  
    
2. Critically reflect on learning experiences using recognised reflective models to identify learning needs and inform ongoing professional development.
    
3. Apply effective communication and interprofessional working strategies, informed by evidence‑based biopsychosocial and ICF frameworks, to support collaborative assessment, clinical reasoning and shared decision‑making in diverse and complex practice contexts. 
    
4. Develop and present a structured Personal Development Plan (PDP) that synthesises reflection, feedback and evidence to support readiness for future physiotherapy practice.

Core professional frameworks:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Code of Values and Behaviours. (2011). http://www.csp.org.uk/publications/code-members-professional-values-behaviour
• Health and Care Professions Council. (2013). Standards of Proficiency For Physiotherapists. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/physiotherapists/ 
• Health and Care Professions Council. (2016). Standards of Conduct, performance and Ethics. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/ 
• Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Continuing Professional Development. (n.d.): https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-continuing-professional-development/ 
• Learning and Development Principles for CSP Accreditation of Qualifying Programmes in Physiotherapy. (2015). http://www.csp.org.uk/publications/learning-development-principles-csp-accreditation-qualifying-programmes-physiotherapy

Professional Practice in Physiotherapy | London Metropolitan University