Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy promotes physical, psychological and social wellbeing through hands-on care. At Plymouth, our dynamic curriculum uses real clinical scenarios across diverse settings to build practical skills and strong clinical reasoning.
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
Bring real clinical scenarios to life
Engage in an innovative curriculum that utilises real clinical scenarios across diverse practice settings, from neurological rehabilitation to acute respiratory care and sports, enhancing your clinical reasoning and practical skills.
Innovative training facilities
Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place, designed to provide students with the skills to meet the needs of 21st-century careers.
Hands-on experience
Gain real-world experience through diverse placements in NHS trusts, private clinics, and community healthcare settings across the South West, helping you develop practical skills in a variety of environments.
About
As modern healthcare shifts toward preventative care and community support, physiotherapists are playing a key role - working in hospitals, rehab centres, homes, sports clinics, and even digital health platforms. It’s a career that combines science, people skills, and problem-solving, with the chance to make a genuine difference in someone’s life.
Our course gives you the scientific foundation, clinical skills, and hands-on experience to support recovery and independence. From managing sports injuries and long-term conditions to promoting healthier lifestyles, you’ll learn how to make a real impact. With expert teaching, practical placements, and a strong focus on person-centred care, Plymouth sets you up for a rewarding and inspiring career.
This course is for you if...
you're passionate about helping individuals improve their physical health and mobility.
you aspire to become a qualified physiotherapist equipped with the latest clinical skills and knowledge.
you're eager to engage in diverse clinical experiences across various healthcare settings.
you value interprofessional learning alongside a broad spectrum of health disciplines.
Details
Year 1
In your first year, interprofessional learning with students from other healthcare disciplines will give you an insight into what it is to be a ‘professional’. You will enjoy physiotherapy modules relating to anatomy and physiology as well as the importance of health promotion and exercise. You will develop your understanding of applied movement science and evidence-based physiotherapy practice and embark on a rewarding clinical placement.
Core modules
PHY401
Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Well-being
20 credits
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology relevant for health and wellbeing to the professional practice of Physiotherapists.
100% Examinations
PHY402
Applied Movement Science
20 credits
Students are introduced to understanding and assessing the biomechanics of human movement andon to the anatomy and physiology for health and well-being module. Using a mixture of learning and teaching methods, further areas of movement science and functional anatomy are explored, including kinematics, kinetics, posture, proprioception, neuromuscular control and gait in relation to common functional and postural deficits.
100% Examinations
PHY403
Principles of Physiotherapy Practice
30 credits
This module introduces the students to physiotherapy in the areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological practice. Simulated case scenarios will facilitate the students’ learning related to specific patient problems encountered in these areas of physiotherapy practice.
100% Examinations
PHY404
Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Practice
20 credits
This module introduces students to principles of evidence-based physiotherapy practice. This includes the identification, understanding and application of evidence in practice, following a patient-based approach through the use of clinical based scenarios for conditions commonly seen by physiotherapists.
100% Coursework
SOHP401
Preparation for Practice
20 credits
This inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.
100% Coursework
PHY407
Practice Placement Year 1
10 credits
This is the students first practice placement during which the student will be placed within a setting relevant to Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision and guidance of a placement educator. This module includes pre-placement preparatory workshops.
100% Practicals
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2
In your second year, you will learn about the rehabilitation of patients with cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. You will take increased responsibility in practice, utilising your theoretical knowledge and developing the confidence and personal skills required to be an autonomous physiotherapist.
Core modules
PHY501
Physiotherapy Practice 1
20 credits
This module builds on the physiotherapy practice skills from year 1 and develops practical rehabilitation skills around management and recovery, with a primary focus on musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen by physiotherapists.
100% Examinations
PHY502
Physiotherapy Practice 2
20 credits
This module builds on the physiotherapy practice skills from year 1 and develops practical rehabilitation skills around management and recovery, with a primary focus on neurological and cardio-respiratory conditions commonly seen by physiotherapists.
100% Examinations
PHY503
Readiness for Rehabilitation
20 credits
This module provides theoretical underpinning of rehabilitation practice, considering factors influencing rehabilitation and recovery from the context of the ICF.
