Physiotherapists are critical members in medical teams as they help to restore movement and function when an individual is affected by injury, illness, or disability. According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), there is a growing demand for physiotherapists in the UK as the country has an ageing population who need vital care.
This increase in demand, combined with the UK’s high academic standards for physiotherapy training, makes the UK a great option for master’s students who are aiming to pursue a career in physiotherapy. We’ve outlined other key reasons for studying a master’s in physiotherapy in the UK below.
Why study a master’s in Physiotherapy in the UK?
The UK is one of the best places in the world to study physiotherapy as it employs up-to-date research, highly qualified teaching staff, and practical experience to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in physiotherapy. Five of the top 25 universities for medicine in the world, according to the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings, are located in the UK – a reflection of the quality provided by the UK for medical education. In addition to this, there are a few other key reasons to consider studying a physiotherapy master’s in the UK:
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State-of-the-art facilities – Many UK universities have cutting-edge laboratory technologies and research programmes at their on-campus physiotherapy centres. These centres are designed to help you develop the practical skills needed for physiotherapy care in a safe yet realistic environment. You’ll be trained for your placements and employment through these facilities.
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Top-ranking universities – The UK is home to some of the world’s best-ranking universities in medical science. This means that the education provided for students of physiotherapy is rigorous and is delivered by qualified, experienced faculty.
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Lucrative job opportunities – Students with a master’s in physiotherapy are qualified for multiple fields, including health, childcare and education, sports healthcare, and animal physiotherapy. On average, a physiotherapist in the UK can earn up to £40,000 annually as a starting salary.
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Scholarships – The UK is an attractive destination for many international students as it offers a wide range of master’s scholarships. Prospective physiotherapy students can access both general master’s scholarships and subject-specific ones, which we’ve outlined towards the end of this blog.
Physiotherapy courses in the UK for international students
Physiotherapy courses are designed to equip students and professionals in medical science with the skills needed to assist patients with joint and muscular pain. As such, popular physiotherapy courses in the UK include:
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Advanced Clinical Practice (Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation)
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Advanced Physiotherapy
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Clinical Exercise Physiology
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Hand Therapy
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Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)
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Veterinary Physiotherapy
As the course names indicate, the wide variety of physiotherapy courses available in the UK means that you can consider different industries when specialising in fields such as sport or veterinary sciences. However, if you’re still wondering if a master’s in physiotherapy is the right next step for you, check out our next section.
Who is it for?
A masters in physiotherapy in the UK is ideal for those interested in person-centred care with pre-existing experience and knowledge in healthcare. These courses are designed for those who are interested in advancing their existing skills, gaining new ones, and progressing their careers while understanding clinical reasoning and health promotion.
Generally, these are applied programmes (programmes that would develop your practical skills), so you should be able to handle clinical caseloads while learning your theory. If this sounds like an area you’d be interested in, it’s good to gain an understanding of the exact eligibility requirements before applying for a master’s in physiotherapy in the UK.
Eligibility criteria and admissions requirements
Getting into a physiotherapy master’s programme in the UK means being able to demonstrate that you have an academic background in a human biological, behavioural science, sports science, or allied health programme which included the study of human sciences/anatomy and physiology in the final year. Additionally, you should be able to show that you have:
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An understanding of research methods and an ability to critically evaluate research findings
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The ability to conduct a research study
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An insight into and interest in physiotherapy
Each university may have slight variations in eligibility criteria, but generally, the most common requirements are:
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A bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy or related healthcare subject of at least 2:2 classification or international equivalent
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IELTS overall minimum score of 6.5 or other relevant English language qualification
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At least one year’s work experience in physiotherapy or a related healthcare role
Once you understand the general entry criteria, it’s time to start researching UK universities to find the course that’s most suitable for your qualifications and future interests. In the next section, we’ve helped you to get started by listing out the top 10 UK universities for a master’s in physiotherapy.
Top universities for a master’s in physiotherapy in UK
UK universities will train you in practical techniques and give you the theoretical knowledge needed for a career in physiotherapy. These are the top 10 universities in the UK for a master’s in physiotherapy. This list has been compiled using The Guardian’s ‘Best UK universities for physiotherapy’ league table.
| Rank | University | Qualification Offered | Tuition Fee per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Gordon University | MPhys Physiotherapy | £16,000 |
| 2 | University of Brighton | MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) | £16,000 |
| 3 | University of Hertfordshire | MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) | £19,000 |
| 4 | Oxford Brookes University | MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) | £18,000 |
| 5 | Salford University | MSc Physiotherapy | £17,000 |
| 6 | Plymouth University | MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) | £19,000 |
| 7 | University of Bradford | MPhysiotherapy Sport and Exercise Medicine | £25,000 |
| 8 | Keele University | MSci (Hons) Physiotherapy | £24,000 |
| 9 | University of Central Lancashire | MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) | £17,000 |
| 10 | Coventry University | MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice | £18,000 |
While teaching methods and course structures may slightly vary between these universities, all UK universities have a general structure for healthcare-related study. Read our next section to find out more about how your master’s in physiotherapy will be structured.
