Physiotherapy undergraduate — Ellie Hague-Barrett

Ellie is studying for a BSc in Physiotherapy at UWE Bristol, with hopes of securing a rotational physiotherapy role upon graduation

Why did you choose to study physiotherapy? 

I chose to study physiotherapy because I wanted to pursue a career where I'd be working with lots of different people, and where each day would involve new interactions and challenges. The prospect of working with a diverse range of individuals, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for interaction, greatly appealed to me.

The profession's versatility, with its numerous specialisations and practice settings, ignited my enthusiasm. Whether in the NHS, the private sector, the military, or sports teams, physiotherapy offers several paths to explore.

What was the application process like?

I applied through UCAS with a personal statement and then attended an online interview (due to COVID). This was an informal chat with one of the lecturers where they could assess if I was a good fit for the course. We discussed my understanding of what the subject involved, how physiotherapists fit into the wider healthcare system and any experience or transferable skills I had related to the course.

Tell us about the course.

The first year of the physiotherapy course provided a solid foundation on which to build our knowledge and skills. Modules such as Anatomy Kinesiology and  Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, and Neurological Physiotherapy introduced us to the fundamental principles of the profession.

The emphasis on anatomy, while challenging, laid the groundwork for our subsequent studies and clinical practice. The second year built on this content and applied it to 'real-life' scenarios, and so far in the third year, we've progressed to handling more complex cases.

Throughout the course, we have five placements in a variety of settings - one five-week placement in the first year, and two six-week placements in the second and third year. Our placements have taken us to various locations within Bristol and its surrounding areas, including Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Taunton.

To date, I've worked in neuro rehab at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, a community stroke team in Swindon, a retirement village in Bristol, and musculoskeletal outpatients in Malmesbury. Each placement has offered unique challenges and enriching experiences, allowing me to apply my knowledge and skills in diverse clinical settings.

While placements are daunting, they've proven to be invaluable learning experiences, providing me with an understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and opportunities that await me upon graduation. The weekly schedule comprises approximately eight to 10 hours of pre-recorded online lectures and 10 hours of in-person seminars and practicals, with additional self-study periods.

What do you like most about studying physiotherapy? 

 We learn so much content and sstudy a variety of topics - it never gets boring. Our placements allow us to have some autonomy with patients and to put our knowledge into practice before we start working, which is so important. It's so rewarding being able to see people improve throughout their rehabilitation and watch them achieve their goals.

I like that our lectures are pre-recorded and online (something they continued post-COVID). It allows such flexibility with your studies, so you can engage in other activities at the University and/or have a part-time job.

All the staff on the physiotherapy course are great, and I always feel like they are there to support us. We also have a Physiotherapy Society which holds events, socials and extra courses so we can expand our training. This is a great way to mix with the rest of the cohort and support each other.

What challenges have you faced during your studies?

Maintaining a good work-life balance can often be difficult and it's easy to get burnt out if you're focusing on either aspect too much. It's easy to fall into the trap of overextending yourself in either direction.

Unlike the structured environment of school, college, or most jobs, university life often presents a more self-directed approach to learning. This newfound freedom, while empowering, can also be daunting, as it's your responsibility to maintain motivation and stay on track.

I worked full-time after my A-levels for a few years, and I found starting university a bit of a shock to the system. The blurred lines between 'work' and 'free time' were challenging, as the constant stream of assignments and study materials made it difficult to establish a healthy routine.

The academic content itself presented another hurdle, as the sheer volume and complexity of the material could be overwhelming, making it hard to focus and maintain perspective amidst the daily grind.

To overcome these challenges, I found it useful to buy a planner and plan the week ahead. Also, on days when I don't have lectures, I still try to stick to my 'working day' routine, which I find helps to keep me accountable. This helps me to maintain a good work life balance, which enables me to enjoy my free time more.

What are you going to do next? 

After graduating next year, I'd like to start in a rotational physiotherapist role, either in Bristol or a nearby area. Rotational posts offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in several physiotherapy areas for six months at a time, allowing me to explore my interests and identify a potential area for specialisation.

What is your advice to new students?

• Get stuck into everything the university has to offer - events, societies, and sports clubs are a great opportunity to try things you've never tried before.
• Try and build a realistic routine as early on as possible and try not to deviate too much. This will help maintain a good work-life balance.
• Prepare for assignments in advance to space out the workload - it makes it feel much more manageable.
• Reach out for help - from university services and academic staff to friends and family, they're all there to support you.

Find out more

• Explore the role of a physiotherapist.
• Consider our 7 time management tips for students.
• Discover what you can do with a physiotherapy degree.