Study Physiotherapy, why & how to study

Most undergraduate degrees in Physiotherapy come with a BSc (Bachelor of Science) award. Some courses include an integrated master’s, where you can earn an MSci (Master of Science).

Examples of degrees:

Physiotherapy BSc/MSci

Topics you’ll learn about include anatomy, pathophysiology, rehabilitation techniques and movement science. You could explore and specialise in various areas, from elderly care to community health.

Search for Physiotherapy courses.

Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science BSc 

You can focus on the clinical side of Physiotherapy. This is where you apply techniques and principles of exercise and rehabilitation to clinical settings. You’ll learn about areas like biomechanics and exercise physiology.

Find Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science courses. 

Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation BSc  

This degree is useful if you’re interested in a career in sports performance, coaching or training. You’ll become an expert in topics like sports-related injuries and performance enhancement. Similar courses include Sports Rehabilitation.

Search Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation courses.

Other options

Courses usually include professional placements where you work with members of the public. 

Degrees may include an integrated foundation year, master’s, or study abroad opportunities.

Degree apprenticeships may be available, where you work and earn while qualifying. You must apply through an employer, and you won’t have access to student grants. 

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 that provide 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 John 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 

Career-specific skills:

• Applying theory and critical reasoning to assess and evaluate a client’s health, and decide 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). They may also be endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

I literally love my course so much. It’s over exceeded my expectations and I’m getting so much practical experience in real work settings that have added so much to my CV and growth as a person.

Toyosi, University of Bradford

Read more in our five reasons to study Physiotherapy.