Ranking
4th
in the UK for Physiotherapy
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Course overview
Get ready to make a difference with our MSci Physiotherapy. We'll give you the tools to build your clinical skills and thrive academically in our world-leading School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Two of our students, Beth Roberts and Jess Simmons, talk about why they chose to study MSci Physiotherapy at Birmingham, and what they love most about it.
Our four-year MSci course provides the time and space to ensure you will optimally develop your clinical skills and experience alongside academic excellence. Completing the programme provides eligibility for full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registration as a physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
The facilities are amazing and there is a huge breadth in placement locations covering all mains sections of physio such as respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal.
Here is a short overview of what you can expect during this course.
Year 1
Year 1
In your first year, you'll start learning about Higher Education, along with students from the BSc Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences program. You'll have weekly meetings with a personal tutor to help you develop your academic and professional skills. You'll also study the basics of physiotherapy, including anatomy, movement, human physiology, exercise, and health psychology.
Year 2
Year 2
In Year Two, there is a strong emphasis on developing your clinical knowledge and related physiotherapy skills. Physiotherapists work in diverse settings (e.g. hospital-based acute care and rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation for long term conditions, clinic-based physiotherapy for musculo-skeletal disorders) and you will be prepared for practice-based placements in each of these areas; the first of these takes place towards the end of Year Two.
Year 3
Year 3
In Year Three, you will complete two practice-based placements and further develop your clinical reasoning. University-based study will focus on more complex clinical cases and other specialist areas where physiotherapists practice. You will continue to develop your academic and research skills, completing a literature review in an area of interest and studying a module focusing on research design and service evaluation. You will also select and study two optional modules. Current options include (but are not limited to) Analysis of Motor Performance, Exercise as Medicine, Athletic Training and Conditioning, Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Mental Health and Sport.
Year 4
Year 4
In Year Four you will complete your final two practice-based placements, developing your critical thinking and clinical reasoning based on these experiences. This work will prepare you for employment as a physiotherapist and your continuing professional development post-registration. Another major focus in your final year will be your research project. Options here are varied, reflecting the diversity of research in the school with many opportunities to undertake laboratory or field-based studies exploring contemporary issues relating to exercise, health and rehabilitation.
Placements
Placements
You will complete six practice-based education placements during the programme; one in Year 2, two in each of Years 3 and 4 and an elective placement during the summer period between the final two years. Each placement is six weeks in length and you attend on a 4 days/week basis. One day per week (Wednesday) is protected for you to attend the university to support your ongoing academic studies and so you can maintain any extra-curricular activities (e.g. university sport).
Course highlights
Our four-year course provides you with the time and space to optimally develop your clinical skills and experience alongside academic excellence. You will study at a research-intensive university (member of the Russell Group) that offers teaching excellence and a long tradition of providing physiotherapy education. It is a great place to start your career.
- Outstanding placements at top Birmingham hospitals offer hands-on healthcare experience.
- Choose optional modules in physiotherapy, exercise, and rehabilitation to match your interests.
- Study alongside medical students for a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience.
- Strong science and research focus from your first day to final-year project.
- Top 6 in UK for research in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences (REF, 2021*)
Based on 2021 Research Excellence Framework ranking by GPA (Times Higher Methodology).
Through our research-informed teaching and interdisciplinary learning environment, you'll gain a holistic understanding of patient care. Dive into high-quality placements and projects and take your place at the forefront of modern healthcare with local practice experiences. Bring your learning to life through opportunities to work in real-world community and other settings during extracurricular activities and placements.
- 4th
in the UK for Physiotherapy
The Complete University Guide 2026
- 8th
for Sports-related subjects
QS World Subject Rankings 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Teaching on the programme is delivered using a range of contemporary methods such as small group tutorials, practical classes, lectures, seminars and laboratory-based workshops as well as lectures. There is an emphasis on inter-disciplinary and inter-professional learning and we increasingly take a blended approach to education.
Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Practical assignments
- Train in advanced facilities with mannequins simulating real clinical environments.
- Teaching evolves from fact-based to care-based to prepare you for placements.
- Learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and presentations.
- Benefit from peer learning and guided self-study.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal tutors - Get to know you and offer academic support throughout your studies.
Wellbeing officers - Offer guidance on extensions, adjustments, and access to wider support services
Academic Skills Centre - Provides workshops on writing, note-taking, reading, and presentation skills.
Student experience team - Supports your academic journey, research opportunities, and career preparation.
Assessment Methods and Feedback
- Exams – Multiple choice, short answers, and essays
- Coursework – Reflective writing, oral and poster presentations
- Practicals – Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
You’ll receive clear assessment details at the start of each module and feedback within three weeks.
Your performance during practice-based placements is also assessed using the Common Placement Assessment Form (CPAF)
Centre for Movement and Wellbeing
Our new Centre for Movement and Wellbeing clinic provides unique opportunities to interact with patients and gain real-life experiences through placements. The physiotherapy clinic is at the heart of MoveWell, offering targeted therapies to support good health, through the treatment and rehabilitation from injury, acute illness and chronic disease.
Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Health Care Professions Council
Our Physiotherapy programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Becoming a physiotherapist | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Physiotherapy Skills | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Functional Anatomy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Physiology and Exercise | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Scientific and Professional Communication | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Acute care and rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Bridging the Gap: Developing Skills for Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Long term conditions and rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Musculoskeletal rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Patient-centred physiotherapy practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement I | 0 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
The following must be taken:
| Integrated Physiotherapy Practice | 20 | Full Term |
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement III | 0 | Semester 1 |
| Reasoning and reflection | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement II | 0 | Semester 1 |
| Literature Review | 20 | Full Term |
| Research Design and Service Evaluation | 20 | Full Term |
Optional modules include:
| Analysis of Motor Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Athletic training and conditioning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Exercise as Medicine | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Global Challenges in Sport and Physical Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Strategic and Innovation Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Metabolic Perspectives in Exercise and Nutrition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Moral Behaviour and Doping in Sport & Exercise | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Performing in Extreme Environments | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Promoting Physical Activity for Health and Well-being | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sport and Mental Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
Final year
Final year
The following must be taken:
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement IV | 0 | |
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement V | 0 | Semester 1 |
| Physiotherapy practice-based education placement VI | 0 | Semester 1 |
| Constructing learning From Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Leadership, Service Improvement and Professional Development in Healthcare | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Project | 60 | Full Term |
Optional modules:
| Interdisciplinary Research and Impact | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Neuromuscular adaptation to training | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Skills for Team Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Mr Nick Bent
Admissions Tutor
Teaching: functional human anatomy, assessment & treatment of musculoskeletal injury, sports and exercise medicine. Research:ACL rehab & measurement properties of rehabilitation outcome measures.
Dr Sampath Kumar Amaravadi
Assistant Professor in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Dr Sampath Kumar Amaravadi is an Assistant Professor in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy whose primary interest is in exploring the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
Natalie Andrews
Assistant Professor in Clinical Physiotherapy
Natalie Andrews has been a Chartered Physiotherapist and has worked clinically for twenty years within MSK Physiotherapy.
Pearlene Antoine-Pitterson
Assistant Professor Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Pearlene Antoine-Pitterson is a Respiratory Physiotherapist at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS foundation trust. Her specialist interest is in Respiratory care and Non-Invasive ventilation.
Dr Shin-Yi (Chloe) Chiou
Associate Professor in Motor control and Rehabilitation
Dr Chiou is a qualified physiotherapist and a neuroscientist with research interests in motor control and rehabilitation in spinal cord injury.
Dr Laura Hemmings
Assistant Professor in Physiotherapy
Laura specialises in the area of mental health and is passionate about the integration of physical and mental health within physiotherapy and healthcare.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB to include grade A in Biology/Human Biology/PE
- IB
6,6,5 at Higher Level, with 32 points overall, including 6 in Biology / Human Biology / PE
- BTEC
BTEC qualifications are considered, you should contact us before submitting an application.
