Factors Influencing the Uptake of Taught Master's Programmes Among Physiotherapists

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increase in taught master's degree programmes specifically for physiotherapists. A survey was initiated as part of a master's course development exercise at the University of East London (UEL) to explore the perceptions of both managers and clinicians which may influence the uptake of higher degrees among physiotherapists. An opportunistic sample of 45 managers and 168 senior clinicians local to the university was asked to complete a questionnaire (amended for each group). Forty managers and 102 clinicians responded (response rates of 89% and 61% respectively). The greatest barriers to undertaking higher degree courses were seen by both groups as lack of funding, time and study leave. However, 79% of clinicians indicated they would study for a higher degree if it were recognised in terms of pay and promotion. Although 73% of managers saw it as an advantage to a department to have staff with higher degrees, when asked whether preference would be given to a candidate holding one when applying for a clinical post, almost half of managers and also clinicians felt it would be an advantage only if the candidates had equal clinical experience. When considering the types of courses generally available for continuing professional development, both groups rated skills courses and academic courses with a skills component more highly than purely academic courses. The survey raises issues which are discussed regarding the role and value now placed on higher degrees by physiotherapists. In recent years there has been an increase in taught master's degree programmes specifically for physiotherapists. A survey was initiated as part of a master's course development exercise at the University of East London (UEL) to explore the perceptions of both managers and clinicians which may influence the uptake of higher degrees among physiotherapists. An opportunistic sample of 45 managers and 168 senior clinicians local to the university was asked to complete a questionnaire (amended for each group). Forty managers and 102 clinicians responded (response rates of 89% and 61% respectively). The greatest barriers to undertaking higher degree courses were seen by both groups as lack of funding, time and study leave. However, 79% of clinicians indicated they would study for a higher degree if it were recognised in terms of pay and promotion. Although 73% of managers saw it as an advantage to a department to have staff with higher degrees, when asked whether preference would be given to a candidate holding one when applying for a clinical post, almost half of managers and also clinicians felt it would be an advantage only if the candidates had equal clinical experience. When considering the types of courses generally available for continuing professional development, both groups rated skills courses and academic courses with a skills component more highly than purely academic courses. The survey raises issues which are discussed regarding the role and value now placed on higher degrees by physiotherapists.