100% Practicals
PHY504
Living and Staying Well
20 credits
This module will provide practical rehabilitation skills focused around management of long-term conditions. The module will include a range of conditions, but will be organised into three overarching themes: Supporting people at diagnosis and early stage management, maintaing participation and optimising quality of life.
100% Coursework
SOHP503
Project Studies
20 credits
This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level. Meets all or part of HCPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PHY509
Practice Placement 2
10 credits
This is one of two Practice Placements completed at Level 5. The student will be placed within a setting relevant to Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision and guidance of a placement educator. This module includes pre-placement preparatory workshops.
100% Practicals
PHY510
Practice Placement 3
10 credits
This is one of two Practice Placements completed at Level 5. The student will be placed within a setting relevant to Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision and guidance of a placement educator. This module includes pre-placement preparatory workshops.
100% Practicals
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
Final year
In your final year you will study more complex case scenarios in the key areas of physiotherapy practice. You will have the opportunity to undertake a supervised project in an area of your choice. During your placements, emphasis is on the levels of professional mastery and fitness for practice that you will require for registration and employment.
Core modules
PHY601
Complex Case Management
20 credits
This module develops students’ critical evaluation of physiotherapy management within inter-professional teams across an array of patient pathways and settings (acute to community), building on knowledge from previous modules. Mental health and social reintegration aspects of complex case management will be explored and critically evaluated.
100% Examinations
PHY602
Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice
20 credits
This module develops students’ critical evaluation and application of emerging and contemporary physiotherapy practice to?improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and management of acute and long-term conditions.
100% Practicals
PHY603
Public and Global Health
20 credits
This module will enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of contemporary UK public health and global health issues relevant to the physiotherapy profession. Students will explore the challenges affecting public and global health and the potential for physiotherapy to affect positive change.
100% Coursework
SOHP602
Inter-professional Working in Health and Social Care
20 credits
Students will explore, in depth, areas of inter-professional working to include quality enhancement of service provision and the patient experience.
100% Coursework
SOHP605
Project
20 credits
This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.
100% Coursework
PHY606
Practice Placement 4
10 credits
This is one of two Practice Placements completed at Level 6. The student will be placed within a setting relevant to Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision and guidance of a placement educator. This module includes pre-placement preparatory workshops.
100% Practicals
PHY607
Practice Placement 5
10 credits
This is one of two Practice Placements completed at Level 6. The student will be placed within a setting relevant to Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision and guidance of a placement educator. This module includes pre-placement preparatory workshops.
100% Practicals
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
Alternative pathways
As the largest provider of health courses in the South West, we pride ourselves on enabling access to training whatever stage in your life you decide to pursue a career as a health professional.
Our suite of programmes cover the skills needed to kickstart your dynamic career as a physiotherapist.
Can I transfer to the integrated masters from the BSc?
Plymouth's integrated masters in physiotherapy (MPhysio) is a four year integrated masters degree combining undergraduate and postgraduate study in a single course.
If you are forecasted to successfully complete year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme, you may apply to transfer to year 3 of the integrated masters programme.
This will be subject to the following conditions:
- Place(s) being available on the integrated masters programme.
- Average attainment across all academic modules of 60% and normally not including modules requiring resitting or resubmission.
- Demonstration of consistent and appropriate professional behaviour across all modules, including placement.
Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Experience
First-class facilities to prepare you for your career in physiotherapy
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from a variety of disciplines learn together under one roof at our new facility InterCity Place. Complementing existing clinical facilities, our new innovative suites, simulations and practice labs will help us to train and develop the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
Prepare for practice with our fully-equipped clinical skills suites. We have an array of equipment used in all aspects of the working life of a physiotherapist, including plinths, couches, and a range of anatomical models.
Work alongside other healthcare students
Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre
supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.
It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.
Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.
Real-world experience
Placements are an integral part of the course, providing you with the opportunity to develop and apply the theoretical knowledge and skills you have learnt to a range of clinical settings and graduate with a broad range of clinical placement experience.
