Careers with a Physiotherapy degree

CONTENTS

1. What can you do with a Physiotherapy degree?

2. Physiotherapy degree career options

3. Physiotherapy graduate jobs

4. Choosing a Physiotherapy degree

What can you do with a Physiotherapy degree?

This science-based degree will give you a robust approach to supporting peoples’ health and wellbeing. Industries hiring Physiotherapy graduates include NHS clinics and sports clubs. But you could also support rehab for people in their homes or the delivery of online services, work in a leisure centre, or set up in private practice.

Skills gained from a Physiotherapy degree

You’ll gain knowledge about the different systems in the body. You’ll learn about the musculoskeletal system and neurological issues like strokes and multiple sclerosis. You’ll also cover the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This will help you treat people who have chronic conditions such as heart failure or cystic fibrosis.

You'll apply this knowledge by learning hands-on technical skills to mobilise and manipulate joints and soft tissue. You'll also be able to assess and diagnose the issues presented, determining the most effective treatment and education plans, and evaluating progress.

The top skills employers look for in physiotherapy graduates are client focus and strong communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll be working directly with patients, so being able to relate to their individual circumstances, assess their condition and motivate them to a good outcome is vital. You’ll also develop your teamwork skills and your ability to work independently. 

Physiotherapy degree career options

Career prospects are generally good: 88% of graduates in 2021–22 were employed within 15 months. And physios are always in demand: nearly 40% of people have been treated by a physiotherapist at some point in their lives, according to a YouGov poll in 2024.

Sectors for Physiotherapy graduates

It’s likely you’ll find work in a health-related role in the public or private sector. You could also decide to set up your own business and practise independently.

Top jobs for Physiotherapy graduates could include being a lead physiotherapist for a sports club. Or you could have full autonomy to treat musculoskeletal conditions as a First Contact Physiotherapist specialist.

Common roles include:

• Physiotherapist
• Sports therapist
• Animal physiotherapist

Other career options include:

• Lecturer
• Chiropractor
• Dance movement psychotherapist
• Health service manager
• Osteopath
• Personal trainer

Physiotherapy graduate jobs

Many graduates will join the NHS in a Band 5 role. But there are also graduate schemes with private companies that support the NHS delivery of treatment.

Employers of Physiotherapy graduates often include:

• NHS
• BUPA
• Armed Forces
• Professional sports clubs
• Gyms and sports centres

If you go into research or teaching, typical employers include universities and higher education colleges.

Choosing a Physiotherapy degree

If you've decided that this is the career for you, you can find out more about studying Physiotherapy in our subject guide.

Use our subject tables to find the top performing universities in this subject area. Always check the modules, to make sure the course is the best fit for you. If you want to narrow your choices down, use our Uniselect tool to find universities offering your subject by location, within your accommodation budget, and more.

Postgraduate options after a Physiotherapy degree

You can also go onto further study to specialise in a particular area. Some graduates do this immediately after completing an undergraduate degree. More commonly, postgraduate study could be part of your continued professional development. Postgraduate degrees can specialise in treating sports injuries, musculoskeletal issues, or rehabilitation studies.