MSc Physiotherapy student, Jonas Peters, talks about his experience studying at Edinburgh Napier
I finished my Sports Science degree at Edinburgh Napier in 2013. The thing about Sport Science was there were lots of career opportunities available and that gave us so much choice, I didn't actually know what I wanted to do.
I had previously thought about doing physiotherapy, and I was lucky enough to get a job as a physiotherapy assistant which allowed me to get a bit of an idea of what was involved. I did that for five years and I really enjoyed it.
It just so happened that at the time I thought about going back to do a masters, the new course was opening at Napier, so I put forward an application for it and here I am!
Why Physiotherapy?
To me physiotherapy is more than a job, it’s a pathway to becoming a more rounded person, better equipped to take on the uncertainty of life. It continually challenges me to grow and develop in ways that many other careers don’t, while allowing me to make a real and meaningful impact on people’s lives, which is something that really motivates me.
Why study Physiotherapy at Edinburgh Napier University?
Edinburgh Napier has excellent facilities. Spending time in the Clinical Skills suite was amazing. The Physiotherapy teaching staff are really special and care a lot about each students’ individual journey, taking time to answer questions out with class time which I found so valuable. The atmosphere at ENU feels like a university that was made for health and social care courses, with 8 week placements as opposed to 6 like other institutions. Their simulation based learning was also hugely attractive to me. While I was thinking about applying, I heard that Napier students have a very good reputation with practice educators in the NHS and there is an impressive number of ENU Physio graduates that get jobs locally after completing the course.
Describe some standout moments in the programme
The simulations were about as close to real life practice as teaching could get. I can’t speak more highly of the simulations which are run in both year 1 and year 2. The quality and variety of placements on offer through ENU, are a great way to gain confidence and I think every one of us came back from placements with more self-belief. The programme team regularly ask for help to improve the content and to enhance our learning. They listen to our ideas and make changes from our feedback.
“Some people like me had been outside of education for some time and others came straight from their undergraduate studies”
Everyone brought something different yet valuable to the course whether it was from their background or stage in life. Having a relatively small class size was more personable. That was really good for peer support and connection, and we each got lots of help in the practical sessions.
What's your highlight of the MSc Physiotherapy programme?
The highlight of the course has got to be going on placement and getting to put all your skills and knowledge into practice in real world situations and in a way proving to yourself that you do have what it takes to be a physiotherapist. While on placement I realised the learning we did on campus, and the program structure were a big reason for my success during each placement. The course is set up for you to succeed if you work hard.