Top 30
UK university out of 122 institutions
Guardian University Guide 2025
Gold
rated university in the Teaching Excellence Framework
TEF 2023
11th
for student satisfaction for Physiotherapy in the UK
Complete University Guide 2023
Overview
Study on a highly-practical and contemporary physiotherapy course
NHS Funding
Receive at least £5,000 a year of NHS funding on this course, with up to £3,000 further funding available for eligible students. .
Our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course develops your professional, clinical and practical skills as you prepare exciting and varied career within the profession.
Discover a highly-practical and contemporary approach to physiotherapy education
Our multi-faceted approach to learning physiotherapy includes all four pillars of practice to include education, research and leadership alongside clinical skill development.
Study the core areas of:
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
- Neurological physiotherapy.
Feel the individualised support from our team of physiotherapy experts
Our dedication to smaller class sizes means that our team of expert and experienced physiotherapists really get to know you and how best to support your learning.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (pre-registration) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
When you graduate from this course you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Explore the application of physiotherapy in wider contexts such as:
- Paediatrics
- Palliative care
- First-contact practice
- Frailty
- The community.
Utilise our range of outstanding NHS orientated facilities
All of our facilities are NHS orientated and include physiotherapy clinical teaching spaces and simulation environments such as:
- A six-bedded ward environment
- On-site community flat
- Dedicated consultation room
- Interactive robotic manikins
- Virtual reality and immersive simulation spaces.
Gain vital practice experience to prepare for you future career
You will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience as per the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in a range of settings to provide you with the relevant experience you will need in your future career.
On this course you will:
- Study on a highly-practical, contemporary physiotherapy course with a multi-faceted approach.
- Explore a range of physiotherapy topics and contexts centred around community needs.
- Gain necessary clinical experience through at least 1,000 hours of work placement.
- Study on a course accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Learn from experienced physiotherapy experts who get to know you and how best to support you.
The Course
Explore the breadth and depth of physiotherapy
The course is divided into modules that will challenge and equip you to deal with a range of problems experienced by people as a result of illness, injury or disability.
Year One
Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of human physiology for healthcare professionals as you explore the functional principles of physiotherapy practice and study.
Year Two
In your second year, you will expand your studies to include more in-depth explorations of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological physiotherapy, as you begin your placement experiences in a range of settings.
Year Three
Your final year sees you continue to undertake practical learning placements as you work towards a final dissertation research project that acts as the culmination of your learning throughout your studies.
Indicative modules
You will study a selection of core and optional modules in each year with each module worth a particular number of credits. Each module is delivered differently, depending on its content and focus of study.
Modules
Select a year
Evaluating Sport, Exercise and Health
This module will use a sport, exercise and health science context to develop study and research skills through practical application.
You will be introduced to simple methods of quantitative research and data analysis together with the rationale for those methods. You will experience a wide range of learning modalities to develop your study skills including:
- Practical data collection
- Computer laboratories
- Group seminars
- Group and individual tutorials.
Functional Anatomy of the Lower Quadrant
This module provides you with relevant anatomical knowledge of the lower-limb, lumbar and sacral spine regions as you develop associated practical skills. You will analyse basic functional movements and the contributing anatomical structures, and explore how tissues develop and change over time with aging, injury and the addition of load.
Functional Anatomy of the Upper Quadrant
This module provides you with anatomical knowledge of the upper-limb, thoracic and cervical spine regions. You will develop associated practical skills, analyse functional movement and the contributing anatomical structures, and explore how tissues develop and change over time with aging, injury and the addition of load.
Fundamentals of Human Physiology for Healthcare Professionals
You will cover the fundamental principles of human physiology by examining how key systems such as the musculoskeletal system, the cardio-vascular system and the respiratory system affect human performance, with reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Body functions and structures are presented in relation to a normal healthy person. Specific attention is paid to energy metabolism in the context of human movement across the breadth of the energy spectrum.
Interpersonal Skills for Healthcare Professionals
In this module, you will consider how healthcare information is communicated. You will use guided reflection and activities to explore your own verbal, non-verbal, written and e-based communication, reflecting on how your own communication skills may impact on your work as a healthcare professional. You will also consider how to adapt communication for a range of audiences and learn to effectively translate healthcare knowledge for a range of populations.