Number of A levels required: 3
This section covers everything you need to know before applying, including both academic qualifications and non-academic criteria. Use the headings to explore what we’re looking for in terms of grades, personal qualities, experience, and additional requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview. All candidates offered a place will have been interviewed.
GCSE requirements
A total of seven GCSEs.
Required subjects: English Language at grade 6/B or higher. Mathematics (or one, but not both, of Methods in Mathematics and Applications of Mathematics) at grade 6/B or higher. Biology and Chemistry or dual award science at grade 6/B or higher. The remainder of the GCSEs should be at grade 5/C or higher.
We do not accept: Applied Science, Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Global Perspectives, Moving Image Arts, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development.
BTEC extended diploma
D*D*D* with distinctions in all units.
Accepted subjects: Sport & Exercise Science, Health Science, Health & Social Care and Applied Science.
BTEC Extended Diplomas in other subjects will require an additional A level in Biology or PE at grade A.
BTEC diploma
D*D* plus grade A at A level in Biology or PE.
Accepted subjects: Sport & Exercise Science, Health Science, Health & Social Care, Applied Science, Sport Science, Sport.
BTEC subsidiary diploma
D* combined with 2 A-levels at grades AB including Biology or PE.
Access to higher education
Access to Science, Health Science or Physiotherapy: a minimum of 60 credits overall including 45 at Level 3, all with Distinctions. 36 Science credits at Level 3 (with 18 in Biology). English and Maths at GCSE grade 6/B or above.International
Graduate entry requirements
A relevant degree at 2.1 plus minimum BBB at A level or an unrelated degree at 2.1 plus minimum BBB to include Biology at A level.
Transfer and foundation degrees
Not accepted.
Non-academic requirements
We consider more than just academic qualifications. You must:
- Evidence IT and interpersonal skills.
- Have been in education within the last 3 years.
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- Personal qualities: Caring, compassionate, honest, and committed to patient-centered care.
- Teamwork and communication: Able to work well with others and communicate clearly with service users.
- Ethical values: A strong stance on equality, fairness, and non-discrimination (NHS Constitution, 2013).
- Motivation and insight: Genuine interest in physiotherapy, shown through shadowing, research, or attending open days.
Health and regulatory requirements
Before registration, accepted candidates must:
- Submit a satisfactory health declaration, including proof of required immunisations.
- Sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practise Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter.
- Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Declaring a DBS matter won’t automatically disqualify you, but you must provide details so we can assess your application fairly.
Support for applicants with disabilities
We believe that students with disabilities can become outstanding healthcare professionals. If you declare a disability:
- You’ll be invited to collaborate with our disability team, clinical colleagues, and specialist services (e.g., RNIB).
- We’ll work together to ensure you have the support needed to succeed.
Questions about qualifications?
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band.
- IELTS*: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***: Cambridge English: Advanced or Cambridge English: Proficiency Minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 ‘Expert’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable.
- Trinity ISE III: Merit in Writing, Pass in other skills.
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB including B in Biology / Human Biology / PE
- Contextual Offer
ABB including A in Biology / Human Biology / PE
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to register with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Care Professions Council. This registration provides the basis to work as a physiotherapist in the NHS, Social Services, or the private sector. It also eases the process of registration to practice in other countries (e.g. Australia).
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2025’ report).
Graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations such as NHS England, University of Birmingham, Circle Health Group, and professional sports teams including Southampton FC, Aston Villa, and Great Britain Rugby 7s.
Roles within Physiotherapy include Muscoskeletal/Neuro/Consultant/Clinical lead Physiotherapist.
Most graduates begin as Band 5 physiotherapists in the NHS - kickstarting impactful healthcare careers.
Work opportunities span the public sector, charities, and private healthcare organisations.
My placements really helped to prepare me for the working world and made the transition from university to full time employment seem a lot less daunting.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.