Study Physiotherapy Courses in the UK

Best Physiotherapy Programs in the UK: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility, Requirements, Scholarships, and Career Scope

Physiotherapy is a specialist branch of medicine that helps improve impairments in movement. The United Kingdom is known for its medical advancement, research, and education and attracts over 600,000 international students annually. Studying physiotherapy courses in the UK will give students a unique chance to learn physiotherapy from the latest technology and research. 

Popular Physiotherapy courses in the UK include Bachelor/Master in Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, clinical exercise, etc. Top-ranking universities like King’s College London, University of Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol University, etc provide stellar courses in physiotherapy.

The average cost of pursuing Physiotherapy courses in the UK is about USD 10,000 to 18,000 depending on the university of choice. Universities offer placement services to their graduates across several healthcare sectors. Graduates can expect to earn about USD 45,000 in their early career in the UK.

Overview

Best Physiotherapy courses in the UK

The most popular Physiotherapy course in the UK is BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. The duration of this course is three years. Some universities offer four-year programs too. The following are the fees for international students, fees may be different for students coming from different countries or regions. 

Some other specializations offered in Physiotherapy are:

• Bachelor in Physiotherapy/ Physical Therapy
• BSc in Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
• BSc in Sports Rehabilitation 
• BSc in Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation
• Master in Physiotherapy/ Physical Therapy
• MSc in Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
• MSc in Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation

Master of Physiotherapy in the UK 

Master degree programs in Physiotherapy are 12-24 months in duration. The average tuition fees for studying a master of physiotherapy in the UK are USD 15,000 to 22,000. The students are required to have done an undergraduate program in a similar field, some work experience is also desired by certain universities.

Best universities in the UK for Physiotherapy

Admission Requirements

Most universities in the UK accept at least a high school diploma for physiotherapy  programs. Some universities require candidates to have studied English and biology. 

Most universities expect students to take English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. 

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

• A candidate must have completed high school from a recognized board in their country with at least 50% in Biology.
• They must have taken English in high school if they wish to study medicine in English.
• Most universities have their own entrance test. Candidates need to clear that test to secure admission to that university.
• For Indian students, some Universities require the candidates to clear the NEET exam.
• Most universities also require the candidates to take an English language Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL if they choose to study medicine in English.

Postgraduate Admission Requirement

• Undergraduate in a similar field.
• Certain work experience is required by some universities
• Most universities also require the candidates to take an English language Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL if they choose to study medicine in English.
• Interview
• Personal Statement

Cost of studying Physiotherapy in the UK

Undergraduate courses in physiotherapy in the UK cost around USD 12,000-25,000. The duration of the course is 3-4 years. The tuition fees for studying physiotherapy in the UK range from USD 9,000 to 25,000 for postgraduate programs depending on the university chosen. Course duration is usually 2 years or more.

Some universities like Coventry University, and York St. John University, have programs that cost below USD 10,000 per annum.

The cost of living in the UK makes up for a big part of the cost of education in the UK. The average cost of living comes to about USD 950 to 1400 per month. The average annual cost of living is about USD 12,000 to 16,000 in the UK.

 Available Scholarships

The cost of medical studies in the UK is comparatively high. The tuition fees and overall cost of living can be a burden for international students. There are several scholarships available for international students to share the financial burden. 

University-based scholarships

Top UK universities like King’s College London frequently grant considerable financial aid to international students depending on their academic performance or financial need.

Any university’s official website can be used to search for scholarships or financial aid programs. Fees and funding, and scholarship information are frequently found under the headings “Fees and funding,” “Funding,” and “Scholarships.” These scholarships can come to students at the time of their admission or later as they progress academically. 

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government awards these scholarships to students who have excelled academically and have shown strong leadership potential.

The scholarship recipients are hand-picked by British embassies around the world. Future decision-makers will have the opportunity to advance academically, build professional networks, learn about British culture, and much more.

The scholarship program provides financial assistance for a one-year Master’s degree at any of the UK’s top universities, with over 1,500 Chevening Scholarships available each academic year.

Common Wealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom (UK) offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships every year.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth nations with low and intermediate incomes who otherwise would not be able to afford to study in the UK. India is a member of the Commonwealth so all students from India are eligible to apply.  Candidates are chosen based on their previous academic achievements as well as their ability to contribute to the development of a better living for people in their home countries.

Why study Physiotherapy in the UK?

Studying medicine in the UK is one of the top choices international students make. The country’s reputation in medical education and advancement is impressive. Physiotherapy is a great course to pursue in the UK for several reasons:

• More than 75 UK universities, are ranked among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings as the nation is recognized worldwide for its high-quality research and education
• The best schools in the UK give students opportunities to learn using the latest facilities, tools, and equipment.
• Studying physiotherapy in the UK is a chance to gain some professional experience while you study. 
• The UK comes second (behind only the US) in the world for medical research. 

Career Scope

A physiotherapist can help with a variety of problems caused by serious trauma, accidents, and other illnesses. As a result, they are in high demand right now. Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including health clinics, hospitals, private nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

Graduates with a degree from a reputable and well-recognized educational institution and some industrial experience can start their own private practice. Physiotherapists can pursue a variety of careers in countries such as Canada, the United States, the UK, and Australia.

The following is a list of some physiotherapy career options:

• Dance movement physiotherapist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Sports Physiotherapist
• Acupuncturist
• Health service manager
• Health improvement practitioner
• Osteopath
• Personal trainer

Most Physiotherapy students become professional physiotherapists. Alternatively, you could find opportunities in the armed forces, sports, fitness, research, or teaching.

Specialisms in Physiotherapy include:

• Geriatric medicine
• Intensive care
• Mental health
• Outpatients
• Orthopaedics
• Paediatrics
• Stroke services