Entry requirements

A university degree is the most popular way to become a physiotherapist. A full-time degree can take three years and a part-time course will take six years. A two-year accelerated Masters course is also an option if you already have a relevant degree. Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. The other option is to apply for a degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements for an undergraduate course are typically:

• two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE.
• five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science.

Or the equivalent qualifications:

• a BTEC, HND or HNC, including biological science.
• a relevant T level.
• a relevant NVQ.
• a science-based access course.
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
• a previous degree or a full practicing qualification in a related area.

Each university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check with them directly. In most cases, the results of an interview and other selection processes are taken into account as well as academic qualifications. It’s also a good idea to spend some time with a registered physiotherapist to get some firsthand experience of what the role’s really like.

When applying for a physiotherapy degree, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

Annual payments

If you're eligible, you’ll receive at least £5,000 a year to help fund your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news?  You'll never have to pay it back. Find out more. 

Degree apprenticeship 

A degree apprenticeship with a healthcare provider is another way to become a physiotherapist. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.

Must-have skills

Whichever route you take, you’ll also need to be a good communicator who can be hands-on and explain conditions and treatments easily to clients. Having a caring and calm nature is equally important. Physiotherapy can be physically and mentally strenuous so you should also be physically fit with strong organisational and planning skills too.

Training and career development

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where we’ll discuss your career aspirations and plan how we can help you to achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. You’ll also be encouraged to join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy where you’ll be able to continually update your skills and training.

As a physiotherapist, you could specialise in a particular area such as sports injuries, critical care, or work with the elderly, children or cancer patients. Teaching, research and management roles are other options.

Outside the NHS, you could work with sports coaches or personal trainers, be based in a clinic or open your own practice.

Pay and benefits

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings and weekends. As a physiotherapist, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.

You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.