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    Physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology

    Studying physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology provides the foundation to restore health and unravel the mysteries of bodily functions.

    What's on this page?

    Choosing to study physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology is committing to understanding the human body and its intricate workings. It will equip you with the skills to rehabilitate and restore physical wellbeing through physiotherapy but also delves into physiological processes and the identification of pathological conditions.

    It’s about gaining a holistic perspective, connecting the dots between normal body function, deviations from health, and effective therapeutic interventions. It prepares graduates for diverse roles in clinical settings but also positions them for career growth in research, academia, healthcare management, or specialisation in areas such as neurophysiology, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, or pathology diagnosis. 

    The impact you could make

    • Contribute significantly to the field of healthcare and the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
    • Contribute to diagnostic accuracy by identifying and interpreting abnormalities in tissues and bodily fluids.
    • Educate communities about health promotion, disease prevention, and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles.

    What you could study

    • Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
    • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
    • Cardiovascular health
    • Chemistry for life sciences
    • Epithelial physiology
    • Forensic pathology
    • Genealogical conditions
    • Neurobiology

    Study options

    Options to study in this field include:

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    • Adrianna

      University of the Arts London
      Public Relations
      ✨Public Relations student passionate about creative storytelling & making an impact through strategic marketing. 📈Obsessed with digital analytics, media research 🔍, and fostering real connections within the media world! 🤝 👩‍🎓Active as a Peer Mentor, Senior Student Ambassador, and Media School Rep – always here to help and share my journey! 🌟 💡 Let’s chat all things PR, media, and beyond!

    • Adrianna

      Bangor University
      Marine Biology
      Hi, I'm Adrianna. I'm from North West England. I decided I wanted to do marine biology, when someone did an online talk at my college all about the marine environment and biology. My main hobbies include sewing; gaming; watching films and series; and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite games are Animal Crossing; Slime Rancher; and Stardew Valley. Some of my favorite movies/series are: How to Train Your Dragon; Vampire Diaries; Grey's Anatomy; and Disney movies.

    • Aayan

      City St George's, University of London
      Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
      I did my Foundation year from INTO City, University of London. Currently doing BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science. I plan to work in Data / AI Field, I have strong interest in Trading and Content Creation 😊.

    • Abigail

      University of Lincoln
      Dance - BA (Hons)
      Hi, I'm Abi and I'm a third-year BA (Hons) Dance Student. I'm from Suffolk. I started dancing from the age of 3 in Ballet, Modern and Tap and then also started training in Contemporary, Irish and Ballroom & Latin dance before completing both GCSE & A-level Dance. I'm now continuing my passion here at UOL and hope to continue this into a professional career!

    • Accalia

      University of Sussex
      Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
      I would love to be engaged in various sectors specifically Media, Law and International Business, My end goal is to be an international consultant for Caribbean small businesses.

    • Aditi

      University College Birmingham
      Finance and Accounting
      I am Aditi Ghevade, from the city of Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Accounting, I find immense joy in delving into the intricacies of financial systems and exploring the world of numbers. Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and even French, my multicultural and multilingual background has equipped me with a versatile skill set.

    • Aditya

      University of Glasgow
      Medicine [MBChB]
      Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)

    • Abbey

      Leeds Trinity University
      Criminology with Police Studies BA Combined (Hons)
      I am looking at going into the police after university and doing their graduate detective program. I enjoy watching all sorts of true crime documentaries.

    • Abby

      Swansea University
      Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
      I am a keen swimmer and am part of the University Swim team and have competed in the BUSL swim league as well as Welsh Varsity representing the university. The swim team is comprised of a range of abilities. I love what I study and am passionate about Sport Psychology and hope to pursue it as a Masters when I graduate. I am in my second year of the degree course and am loving it so far, so any questions about my course or the swim team are more than welcome.

    • Abdul

      University of Lincoln
      Architecture - BA (Hons)
      “Hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about the courses here in Lincoln and also about the city itself. I am more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.”

    • Adeola Priscillia

      Coventry University
      MSc International Business Management
      I am currently studying International Business Management and have a background in education. Although I’ve recently started as a student ambassador, I bring previous customer service experience, which has strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in global business, combining my interests in education and international management.

    • Adam

      Coventry University
      Sports Coaching BSc
      Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏

    • Abigail

      City St George's, University of London
      Politics BSc (Hons)
      Hi, my name is Abigail and I am a 2nd year Politics undergraduate, who wants to become a lawyer in common law. I am happy to answer questions regarding university, a career in law, etc! ❤️

    • Abbie

      Leeds Trinity University
      Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS BA (Hons)
      Hi I’m Abbie 🫶🏻. I am a primary education student here at Leeds trinity completing my first year currently. I live at home and commute in for my lectures. I am a course representative so look very closely into student feedback. I am also the mental health officer for Leeds trinity and look forward to building campaigns to help those at trinity! I was very nervous joining university but realised very quickly it’s like family where everyone is supportive and tries to help at any opportunity. The campus is beautiful and I love to study in lots of different spaces to change up the scenery every now and again! I have a dog walking business to satisfy my love of animals and am also a student ambassador for university. I work part time in a pub not far from the university and love to go running in my spare time to clear my mind! I came from sixth form to university and knew what course I wanted to do. I’m here to answer all of your questions about life at university hoping to give an insight on the student life and what to expect!

