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Health Therapies at UEA
Find out more about studying Health Therapies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- B160
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23Course Overview
Why Physiotherapy at UEA?
Join a friendly community of staff and students fostering wellbeing and positive learning to enable you to become a skilled and competent physiotherapist.
UEA Physiotherapy team of researchers and clinicians provides interdisciplinary learning, case-based and practical teaching, placements, simulation sessions and dissection anatomy.
Why choose UEA?
- Top-ranked Physiotherapy: We’re ranked 9th in the UK for 'Physiotherapy' by The Complete University Guide 2026
- Vibrant Norfolk: You’ll benefit from the buzz of the vibrant Norwich, stunning Norfolk coastline and diverse rural communities
- Hands-on learning: You’ll start placements from the first year of your study
What is BSC Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession which uses biology, psychology and sociology to care holistically for a person’s health and wellbeing. It’s a career that can have an incredibly positive impact and uses a person-centered approach to help people of all ages reach their own specific goals.
Physiotherapists provide care across a range of specialisms. Examples include musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurology (among many others)!
Physiotherapy careers are diverse, and as a graduate from our BSc Physiotherapy degree, you’ll encounter many exciting opportunities to apply your clinical, research, education and leadership skills.
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Placement Year
Placement Six is an ‘elective’ professional development placement within an area guided by your placement profile, in a location you choose and organise (with approval from your advisor and course director). You can choose where you’d like to complete the placement, based on your previous practice experience. There is the option to undertake your placement overseas, broadening your understanding of physiotherapy within a different country and culture. This is subject to government travel and health advice at the time these placements take place.
Accreditations
Our programme is approved by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Following your graduation, you'll need to register with your professional body, the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). You could also join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Once HCPC registered, you'll be eligible to work as a physiotherapist in the UK and overseas, although to work in some countries, such as the USA and Canada you may have to sit a further exam.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc degree in Physiotherapy, you could launch a career in:
- Health and social care
- Independent and private practice
- The voluntary sector, including charities
- The military, prison service, industry, sports clubs
- Higher education and research … the options are endless
Career Support
On the UEA Physiotherapy course, there are dedicated sessions about employability to help guide you into the world of Physiotherapy work. There is also dedicated, specific support and advice if you’d like to set up your own business and become an entrepreneur!
UEA Career Central will also support and guide you during and after your course.
After the Course
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and can look forward to a lifelong career as a qualified Physiotherapist. Our graduates are known for being capable candidates who are well prepared for modern health and social care services. We’ll support you in developing your portfolio and will work closely with you to get your career off to the best start.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study topics including a mix of profession-specific and interdisciplinary learning which vary in weight from 20 to 60 credits. You’ll also complete two practice placements, focusing on core transferable and profession-specific knowledge, skills and behaviors.
This first year will provide the foundations for developing your professional practice and will include anatomy, physiology, sociology and psychology, alongside professionalism, the theory and practical physiotherapy skills and research skills.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll undertake two further practice placements, building on your core skills. You’ll continue to engage with learning across a range of year-long modules to enhance your transferable and profession-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours. You’ll explore in greater depth a range of cases, including those which focus on musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
This second year will also provide the opportunity to build on your understanding of existing research, and how physiotherapy research is produced.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, year-long modules continue with increasing complexity to aid your transition from student to qualified Physiotherapist, including advanced communication skills, managing complex cases and recognising strengths for employability. You’ll also complete a further two practice placements, focusing on the acquisition of more complex skills. Your final placement is known as the ‘elective’ professional development placement, which gives you some flexibility to choose and organise a placement of specific interest guided by your interests and previous placement experiences. This could include exploring overseas opportunities.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
This three-year full-time BSc Physiotherapy course will provide you with all the theoretical and practical knowledge you need to work as a physiotherapist in a variety of health and social care settings. Your learning will balance teaching with a series of placements in a breadth of different settings. You'll be supported throughout by our dedicated team and a nominated personal advisor. Our teaching approaches are varied and student-centered and include simulation, practical classes, lectures, seminars, group work as well as guided and self-directed learning.