Physiotherapy in Health and Society
This module introduces the professionalism, values and behaviour you will need as an allied health professional.
You will
- Develop a patient-centred understanding of the physiological, psychological and social issues influencing physiotherapy management.
- Explore the structure and function of health and social care in the UK.
- Discuss challenges associated with physiotherapy as you explore UK health legislations and policies.
Assessment:
You will be assessed by a health and safety: moving and handling test, coursework and an online exam.
Principles of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
This module introduces you to relevant knowledge and practical skills for the assessment and treatment of common musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries.
You will be introduced to common MSK pathologies, their subjective and objective examination, and the principles of rehabilitation within a framework of evidence-based, patient-centred care.
Assessment:
You will be assessed through coursework and a practical exam.
Questioning Sport, Exercise and Health
You will be introduced to study skills for higher education and discover the philosophical underpinnings of research in the sport and health sciences. You will also be introduced to qualitative research methods.
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
This module aims to build on your knowledge and skills from the previous module Principles of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practice. You will be provided with the ability to conduct safe and effective management of a wide range of common MSK injuries, including conditions related to the spine. Interpretation and analysis of assessment findings will further develop your clinical reasoning skills, alongside justification for treatment strategies.
Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy
In this module, you will gain an understanding of the patho-anatomy of a range of conditions related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and develop skills to perform evidence-based assessments and treatments in their management.
You will cover both long-term and acute care of conditions including the intensive care environment. Aligned to the CIMSPA professional standards Long-Term Conditions.
Clinical Exercise Physiology
This module explores the relationship of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with both the development and control of non-communicable diseases (NCD).
You will examine the physiological responses to physical activity, and methods to assess health and fitness for those individuals suffering from such disease states.
You will explore the application and appraisal of exercise prescription guidelines for NCDs, with consideration of those that are serviced by exercise/GP referral schemes.
This module is aligned to the CIMSPA professional standards Health Navigator and Long-Term Conditions.
Health and Care for Distinct Client Groups
This module will provide you with an insight and appreciation of the roles of Physiotherapists and other health professionals in relation to specific client groups.
Policies and national drivers that inform their management and care will be explored, along with the professional roles, responsibilities and modes of multi-disciplinary working.
The module will be responsive to the changing nature of health and social care and may include paediatrics, learning disabilities, mental illness, the elderly, co-morbidities, palliative and end-of-life care.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists will encounter patients suffering from neurological conditions arising due to illness and injury. This module introduces you to a systematic and evidence-based approach to the assessment and treatment of a range of conditions of a neurological nature.
Practice Based Education 1
This module exposes you to real-life environments.
You will be fully integrated members of a department or team, within differing contexts and environments. Your emphasis for development here is demonstrating professional behaviour and developing communication and team working skills.
- You will be expected to demonstrate awareness of aspects of professional practice, under direct supervision from a qualified Physiotherapist.
- You will draw upon previous observational experience and attempt to integrate theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic modules.
- You will document your understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Practice Based Education 2
This module exposes you to real-life environments.
You will be fully integrated members of a department or team, within differing contexts and environments. Your emphasis for development here is demonstrating professional behaviour and developing communication and team working skills.
- You will be expected to demonstrate awareness of aspects of professional practice, under direct supervision from a qualified Physiotherapist.
- You will draw upon previous observational experience and attempt to integrate theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic modules.
- You will document your understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Researching Sport, Exercise & Health
You will further develop your skills in research methods and data analysis, with a broad focus on analysis procedures including the qualitative method of interviewing and quantitative methods of analysis of variance, correlation and linear regression. These methods are commonly used procedures in the sport, exercise and health sciences, and understanding of these will also provide a solid foundation for understanding more advanced research methods that you may learn in your future work including research projects or postgraduate study.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
This module critically examines the process of rehabilitation as it pertains to cardiovascular disease. It includes detailed exploration of the aetiology of coronary heart disease (CHD), lifestyle management and psychology of behaviour change in relation to lifestyle.
