Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the healthcare profession dedicated to restoring and maintaining movement and physical function across a wide range of conditions and life stages. Physiotherapists work with people recovering from injury, surgery, or illness, with those managing long-term conditions such as stroke, chronic pain, or neurological disease, and with people of all ages who want to optimise their physical health and wellbeing. The profession draws on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and the neurosciences, and it combines scientific knowledge with skilled, hands-on clinical practice and a commitment to empowering patients to take an active role in their own recovery.

At University College Birmingham, this three-year full-time programme is structured to prepare you for registration as a physiotherapist. The programme includes a foundation year element within its structure, providing additional support for students who benefit from building their scientific and academic foundations before the full clinical degree. You will study the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems, and you will develop clinical skills in assessment, treatment planning, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient communication.

Substantial clinical placement experience in NHS and other healthcare settings is built into the programme, ensuring you develop the practical competence and professional confidence needed for independent practice. The typical entry tariff of 136 points reflects the academic and professional expectations of a programme leading to a regulated healthcare career.

Graduates are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practice as qualified physiotherapists. Career opportunities exist in the NHS, private practice, sports and exercise medicine, occupational health, community services, and research. Physiotherapy is a profession with significant scope for specialism and career development, including roles in musculoskeletal, neurological, paediatric, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

Postgraduate study and continuing professional development support progression into advanced clinical practice, leadership, education, and research.