In your first year, you’ll learn the foundational skills required for your development as a physiotherapist. You’ll complete a shared human sciences module with occupational therapy students. This covers anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, and learning within our dissection lab. You’ll be introduced to group work skills and peer learning. You’ll undertake two practice placements to introduce you to the workplace, and to enable you to start establishing links between theory and practice. You’ll be introduced to interprofessional learning and research.
In your second year, you’ll build on your foundation skills and knowledge with further application to patient case studies. You’ll develop further physiotherapy-specific skills and become more able to articulate your clinical reasoning. You’ll continue to work in interprofessional groups, develop your professional identity, and build on your research skills. You’ll have a further two placements to apply your learning while working with experienced practice educators.
In your final year, you’ll consider the wider role of physiotherapy across a range of settings with increasingly complex patient scenarios. You’ll study a variety of contemporary health topics, as well as the legislation and policies that drive the health and social care agenda.
Throughout the year, you’ll become increasingly independent and responsible for your own learning, in preparation for your transition to qualified professional life. You’ll complete a further two practice placements, one of which you can plan and undertake in an area of your choice.
Assessment
Over the three years, we use a variety of different assessment methods including Objective Structure Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), course tests, portfolios of evidence, live oral presentations, posters, written work and practice placements. Feedback will be provided throughout so that you can reflect on your practice and learning, helping you identify your strengths, as well as any areas you may need to work on.
In your first year, you have an OSCE and then a mixture of essays, multiple choice questions, group presentations, oral presentations and two practice placements.
In year two, you have a practical VIVA and a mixture of oral presentations, written work and short answer questions, alongside two practice placements.
In year three, you have oral presentations, a professional poster, a professional interview and development plan, and a literature review extended report, alongside two practice placements.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements, GCSE requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require 5 GCSEs at a minimum grade 4 or grade C, including Mathematics, English Language, and one Science subject.
If you hold or are working towards Mathematics and English Language GCSEs, but do not hold 5 GCSEs including science, please contact Admissions.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Biology, Human Biology, or PE.
Contextual offer: BBB including Biology, Human Biology, or PE.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC
DDD.
Contextual offer: DDM.
See BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 section below for further information on accepted subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject, including 12 credits of Biology.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject, including 12 credits of Biology at Merit.
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction. We accept the Science T Level only.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3
Grade requirements:
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DDD (made up of Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma subjects)
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DD (made up of Extended Certificate or Diploma subjects) plus B at A level
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D (Extended Certificate) plus AB at A level
Subject requirements:
Our subject requirements are:
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Extended Diploma which meets the unit requirements, where specified, in one of the subjects listed below
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A combination of BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subjects, which includes at least one of the options listed below and meets the unit requirements, where specified
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Any BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subjects, taken in combination with A level Biology, Human Biology or PE
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A combination of one of the BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subject options below which meets the unit requirements, where specified, alongside A levels in any subject(s)
Not accepted: BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration.
Other Typical Entry Requirements
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- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Offers are also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)(opens in a new window) check. Future employment may be subject to these conditions. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health-related subject , we will consider the relevance, level, recentness, and outcome of that study alongside evidence of your academic potential to succeed on the course. Applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful prior study may be required to provide additional information.
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- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic(opens in a new window), which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
Placement allocation primarily takes place across a variety of settings, which may include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services, and voluntary or private organisations. These placements are located throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2027. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements, GCSE requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require 5 GCSEs at a minimum grade 4 or grade C, including Mathematics, English Language, and one Science subject.
If you hold or are working towards Mathematics and English Language GCSEs, but do not hold 5 GCSEs including science, please contact Admissions.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Biology, Human Biology, or PE.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
International Baccalaureate
33 including HL 5 Biology or Sports, Exercise & Health Science.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Offers are also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)(opens in a new window) check. Future employment may be subject to these conditions. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health-related subject , we will consider the relevance, level, recentness, and outcome of that study alongside evidence of your academic potential to succeed on the course. Applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful prior study may be required to provide additional information.
.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic(opens in a new window), which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
Placement allocation primarily takes place across a variety of settings, which may include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services, and voluntary or private organisations. These placements are located throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2027. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You can find information regarding additional costs associated on our Fees and finance webpages.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started. (opens in a new window)
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: