Physiotherapy Degree Entry Requirements

University entry requirements change constantly all, and not all universities value the same things. Some universities prefer students with the highest UCAS points, while others prefer students with ample industry experience.

What is a Physiotherapy degree?

Physiotherapy degrees focus on muscle and physical movements and recovery from injuries. It is an essential medical degree and opens up a wide range of doors for students in various careers.

The modules will vary depending on where you study. Despite this, you will typically study modules such as manipulative therapy, movement analysis, anatomy, clinical skills, cardiovascular physiotherapy, research methods, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise.

Physiotherapy degree entry requirements

The university entry requirements for a physiotherapy degree vary depending on where you apply. With a degree like physiotherapy, you will need fairly high grades, as this is a medical-based degree, and competition for places is usually high.

The entry requirements for a physiotherapy degree are usually:

Not all universities accept the same qualifications. Some universities may ask that students only apply with A Levels and will not accept any others, while others may be more lenient.

A Levels

A Levels are the most commonly accepted qualification in the UK. In fact, it is the only qualification that all colleges and universities accept. For a degree such as this, you must have studied one of: biology, human biology, chemistry or physics. You can also study physical education. However, it will likely need to be supplemented with a science-based degree. Maths and English are also accepted.

BMAT

The BMAT is a medical-based admissions test for university students. If you want a medical degree, you may need to study the BMAT.

The universities that require students to sit the BMAT are:

• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford

You will sit three different sections in the exam. Some universities may take your whole score, while others may take the scores you receive in certain sections.

BTEC

A BTEC is the second most accepted qualification in the UK. It is a qualification that focuses on more vocational subjects and courses. To study physiotherapy courses, you will need to have a BTEC in sport, health science or health and social care. Your BTEC may also need to be supplemented with an A Level, depending on where you are applying.

GCSEs

You will need to have at least five GCSEs to study for this degree. Generally, you will need scores of C/4 or higher, preferably supplemented with English, science and maths.

IELTS

The IELTS is a qualification designed purely for international students. The IELTS is split into four tasks, which test your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. A high score is needed for a physiotherapy degree, generally needing around 6 or 7 as on average.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is another qualification designed for international students. For a subject of this kind, you will need at least a 6,6,6 to get into university, all generally with a Higher grade. Standard levels may be accepted, and some universities may be lenient and only ask for a 6,6,5.

T Levels

T Levels are a new type of qualification introduced to replace the BTEC. The T Level is not widely accepted for now, but that will likely change in the next few years. You must have studied a subject such as health or healthcare science for this course.

UCAT

The UCAT is another medical-based student admissions test. Not all universities require the exam to be sat, but it is more commonly asked for than the BMAT.

The universities who ask for the UCAT are:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Cardiff University
• Edge Hill University
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• Kent & Medway Medical School
• King's College London
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Queen's University Belfast
• St. George's, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leicester
• University of Lincoln
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Plymouth
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Sunderland
• University of Warwick (graduate entry)

The test is sat in five different sections. As with the BMAT, you may find that certain section scores are preferred over a full score, but this, as with the BMAT, will depend on where you are applying.

How do I write my Physiotherapy personal statement?

Your physiotherapy personal statement should be a reflection of you. You need to sum up your love of physiotherapy, as well as your hobbies and general interests as you go.

With your interest in physiotherapy, it is important to remember why you want to study it. Think back to an event in your life, a film or TV show you watched, or a book you read and reference it here if it is relevant. If there are family members who have worked in physiotherapy or benefitted from it, then be sure to mention it.

Try to avoid quotes where possible. They are accepted, however, they tend to take up a lot of room, and every character counts.

As for your hobbies and interests, just be as open as possible. Universities want to know what makes you stand out from the crowd and why you'd be a welcome addition to their student society, therefore, they will want to hear about what you do in your spare time. If you can, in some way, link it back to physiotherapy, then do so, but it isn’t essential if you can’t.

What is the best university for a Physiotherapy degree?

The best university is the one that best suits you and your way of learning. It is important to remember that just because a college or university specialises in a subject, it doesn’t mean that they are the best place to study it.

It is important to note what you want from a university. If you want to stay closer to home, consider universities with an acceptable radius. If you want to go to a university with the best nightlife, find one that suits those needs.

What jobs can you get with a Physiotherapy degree?

Although physiotherapy is a medical-based degree, there are several jobs that you can apply for. Given that it is a wide-ranging topic, many different avenues present themselves as you begin looking for a career.

The most common jobs for a physiotherapy degree are:

• Acupuncturist
• Animal physiotherapist
• Health service manager
• Osteopath
• Personal trainer
• Physiotherapist
• Sports therapist

It is also possible to look into education. Anyone who wants to become a teacher or a lecturer must have a Masters in Education or a PGCE degree.

Are Physiotherapy degrees available during Clearing?

You can usually find Clearing physiotherapy courses. Although, competition will be fierce as physiotherapy is such a popular degree.

You may also need to make some changes to how you study. Some courses may have simply lowered their entry requirements as there have not been enough people taking the course on. However, some courses may ask you to sit a foundation year or combine the degree as a sandwich course.