What qualifications do you need to study Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy undergraduate courses usually require two or three A Levels, with one in biological science or PE. You’ll also need five GCSEs in grades C and above, including in English, maths and science. Other equivalent qualifications include relevant BTEC, HND, HNC, NVQ, Highers and Access courses. Entry requirements can vary. Always confirm the grades and other requirements for the particular university and course you're interested in. Courses usually include placements working with members of the public. You’ll need to complete a DBS disclosure check (for criminal records) for public protection and safety.

What degrees can you study?

BSc Physiotherapy BSc Sport Rehabilitation and Exercise Science International Foundation Programme (inc. Physio and Paramedic Science) BSc Veterinary Studies (Physiotherapy)

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Study Physiotherapy, why & how to study

Q: Why study Physiotherapy?

A clear reason why you might study Physiotherapy is to help those who are in pain. As a physiotherapist, you can make an invaluable contribution to a person's quality of life. Many serious health problems can be effectively treated with physiotherapy.

Q: How will you be assessed?

You'll be heavily assessed while working on placement. This is based on a knowledge and skills framework that's fully explained to you once you begin the course. When not on placement, you’ll be involved in practical and clinical sessions. You’ll also be assessed via other methods, such as written exams and group projects or presentations.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include a straight MSc in Physiotherapy, as well as MSc Applied Exercise Physiology, MRes Exercise Physiology, PgCert Vocational Rehabilitation and MSc Cognitive Rehabilitation.

Physiotherapists provide treatment to restore or improve patients’ mobility. Read about studying for a Physiotherapy degree to see if this career is for you.

CHOOSING A COURSE NHS CAREERS POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 20 Sep 2023

Bookmark article

What’s Physiotherapy?
What Physiotherapy degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Physiotherapy degree?
What topics does a Physiotherapy degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Physiotherapy?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Physiotherapy degree?
What do Physiotherapy graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Physiotherapy graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Physiotherapy
Have any questions?

What’s Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a specialist branch of medicine that helps improve impairments in movement. It aims to improve a patient’s quality of life through physical intervention to help mobility and function.

Physiotherapists play an important role in treating a wide range of conditions, including:

Neurological (stroke, Parkinson’s)
Neuromusculoskeletal (sports injury, arthritis)
Cardiovascular (rehabilitation after a heart attack)
Respiratory (cystic fibrosis, asthma)

Specialists work with patients on a regular basis, helping them through exercise, massage, the use of specialist equipment and many other methods. They form treatment plans and also advise people on how to prevent injury.

What Physiotherapy degrees can you study?

The Physiotherapy subject area also includes degrees focusing on sports rehabilitation, such as:

Sports Rehabilitation BSc
Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation BSc

Degrees may include an integrated foundation year or master’s. Courses usually include placements working with members of the public.

Degree apprenticeships in Physiotherapy may be available, where you can work and earn while gaining your qualification. You must apply through an employer, and you won’t have access to student grants.

GO TO
Find a Physiotherapy undergraduate degree
Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto a Physiotherapy degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Physiotherapy courses ask for 96–136 UCAS points. Qualifications may include:

A Levels: AAB–CCC
BTECs: D*DD–MMM
Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBCC (Advanced Highers: ABB)

International Baccalaureate: 33–24
Universities will usually ask that you have studied: an A Level or Higher in biology, human biology or PE
You’ll also need five GCSEs (grade C/4 or above) including English, maths and science

Good to have

Shadowing or talking to a physiotherapist – contact your local NHS service or try private clinics, sports clubs or charities providing rehab support

Work experience in a hospital, health or physiotherapy clinic, sports clinic, or nursing home
For sports-related degrees, involvement with sports groups or clubs
Volunteering for organisations such as St Johns Ambulance, or St Andrew’s First Aid in Scotland
Independent reading into the subject, or areas of research at your chosen uni
Check out the website of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or Physios in Sport

What topics does a Physiotherapy degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

Contemporary physiotherapy practice
Foundations of anatomy and clinical practice
Injury and rehabilitation
Motor control and decline
Musculoskeletal practice
Physiotherapy theory and practice
Psychology of exercise, health and sport
The human cardiorespiratory system

How will you be assessed?

You'll be heavily assessed while working on placement. Other assessment methods include:

Case study presentations
Essays
Exams (written and practical)
Multiple choice questions
Portfolios of evidence
Poster presentations
Video analysis

Why study Physiotherapy?

Career-specific skills:

Applying theory and critical reasoning to assess and evaluate a client’s health and the right course of treatment
Competence in assessment and treatment techniques, including gait analysis
Ability to engage with clients and the wider healthcare team

Transferable skills:

Communication (written and oral)
Interpersonal skills
IT literacy and numeracy
Problem solving
Self-directed learning

Team working
Time management

Professional accreditation: 

Degrees must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and may be endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Physiotherapy degree?

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage access so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

The National Health Service (NHS) also offers student bursaries in some instances, more information about this can be found in our guide here.

What do Physiotherapy graduates earn?

Physiotherapy graduates can expect an entry-level salary of between £25,000 and £30,000. With experience, those who specialise or take on managerial roles within the NHS could be paid £48,000–£77,000. You could even set up your own practice and be self-employed.

Sports therapists may earn between £24,000–£45,000.

What jobs can you get as a Physiotherapy graduate?

Most Physiotherapy students become professional physiotherapists. Alternatively, you could find opportunities in the armed forces, sports and fitness, research or teaching.

Specialisms in Physiotherapy include:

Geriatric medicine
Intensive care
Mental health
Outpatients
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
Stroke services

GO TO
How to become a physiotherapist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you have a first degree in a related discipline, you can take a graduate-entry pre-registration course to qualify as a physiotherapist. Other postgraduate degrees offer the chance to specialise, for example:

Advanced Physiotherapy: Cardiorespiratory MSc
Exercise as Medicine MSc
Physiotherapy PhD
Sports Physiotherapy MSc

GO TO
Find postgraduate courses for Physiotherapy
Type of postgraduate degrees

Similar subjects to Physiotherapy

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Have any questions?

Ask our experts! You can email ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Physiotherapy – we’ll be happy to hear from you.