Physiotherapy

The BSc Physiotherapy programme at the University of Essex is designed to develop competent and compassionate practitioners equipped with comprehensive knowledge in human anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and evidence-based clinical practices. Over the course of this three-year undergraduate degree, students gain a thorough understanding of how to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of physical health conditions related to movement and function. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical clinical placements, allowing students to apply their gained knowledge in real-world healthcare settings and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Emphasising a patient-centred approach, the curriculum integrates the latest research and innovative techniques in physiotherapy, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, simulated clinical environments, and access to active partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and community services. The programme also focuses on developing critical thinking, professionalism, and lifelong learning abilities, enabling students to adapt to advances in physiotherapy practice and contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and pursue various specialisations within physiotherapy or further postgraduate studies. The University of Essex's physiotherapy programme is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, ensuring all students have the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals while making a positive impact on individual health and community wellbeing.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Prospective students should be encouraged that the modules for this programme are also areas of research and personal interest with our physiotherapy programme team. Our physiotherapy team is made up of physiotherapy professionals who between them have a wealth of experience academically and within the physiotherapy profession.
Our pre-registration programmes have the advantage of inter-professional learning (IPL), encouraging professionals to learn with and from each other – an understanding that helps to ensure you have the expertise to respond adequately and effectively to the complexity of their service user needs, and ensures that care is safe, seamless and of a high standard. This means that our teaching team also includes academic professionals from our other inter-professional learning programmes: Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy.
For our BSc Physiotherapy, attendance at our University is for two days per week. Clinical placements are on a full-time basis.
Some teaching will be through problem-based learning (PBL) and, for these sessions, you may be working alongside students on the aforementioned programmes to prepare you for multi-disciplinary team working during your placements and upon registration as a physiotherapist.
In addition, our physiotherapy team invite a large number of practising clinicians to contribute to the teaching on this programme.
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Health Well-Being and Interprofessional Practice;
Anatomy and Pathophysiology for Physiotherapy Practice; and
Core Physiotherapy Skills

Year 2

Physiotherapy for the Upper Quadrant;
Physiotherapy for the Lower Quadrant;
Physiotherapy Practice 1;
Neurological Physiotherapy;
Cardiovascular Physiotherapy; and
Physiotherapy Practice 2

Year 3

Research and Evidence for Practice 1;
Complexities in Musculoskeletal Practice;
Context of Physiotherapy Practice;
Physiotherapy Practice 3;
Complexities in Rehabilitation; and
Physiotherapy Practice 4

Year 4

Research and Evidence for Practice 2;
Physiotherapy Practice 5;
Evidencing Practice and Continuing Professional Development; and
Research and Evidence for Practice 3

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Please be aware that we are not able to accept applications for deferred entry for this course.
Our applicants should have:
Two A-Levels: normally CC (to include a biological or sports science, plus at least 1 other appropriate subject), supported by 5 GCSEs (to include Maths, English & Science))
Equivalent level 3 qualification; such as:
BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma, at MPP or above (in a relevant subject eg. Health & Social Care, Health Studies, Health Sciences etc)
Access to HE Diploma (relevant pathway)with at least 18 M/D credits in relevant Biological Science Units
International Baccalaureate (to include Biology at a Grade 4 or higher )
Other level 3 (or higher qualifications) with sufficient biological science content may be considered by the Admissions team
For those students for whom English is not your native language, you would also need to successfully complete the IELTS testing with a score of 7.0 or above, with no element below 6.5
Evidence of recent academic study
You must also have: two satisfactory references (including an academic reference), a satisfactory Occupational health and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as CRB) – both of these are organised by the University.
Access is supported by the Health Education East of England, consequently the course is only available to: applicants classified as ‘home’ or ‘EU’ students.
NB: All applicants will be classified as either ‘Home/EU’ students or ‘International’ students.
In order to be classified as a Home or EU student you must be:
a) ‘Settled’ in the UK as a UK or EU citizen, or have ‘indefinite leave to remain’ granted by the Home Office. ‘Settled’ means being both ordinarily resident in the UK and without any immigration restriction on the length of your stay in the UK; and
b) ‘Ordinarily resident’ in the UK and Islands for the full three-year period before the first day of the first academic year of the programme.
All other applicants will be classified as International students.
As part of the selection process, students will be expected to demonstrate good knowledge and a clear understanding of the scope of work that a physiotherapist is required to undertake as well as the significance of the NHS Constitution and its core values.
Please note: You are also required to supply two satisfactory references preferably one from an academic source, the other from a work-based source. If you are selected for interview, then you will also be required to sit a Literacy & Numeracy test.
Interviews will take place from February 2014 for the September 2014 intake.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from applicants studying in the UK, EU and other countries. For further details about the qualifications that we accept, please e-mail us with information about the high school qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The BSc Physiotherapy program at the University of Essex is designed to prepare students for a clinical career in the field of physiotherapy, focusing on the development of the essential skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory systems. The curriculum combines academic theories with practical clinical experience, allowing students to gain real-world insights and hands-on skills critical for effective patient care. Throughout the program, students will engage with topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and health promotion, which form the foundation of physiotherapy practice. The university emphasizes a student-centered approach, incorporating innovative teaching methods including interactive lectures, laboratory sessions, simulation exercises, and placements in healthcare settings. The program also fosters research skills, enabling students to critically analyze evidence and contribute to contemporary physiotherapy practices. Collaboration with local hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations provides students with diverse clinical placements, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional roles upon graduation. The program typically progresses over three years of full-time study, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree, which qualifies graduates to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. The university also supports students through dedicated academic advisors and peer mentoring schemes to enhance their learning experience. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, sports clinics, and private practices, and are prepared for further postgraduate study or research opportunities in physiotherapy or related health sciences. The program upholds the university’s commitment to high-quality healthcare education and to promoting the well-being of diverse patient populations through evidence-based, compassionate physiotherapy practice.