Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession grounded in movement science, anatomy, physiology and clinical reasoning, concerned with helping people recover function, manage pain and maintain independence following injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapists work with patients across the full range of ages and conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries and neurological conditions to respiratory problems, post-surgical recovery and long-term conditions affecting movement and quality of life. The profession requires both strong scientific foundations and the interpersonal skills to work with patients who are often in pain, anxious or facing long-term changes to their capacity for movement.

At the University of Gloucestershire, this three-year full-time degree prepares you for registration as a physiotherapist through an integrated combination of academic study and clinical placement. You will learn the anatomy and biomechanics of the human body, the physiology of movement, the pathophysiology of conditions you will encounter in practice, and the evidence base for the therapeutic interventions physiotherapists use, including exercise prescription, manual therapy, electrotherapy and patient education. Clinical placements are embedded throughout the programme, placing you in real healthcare environments where you develop the clinical skills and professional judgement that book learning alone cannot provide.

Typical entry is around 152 UCAS tariff points, and entry to physiotherapy typically requires specific requirements regarding scientific subjects at A level or equivalent.

Graduation leads to eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and practice as a qualified physiotherapist in NHS and independent settings. Physiotherapists work in hospitals, community and primary care, rehabilitation centres, sports and exercise settings, occupational health and private practice. Career progression leads to specialist clinical roles, advanced practice, physiotherapy leadership and management, education and research.

Many physiotherapists also pursue postgraduate qualifications in specialist clinical areas or move into health services research.