The evidence-base for exercise and nutritional interventions will be critiqued within the framework of primary, secondary and tertiary care, alongside the skills required to compile multi-disciplinary interventions for secondary prevention.
Practice Based Education 3
Practice education placements 3 and 4 require you to demonstrate increased levels of knowledge and clinical reasoning with your own manageable clinical caseload with support and guidance from your supervisor/clinical educator.
The clinical context or location of these placements will differ from your previous placements, as you develop a bank of experiences that reflect the role of a Physiotherapist in contemporary practice. During these two placements, we ask you to consider specific NHS core values. Graduate employability should be enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings.
Students will document their understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Practice Based Education 4
Practice education placements 3 and 4 require you to demonstrate increased levels of knowledge and clinical reasoning with your own manageable clinical caseload with support and guidance from your supervisor/clinical educator.
The clinical context or location of these placements will differ from your previous placements, as you develop a bank of experiences that reflect the role of a Physiotherapist in contemporary practice. During these two placements, we ask you to consider specific NHS core values. Graduate employability should be enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings.
Students will document their understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Practice Based Education 5
Practice education placements 5 and 6 are your final placements. Here, you will consolidate your practical and academic experience, again in a location and context, individual to each student.
You will be expected to manage/lead a clinical caseload consistent with the expectations of a newly qualified physiotherapist, recognizing scope of practice and referring where appropriate. the emphasis will be on independent working, with minimal but consistent supervisor support.
During these two placements, we ask you to consider specific NHS core values. Graduate employability should be enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings.
Students will document their understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Practice Based Education 6
Practice education placements 5 and 6 are your final placements. Here, you will consolidate your practical and academic experience, again in a location and context, individual to each student.
You will be expected to manage/lead a clinical caseload consistent with the expectations of a newly qualified physiotherapist, recognizing scope of practice and referring where appropriate. the emphasis will be on independent working, with minimal but consistent supervisor support.
During these two placements, we ask you to consider specific NHS core values. Graduate employability should be enhanced by gaining an understanding and demonstrating how each value of the NHS constitution applies in everyday work across all healthcare settings.
Students will document their understanding and examples of the value in practice as part of their reflective portfolio and discuss these with an academic tutor post-placement.
Psychology of Physical Activity and Health
This module will seek to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological theories applied to the contexts of physical activity and health and to evaluate the positive and negative psychological effects of participation in activities.
Research Project
The research project provides an opportunity to apply appropriate knowledge, concepts, and techniques to an in-depth study of a particular question or problem relating to sport, exercise or healthcare.
This module aims to foster a greater understanding of the processes to undertake a small-scale research project and marks the culmination of the student’s learning experience over their undergraduate programme of study.
Teaching and Assessment
Feel the support of our experienced and expert staff
Teaching
This course combines typical lectures with practical sessions, self-directed learning and practice-based experience in a wide range of environments.
Your designated personal tutor will support you throughout your degree.
Contact Time
You can expect to attend 12-14 hours of contact time per week including lecturers, seminars and workshops or practicals, as well as scheduled contact hours you will need to complete independent study outside of classes and placements.
Assessments
You will be assessed through a range of assignments including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports and oral presentations.
Your placements are also assessed. You will receive feedback on all aspects of your placement elements from safety and effectiveness to professionalism.
Valerie
Facilities
Discover brand new on-campus facilities that help you thrive
School of Nursing and Allied Health
The School of Nursing and Allied Health is based on the Bishop Otter campus, you will learn both on campus and in a variety of practice and simulation settings.
All learning will be supported by our lecturers in a safe and controlled setting and by your practice assessors and supervisors in health and social care environments.
Virtual learning opportunities
Throughout your courses there are various opportunities to utilise the latest technologies to support your learning, including embedded software such as anatomical software with HoloLens and other innovative technology.
Physiotherapy clinical teaching spaceÂ
Six-bed ward environment
Immersive sensory learning technologies
Sport and Health Science Laboratories
Simulated community settings
Learning Resource Centre
Library
Placements
Transfer the theory into real life practice
Placement requirements
You will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience as per the requirements of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. It could be hospital based, community or simulation based.
