What can you do with a physiotherapy degree?

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession which takes a holistic approach to a patient's health and wellbeing. Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

As a result, you will develop a broad range of skills while undertaking a physiotherapy degree including:

These are skills which are advantageous in all careers and so will support you in moving into a seemingly unrelated career post-graduation if that is what you decide to do. Many graduate employers don’t specify a degree discipline in their graduate recruitment so there will be many opportunities open to you as a graduate.

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. As a successful graduate, you’ll be able to progress from student to full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Studying physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth will open a wide range of career choices both within and outside the NHS, for example in:

You could also consider related careers such as: 

Graduate Management Training schemes with organisations like the NHS or Civil Service as well as a range of post grad pathways such as teaching are also all options.

Given the diversity of career options open to physiotherapy graduates, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

Take a look at the following useful websites for inspiration and further information:

As part of your course, you will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice placements spread across all three years, where you will work with patients under the close supervision of experienced physiotherapists.

The University of Plymouth encourages and supports 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 City Patriots Basketball Team, plus supporting students in their own charitable and community engagement.

You can also gain valuable skills and experience through part time work or through the many UPSU societies and sports clubs.

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth Physiotherapy graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping stones’ to other roles by providing relevant workplace experience.

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2018/19 – 2020/21. 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.

Some of the careers chosen by physiotherapy graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers an number of postgraduate study options that could be of interest to graduates of this course; these are advanced professional practice pathways which are available both full time and part time.

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable postgraduate programme. 

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni – find out your funding options.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service; however, they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni’s tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

For more information about the alumni tool select the LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile, select the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members can develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion. 

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to physiotherapy (such as the University of Plymouth Physio Soc) or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests. 

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.