Foundation Health Sciences

This practical course will enable you to effectively assess and treat a wide variety of patients, developing your skills to meet the demands of the rapidly changing health sector. Clinical placements occur in all four years of the course and provide you with practical, real-world experience.

Robert Gordon University is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in Physiotherapy (Complete University Guide 2023).

Find out more: MPhys – Master of Physiotherapy

You will learn how to use sophisticated imaging technology and a range of specialist procedures, including:

• Digital radiography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Computed tomography
• Radionuclide imaging
• Ultrasound

Alongside vital clinical skills, you will also develop your softer skills (such as communication and teamwork) through your many placements; you will spend 50% of your degree working in a variety of radiography roles.

Find out more: MDRad – Master of Diagnostic Radiography

This four-year Master of Occupational Therapy award was developed in response to employer needs. Working with individuals, groups and communities, you will learn specialist skills to enable people to overcome challenges and participate more fully in life.

Students are expected to become members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) from Stage 1 of the course.

Find out more: MOccTH – Master of Occupational Therapy

Through this course, you will develop skills in empowering individuals, groups and communities to change diet and lifestyle behaviours, supporting the public health agenda. By graduation, you will be able to use your knowledge about food, science and the human body to educate and give practical advice.

Find out more: MDiet – Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

You will develop the academic and communication skills needed for success in Higher Education. You will gain independent learning skills and learn to take responsibility for your personal, academic and professional development. You will also learn how to use a range of digital technologies.

Mathematics

The module will provide you with the skills needed to apply numerical processes in relation to health sciences.

Chemistry

You will increase your understanding of basic chemistry, chemical processes, and organic chemistry. You will also learn the key concepts of physical and analytical chemistry, with an understanding of the instruments used.

Biology

This module will explore the basic biological processes, with a focus on animal and plant biology. You will learn how to define the scientific processes in terms of research principles (such as quantitative and qualitative evidence), and you will develop your understanding of biological-related terminology.

Practical Skills

You will begin this module with sessions to develop your computing skills, and you must pass the assessment in order to continue with the module. Next, you will learn to work safely and effectively in a laboratory setting whilst observing the health and safety protocols.

Principals and Concepts of Health Improvement and Promotion

This module will develop the knowledge and skills appropriate for entry level to Allied Health Professional Courses, together with an understanding of Health Care concepts appropriate for Health Care.

Skills for Healthcare

This module will help you develop the following:

• An understanding of healthcare concepts appropriate to the underpinning of healthcare
• A person-centred, team-focused approach in a Health and Social Care environment.

In addition to meeting the minimum ICRGU Academic Entry Requirements, students applying for Health Sciences are required to hold specific subjects from high school.

The academic subjects required for the undergraduate degree courses are detailed below.

Physiotherapy – Two of the following: Maths, Chemistry, Biology or Physics.
Radiography –  Two of the following: Maths, Chemistry, Biology or Physics.
Occupational Therapy – Maths and one of the following: Chemistry, Biology or Physics.
Dietetics – Chemistry.

Interview Requirements

Students applying for the University Foundation leading to these Health Sciences courses will need to pass an online video interview assessment with the School of Health Sciences prior to receiving a final offer.

HCPC Registration Post-Graduation

Students wishing to apply to register for the Health and Care Professions Council after graduation will be required to submit evidence of a valid IELTS 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or equivalent, if their first language is not English. Details on all registration requirements after graduation can be found here: www.hcpc-uk.org/registration

Police Check Requirements

Students of this course will be required to provide the appropriate criminal record checks from their home country prior to enrolment at RGU. Students are required to obtain this prior to travel from their home country.

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
• Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing
• Accommodation and travel: £1,000 approximately to cover potential accommodation and travel costs incurred during practice placements. Placements may take place anywhere in the country.
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups clearance: £60 approximately – please note this is currently covered by Scottish Government but agreed on an annual basis
• Student membership of professional body
• At the beginning of your course and during all practice placements, you may be required to purchase and wear an official uniform. Where uniforms become damaged or for any other reason unsuitable, you are responsible for the cost of the replacement.
• Costs associated with health checks which are variable depending on needs, but online screening is essential:
  • Online Health Screening – £22.70
  • Additional Health Screening – £48.70 / £72.20
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination x 3 – £26.60 each
  • Hepatitis B Blood Titre Test – £32.00
  • TB Mantoux Test / BCG Vaccination – £33.00 / £24.00
  • MMR Vaccination x 2 – £22.45 each
  • MMR Blood Test – £31.00
  • Varicella Blood Test / Vaccination – £21.00 / £33.00