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CONTENTS
- What's physiotherapy?
- Physiotherapy entry requirements
- What subjects are needed to study physiotherapy?
- How to compare physiotherapy courses
- How to compare physiotherapy courses in Clearing
- What if you can’t find a physiotherapy degree in Clearing?
What's physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on the recovery of a person’s physical movements and the prevention of further injury. A physiotherapy degree will teach you the physical methods to help with recoveries, such as therapeutic exercise, manipulative therapy and movement analysis.
Physiotherapy entry requirements
The UCAS points to study physiotherapy range from 96 points (CCC at A-level; MMM – DD at BTEC level) to 136 points (AAB at A-level; D*D*D* – DDD at BTEC level).
| Type | Minimum Grades/Points Required (with Foundation Year) | Minimum Grades/Points Required | Maximum Grades/Points Required | Average Grades/Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS Points | 64 | 96 | 136 | 120 |
| A-level | CC | CCC | AAB | BBB |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | MPP - MM | DMM | D*D*D* - D*D*D | DDM |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 | 28 | 42 | 32 |
What subjects are needed to study physiotherapy?
A-levels
You’ll need to have studied at least one science-based subject for the top universities, such as biology, human biology, chemistry or physics. Some universities will accept physical education or sports science. General studies and critical thinking won’t be accepted.
BTECs
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas are accepted for most courses. You’ll likely need it to be in a science-based subject, such as sport & exercise science, health science, health & social care or applied science, and/or accompanied by an A-level in a pure science subject.
GCSEs
You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs with at least a grade C/4 or B/6, including English, maths and science. Some courses at top universities will ask for six GCSEs.
International Baccalaureate
Most unis will want you to have a Higher Level in biology and/or sport, exercise & health science. Some courses will ask for two science subjects. Top universities will ask that you have a 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level.
Remember that as well as grades, universities will look at your personal statement. You may also be invited to interview, where you’ll have to impress them with your passion for the subject and your future aspirations.
How to compare physiotherapy courses
You can compare physiotherapy courses using Whatuni’s Find a Course tool. Type ‘physiotherapy’ into the search bar to browse what courses are being offered.
Filters will allow you to personalise your search, based on course type, UK location and university. You can also filter the results based on your grades. When clicking on a course, you’ll see the full course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fee information and key course stats.
Once you’ve saved the courses you’re interested in to your shortlist, start ordering each university’s prospectus and booking yourself onto relevant open days so you can look closer at the campus and speak with current students. Student reviews will also give you an honest insight into the student experience – we have thousands of student reviews for you to see.
Remember when searching for a physiotherapy course to check that it's approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). You must complete an approved course in order to register with the HCPC and practice as a physiotherapist.
How to compare physiotherapy courses in Clearing
You'll be able to see which universities have spots on their physiotherapy courses when Clearing opens in early July. You can search, save and compare any courses using Whatuni’s Clearing tool.
Some universities will lower their entry requirements for Clearing courses. Whatuni’s Clearing tool will update these entry requirements throughout Clearing. By entering your grades when you search for courses, you’ll see your chance of acceptance onto each course.
In the meantime, pre-register for Clearing. You’ll receive regular advice leading up to Clearing, have access to Whatuni’s Clearing guide and be able to save and compare physiotherapy courses once Clearing begins.
What if you can’t find a physiotherapy course in Clearing?
You’ll still have a few other options:
- Study an extended degree: Some universities offer physiotherapy extended degrees for students who don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry on to a bachelor’s degree. The initial year of this four-year course will equip you with the academic knowledge needed to start the degree. The entry requirements are a lot lower for these.
- Apply for a degree apprenticeship: Some universities offer degree apprenticeships in physiotherapy. This gives you the opportunity to study alongside doing paid work. You’ll spend most of your time in the workplace, but will be released for 1-2 days per week to study at a university. Search NHS Jobs website for available degree apprenticeships.
- Apply for a course in a similar subject: Subjects such as sports therapy, sports rehabilitation or strength & conditioning all cover aspects of physiotherapy. Make sure if you want to practice as a physiotherapist, the course you choose is approved by the HCPC. If not, make sure you research the course and the career outcomes before deciding.
- Take a gap year and resit your exams: If you have your heart set on a particular course, you could opt to resit your exams and apply for the following year. During this time, you could gain relevant work relevant during your gap year to boost your application.
Header image: Photo by Nino Liverani on Unsplash