Your placement experience will be unique to you, and no students will graduate with identical placement profiles. Our placement profile is constantly developing.
Practice-based placements organised by the course leaders are hosted in a range of settings that reflect the contemporary role of physiotherapists.
These could include primary and secondary NHS care in inpatient, outpatient or community settings, special educational needs schools and independent, voluntary or charity care providers.
Your placement experience during the degree will expose you to the varied roles and types of work you could continue after graduation including leadership, education and health promotion-focused roles to prepare you for your future healthcare career.
All clinical placements will be arranged for you by our Placement Co-ordinator, except for a final year elective placement which you will arrange yourself.
You will not be on placement during weekends or night shifts, but the times, locations and settings for each placement will vary.
You will be allocated a supervisor on placement who will guide and support you during the placement.
An academic tutor will also visit you on placement so you can complete your placement assessment.
°ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ Health Awareness and Maintenance Programme (uCHAMP)
The °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ Health Awareness and Maintenance Programme (uCHAMP) is a referral pathway between St Richard’s Hospital outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme (SRHPR) and the °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health (IoSNAH).
It aims to preserve and enhance quality of life of service users and creates an opportunity for them to take ownership of their health and adapt healthy behaviours.
The service is delivered by a range of placement students within IoSNAH, supervised by appropriate academic and professional services staff, supported and guided by the SRHPR team.
This university initiative creates the opportunity for approximately 35 students within the Institute per semester to apply their knowledge and develop a range of skills.
Throughout each placement students have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills alongside leadership, project management and evidence-based practice knowledge.
Additionally, uCHAMP creates the opportunity for student and staff research projects, with ongoing projects including ‘health and physical fitness of pulmonary patients upon completion of community interventions’ and ‘acute physiological and perceptual responses during downhill treadmill walking in COPD patients’.
Study Abroad
Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad
As a student at the °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies to enrich your educational experiences.
It’s a chance to broaden your horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse yourself within a new culture.
You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination and institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to ensure you get the best out of your time studying abroad.
Careers
Prepare for a successful career in physiotherapy
When you graduate you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Physiotherapy is traditionally seen in secondary care and acute settings for in-and-out patients, but there are a wide range of additional physiotherapy roles. These roles could include health promotion and work in hospices.
Your placement experience during the degree will expose you to many roles and types of work you could continue after graduation and prepare you for your healthcare career.
Further Study
You could choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Study options at the °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ include:
- Specialist Physiotherapy Advanced Practice
- MSc Physiotherapy.
°ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2025/26
UK fee
International fee
EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship
EU/EEA students automatically pay the equivalent of UK fees via the EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Additional costs
- One uniform will be provided but you are likely to require additional uniforms for practical lessons and placements, costing in the region of £30.
- The University will pay for an occupational health assessment, however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP.
- You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement and studying in our simulation settings (estimated cost £40-£60).
- You will need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance, a stethoscope (estimated cost £10-£30).
- You will need to be able to travel to your placement (travel and accommodation support is available from the NHS (HEE) for those eligible.
- Student membership to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the University’s Physiotherapy Society will be strongly recommended.
NHS Funding
You will receive at least £5,000 a year, with up to £3,000 further funding available for eligible students. .
Entry Requirements
Typical offers (individual offers may vary):
UCAS
A Levels
IB
BTEC Extended Diploma
Access to HE Diploma (science based)
GCSEs
IELTS
Contextual offers
We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 8 fewer UCAS points (one A-level grade).
Find out more about our contextual offers.
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Physiotherapy as a career and would benefit from showing prior work experience (paid or voluntary) in healthcare, support work or coaching. We encourage applicants to demonstrate evidence of care/compassion, team-working and communication skills.
Competition for places can be high. Meeting the entry criteria will not guarantee you an interview, and receiving an interview will not guarantee that you will receive an offer.
You will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
A satisfactory occupational health assessment is required.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.
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Head to the web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.