PHYSIOTHERAPY TUTOR
Kate Purcell BSc (Hons), MSc, FHEA
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Kate qualified as a physiotherapist in 2009 with a Master’s (pre-registration) from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, having previously completed a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology at the National University of Ireland, Galway. She began her career as a rotational physiotherapist before specialising in musculoskeletal practice, working across both public and private sectors.
With over 15 years of clinical experience, Kate has developed expertise across a wide range of musculoskeletal disciplines, including spine care, hand therapy, pain management, vestibular rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and sports injuries, and much more. Kate has a particular interest in advancing contemporary physiotherapy through clinical reasoning, evidence-informed practice, the science of learning, and reflective practice, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and professional development.
Kate now works as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in the NHS, dividing her time between an integrated orthopaedic team specialising in upper limb conditions and her role as a first contact practitioner in primary care.
Learning & Teaching
Kate combines clinical practice with extensive experience in higher education, having taught physiotherapy at undergraduate, pre-registration, and postgraduate level while continuing to support the development of clinicians across the profession.
Kate is an experienced Physiotherapy Lecturer with almost three years of teaching at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, where she designed and delivered modules in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Health & Wellbeing, and Advancing Clinical Skills.
Since completing Practice Educator Training in 2012, Kate has supported the development of students and qualified physiotherapists through clinical education, mentorship, supervision, and tailored professional development. She also contributes to the development of competency frameworks and career pathways, supporting the education and progression of MSK clinicians from student to advanced practice level.
Alongside her clinical and educational roles, Kate is an Honorary Visiting Fellow at Health Science University, contributing to teaching, research, curriculum development, and collaborative scholarly activity.
Research and Professional Leadership
Kate has contributed to leading online physiotherapy education platforms such as Trust-Me Education and Physio Matters. She delivers regular training, masterclasses, and webinars on clinical and professional topics, and has presented at national events, including Physiotherapy UK. Alongside overseeing NHS orthopedic guidelines, she remains active in independent research and scholarship. Recent publications include Metabolic Syndrome in Musculoskeletal Practice (2026) and Redefining the Role of Physiotherapy in Modern Healthcare (2025). She has also featured as a guest on the podcast Clinical Communication, discussing contemporary approaches to physiotherapy education and practice (listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts).
Get in touch to see how Kate’s unique combination of advanced clinical and academic experience, along with her facilitative style of teaching and mentorship, can help you to accomplish success in your studies and clinical practice.