The Manchester School of Physiotherapy was a higher education institution based in Manchester, United Kingdom. It provided undergraduate and post graduate degree programmes within Physiotherapy and additionally offered NVQ level qualifications for unqualified Physiotherapy Support Workers. The School of Physiotherapy was affiliated to the Victoria University of Manchester and all degree level courses were validated and conferred by this institution.
The School was officially formed in 1991, through the amalgamation of the Manchester Royal Infirmary (M.R.I.) and the Withington Hospital Schools of Physiotherapy. From these two institutions it can date it's history back to 1911 and (via it's M.R.I. routes), became the first NHS School of Physiotherapy to offer an undergraduate degree programme during the 1980's. The School of Physiotherapy was based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and was housed from 1993 within purpose built accommodation, which was converted from the former outpatient's department. The academic building consisted of two large raked lecture theatres, a number of practical rooms, a gymnasium, seminar rooms, a library, office facilities and a student common room.
In 2004 the Manchester School of Physiotherapy officially joined the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and initially became known as the Department of Physiotherapy. It therefore became the last NHS School of Physiotherapy to join a higher education institution. It subsequently became the Department of Health Professions and is currently based at the Birley Fields Campus of MMU in Hulme. All students now have their degrees conferred from the Manchester Metropolitan University. The final cohort of Manchester School of Physiotherapy students graduated in 2005, with their degrees being conferred by the University of Manchester.
References:
(1) School of Physiotherapy launched: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/news/articles/156/