You will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice placements spread throughout the programme, where you will work with patients under the close supervision of experienced physiotherapists.
Our placement areas range from large NHS teaching hospitals to rehabilitation units and community teams, plus some non-NHS areas including with the Armed Forces and professional sports clubs. Placements are located across the South West region, including Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
Enhancing your experience
We encourage and support a range of voluntary, additional opportunities to enhance your employability and professional development. These include providing physiotherapy services at events such as the Plymouth Half Marathon, Plymouth 10K and assisting court side with Plymouth Raiders Basketball Team, plus supporting students in their own charitable and community engagement.
Opportunities exist throughout the programme for personal development for example: leadership opportunities by becoming a
Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS)
lead or enhancing your confidence and communication as a student ambassador.
Your personal tutor will guide you throughout the programme; providing face-to-face academic and pastoral support.
I was very fortunate in that I managed to have a wide variety of different placement experiences – from stroke rehab, trauma and orthopaedics, respiratory, and musculoskeletal – here I was actually treating patients, having positive outcomes and receiving positive feedback saying that I had made a difference in their lives. That was when I started to feel like I was ready for that transition from being a student to a fully qualified physiotherapist.
David
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy graduate
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy graduate
Learn from experienced physiotherapists
We’re proud to teach you in a way that’s shaped by the latest research – so you’re always learning what works in real-life care. You won’t just gain knowledge; you’ll develop the skills to find evidence, ask questions, and use research to help patients recover and thrive.
Ms Sue May
Associate Head of School (Internationalisation)
Claire Hornsby
Associate Head of School - Marketing and Recruitment
Ms Heather Hunter
Visiting Specialist
Enhance your studies with PhysioSoc
Physio placements can be intense – but you don’t have to go it alone. Physio Society brings together student physiotherapists for socials, wellbeing events and downtime. Whether you’re looking to relax, recharge, or just meet others who get it, we’ve got something for you – scheduled around your course so you never miss out.
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Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Studying physiotherapy at Plymouth opens the door to a fulfilling career in healthcare. With rising demand for physiotherapists across the UK, employment prospects for graduates remain strong and diverse.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve towards more integrated and community-based care, newly qualified physiotherapists are entering a profession rich in opportunity. As one of our graduates, you can work in a wide range of settings – from hospitals and outpatient clinics to GP practices, rehabilitation centres, and specialist units. Many also join community-based teams supporting patients in their own homes, helping to restore mobility and enhance quality of life.
Beyond the NHS, physiotherapists are in demand across the private healthcare sector, as well as in areas such as sports rehabilitation, occupational health, the armed forces, and international healthcare settings.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the School of Health Professions and additional costs may occur relating to placement activities.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students while they study and gain professional registration. The NHS training grant is a non-means-tested grant of £5,000 each academic year.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
120 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution will consider Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics.
A levels
ABB must include Biology, Human Biology or PE. Excluding Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies.
BTEC National Extended Diplomas and Extended Diplomas
BTEC National Extended Diplomas and Extended Diplomas are considered on an individual basis, depending on the units that are studied. They may be considered on their own or alongside A level biology, human biology, PE, or applied science, subject to the biological content of the BTEC units studied. Please provide a full list of units studied within the BTEC in order for this to be assessed.
Access courses
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, to include 12 Level 3 credits in Biology. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit.
T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
International Baccalaureate
33 overall with Higher Level Grade 6 in Biology or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
GCSE equivalence – Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5 in Maths, English, and Science.
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
GCSE equivalence – Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5 in Maths, English, and Science.
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
Extended entry requirements
- You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
- If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
- IELTS – overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in all elements.
- Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
- English language requirements
- We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
- Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
- All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.
Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form.
Read more about enhancing your application
Interview process
Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
- you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
- us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
- us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
NHS constitution
University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B162
B162
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy with Integrated Foundation Year
This course helps students transition into university study by building independent, reflective learning skills, alongside a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology – from genetics to body systems, health to disease.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
120 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B162
B162
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at
plymouth.ac.uk/upic
or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.