Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the health profession concerned with helping people recover movement, manage pain, and restore physical function following injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists assess and treat patients across a huge range of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries and neurological conditions to respiratory problems and the physical consequences of surgery. They work in NHS hospitals and community settings, in private practice, in sport, and with older people, children, and working adults, and they are increasingly recognised as autonomous practitioners who can assess and treat patients without a prior medical referral.

At the University of Nottingham, the BSc in Physiotherapy is a three-year full-time programme that prepares you for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulatory body for physiotherapy in the United Kingdom. The programme includes a foundation year, providing a supported entry route and additional preparation in the biological sciences and health knowledge that underpin physiotherapy practice. Nottingham's programme draws on strong links with NHS trusts and clinical settings across the East Midlands, ensuring that your clinical placements are rich, varied, and well-supervised.

You will develop assessment and treatment skills alongside a thorough grounding in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and evidence-based practice.

Physiotherapy is a physically and intellectually demanding profession, and Nottingham's programme prepares you for both dimensions.

Qualified physiotherapists work in NHS acute and community services, sports medicine, private clinics, occupational health, and international healthcare settings. With experience, many specialise in areas such as musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurorehabilitation, or paediatrics. The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study or research in physiotherapy or related health sciences.