The academic year is divided into (three) trimesters, with eight modules per year. Each module is assessed by coursework and/or end-of-module examinations, so you can continually monitor your progress and adjust your study programme and study load. This is much less stressful than having your degree depend on final examinations at the very end of your course.

A ‘module’ is a standalone unit of learning, which is used to allow flexibility for the student. Each of these modular units has ‘credits’ attached and this system of credits is becoming a universal currency in education where you can get recognition for all of your learning. At the Institute of Physical Therapy, every unit is designed to have either five or ten credits per module, totaling sixty credits per year. This means that your study builds to one hundred and eighty credits by the end of the programme - consistent with studying to degree, HETAC level 7.

Every ‘credit’ takes into account the student workload in achieving the standard. This acknowledges your time in the classroom, the time you will spend alone studying or completing assignments, your time in group study and group practice and the time you need to spend practicing techniques or preparing your portfolio. In designing the course, the Institute has adhered to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) where each credit equates to between twenty and twenty-five hours study. This system ensures that when you study with us, you are meeting the same academic demands as those placed on students who are engaged in full-time study.