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Advika

      University of Glasgow
      Common Law [LLB]
      Hey there ! I am Advika from India🇮🇳 and I am a third year Common Law student. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, studies, student life, or anything else. Please feel free to chat 😊

    • Abdul Rashid

      University of Aberdeen
      Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bio-business MSc
      My current career plan is to delve deep into the core of bioinformatics and try as much as possible to make it easy for future prospects in that field of study.

    • Abdullah

      Liverpool John Moores University
      Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
      Currently in my second year, I’m focused on making the most of my degree and building a strong foundation in my field. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan is to pursue a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. I’m passionate about using AI to tackle real-world challenges, and eventually, I’d love to work in a tech company that’s leading the way in innovation. My vision is to be part of projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve—I’m excited about what the future holds!

    • Aaliyah

      University of Hertfordshire
      Animation, film, games and creative media
      Hi, I'm Aaliyah! I am a final-year Games Art student and want to work hard to hone my skills and improve as a character artist! I am also a producer so if you want to talk about that specialism within Games and VFX then feel free to ask. You might be feeling a bit worried or uneasy about what there is and what the course entails but I am here to answer all your questions. No matter how big the question or how small :) Whilst I'm not in the other animation pathways (3D/VFX, 2D animation, Comic & Concept Art) I can always give my knowledge in those areas too. Just pop a message over! Very excited to talk about the courses with you :D

    • Abigail

      University of Essex
      Criminology
      Hello! My name is Abi, and I'm currently in my third year doing Criminology with Counselling Skills. I aspire to go into the police force to be a detective! I love helping others and cooking. Alongside my degree, I am doing some content creation and photography as a fun hobby as I also have a passion for both of those things.

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    Example module

    “I really enjoyed anatomy. I loved learning about how our bodies work and enjoyed the mix of learning and then applying that to practice.”
    Second year physiotherapy student, University of Chichester

    Example assignment

    "I really enjoyed my exercise prescription assignment because it challenged by knowledge and outlook of exercise and really opened my eyes to the differences between physiotherapy and general fitness exercises."
    First year physiotherapy student, University of Winchester

    Subjects it's useful to have studied first

    Some physiotherapy, physiology and pathology courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

    Biology

    Maths

    PE

    78% of students

    studying physiotherapy, physiology and pathology would recommend it to others
    (UCAS subject guide survey 2023)

    Hard skills you'll develop

    • Clinical assessment
    • Rehabilitation techniques
    • Anatomy and physiology knowledge
    • Medical terminology

    Soft skills you'll develop

    • Active listening
    • Empathy
    • Collaborative decision-making
    • Patient advocacy

    Careers: Where it can take you

    Find out more about your career prospects from studying physiotherapy, physiology and pathology. The following information is based on a typical physiotherapist role.

    Available jobs

    63,661 vacancies in the past year
    6.76% growth over next eight years

    Average salary

    £35,136
    Up to £52,234

    Career options

    Genetic counsellor talking to clients

    What is an…osteopath?

    If you’re considering physiotherapy but interested in a career where you will have the time, expertise, and autonomy to take a whole person approach to health, then osteopathy could be a good career option for you. As an osteopath, you will be a respected and regulated primary healthcare professional able to assess, examine, diagnose, and treat people of all ages and all walks of life. Osteopaths are in huge demand across the UK and abroad for their healthcare knowledge and expertise. Osteopaths can earn from £64 to £110 per hour and 5% of osteopaths who run their own clinics earn in excess of £100,000 per year.

    Find out more

    Getting in: Entry requirements

    Find out more about what you'll need to study physiotherapy, physiology and pathology at university or as an apprenticeship.

    Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

    Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology applicants.

    A levels

    BBB

    Scottish Highers

    AABBB

    Vocational

    BTEC – D*DD
    Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative

    Other subjects you may be interested in

    Considering an apprenticeship?

    Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. 1

      Deadline

      Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
    2. 2

      Where to apply

      You apply directly through the employer.
    3. 3

      No limits

      You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
    4. 4

      Apply to university and apprenticeships

      There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
    5. 5

      Find out more

      Read our guide to health and science apprenticeships.

    Explore further

    Go deeper into topics around physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology with the following:
    1. 1

      Test your knowledge

      Brush up on the different parts and functions of the human body with this 60-question quiz.
    2. 2

      Keep up-to-date with these websites

    3. 3

      Huberman Lab podcast

      Dr Andrew Huberman’s popular podcast covers all manner of science topics, with some focusing on neurobiology and physiology. 

    Application advice

    Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology journey.

    Skills, experiences, and interests to mention

    • tick!Can you clearly talk about your interest in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, maybe sharing experiences or observations that have influenced your desire to contribute to the recovery and wellbeing of others.
    • tick!If you can, mention any research or lab experiences related to physiology or pathology, highlighting your interest in scientific inquiry and understanding diseases.

    • tick!Show examples of situations where you demonstrated leadership or worked effectively as part of a team.
    • tick!Talk about empathy and your commitment to patient-centred care, as this will prove your understanding of the human side of healthcare.
    • tick!What are your professional goals in the areas of physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology?
    Physiotherapist working on patient's leg

    Personal statement guide

    We asked admissions tutors to share their advice for writing a strong and engaging physiotherapy personal statement. Here's what they told us.

    Personal statement builder

    Try our tool.

    Get help structuring your statement.

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