Course structure
At the core of any physiotherapy programme in the UK is a commitment to patient care achieved through excellent learning opportunities and diverse clinical placements. Your master’s in physiotherapy will typically run for two academic years, and would usually begin with modules centred around theory while gradually advancing to placements where you can build first-hand experience.
Learning and assessment
Your 24-month master’s in physiotherapy in the UK will be divided equally between the classroom and clinically-based care settings.
Physiotherapy courses in the UK are usually delivered as a combination of taught core modules, practice placements, and one final-year research project. Practical placements generally make up about 34 weeks of the entire programme and are divided between the two years of your study. You’ll be assessed through:
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Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)
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Written examinations
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Coursework which would include a research project
While coursework and teaching methods are one aspect to consider when picking your physiotherapy course, another is to understand the costs involved so you can pick a course depending on the funds available for you.
Tuition fees and other costs
On average, a master’s in physiotherapy at a UK university will cost around £24,000 per year. When calculating the funds you’d need for your studies in the UK, you’ll also have to factor in other expenses.
Other expenses
When planning to study in the UK, you’ll also have to factor in pre-arrival and living expenses which are essential. The average cost of living in the UK is around £15,000 per year in London and approximately £12,000 in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. This means the average international student can expect to spend between £36,000 (INR 39 lakhs) and £39,000 (INR 42 lakhs) per year living and studying in the UK, including tuition fees.
| Cost | London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition fee | £24,000 | £24,000 |
| Monthly rent | £750 to £850 | £550 to £650 |
| Monthly public transport costs | £100 | £50 |
| Monthly grocery costs | £150 | £100 |
While these costs may seem a little overwhelming at first, the UK government, UK universities, and other private entities offer funding for students to help them out with their studies in the UK. We’ve outlined some key scholarships below.
Scholarships
Master’s scholarships in the UK are wide-ranging and help ease the financial impact of your degree as an international student. These can help you focus on your academics more effectively without having to worry too much about funding for certain aspects of your programme in the UK. We’ve provided two lists in the table below – one of fully funded scholarships for Indian students and one of subject-specific scholarships for prospective physiotherapy or STEM students.
| Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK | Subject-Specific Scholarships for Prospective Physiotherapy or STEM Students |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Scholarships | College of Health, Science, and Society Dean’s Scholarship at UWE Bristol |
| Chevening Scholarship | British Council Women in STEM Scholarship |
| Clarendon Scholarship | The Dean’s International Scholarship for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Life Sciences at Brunel University of London |
| Felix Scholarship | University of Birmingham India Outstanding Achievement Scholarship |
| GREAT Scholarship | Global STEM Leadership Masters Scholarship at City, University of London |
Now that we’ve looked at all the key areas of studying a master’s in physiotherapy in the UK, let’s take a look at your job prospects after graduation.
Job prospects
After completing your master’s in physiotherapy, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) if you plan to practise as a physiotherapist in the UK. The HCPC is the regulatory body for physiotherapists in the UK and you can only describe yourself as a physiotherapist if you’re registered with them.
After obtaining your HCPC registration, you can either choose to work in the National Health Service (NHS) or enter private practice or other aspects of social care. On average, physiotherapy graduates can earn about £40,000 in a variety of job roles, including:
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Acupuncturist
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Chiropractor
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Health service manager
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Osteopath
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Personal trainer
Conclusion
Graduates of physiotherapy are able to join the UK’s healthcare sector to provide vital care services. While competition for a master’s in physiotherapy in the UK can be tough, understanding the entry requirements will help you submit a successful application. We’re able to help you in this process by organising your documents, advising you on your visa, and finetuning your SOP, so reach out to our experts today.
FAQs
How long is a master’s in physiotherapy in the UK?
An MSc in physiotherapy is generally a two-year programme. This includes placements for clinical practice as well. Some UK universities offer four-year integrated master’s programmes for students looking to combine their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physiotherapy.
Which master’s in physiotherapy is best in the UK?
According to The Guardian’s ‘Best UK universities for physiotherapy’ league table, Robert Gordon University’s MPhys Physiotherapy is the best physiotherapy course in the UK. This is an integrated master’s programme, and it’s also the first in the UK for career prospects in physiotherapy.
How much does a physiotherapy master’s cost in the UK?
A master’s in physiotherapy in the UK costs about £24,000. Additionally, the average cost of living in the UK is around £15,000 per year in London and approximately £12,000 in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. This means the average international student can expect to spend between £24,000 (INR 26 lakhs) and £26,000 (INR 30 lakhs) per year living and studying in the UK, including tuition fees.
Is physiotherapy in high demand in the UK?
According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), there is a growing demand for physiotherapists in the UK as the country has an ageing population who need vital care. The CSP has also called for physio staffing in the NHS to increase.
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