Studying physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology provides the foundation to restore health and unravel the mysteries of bodily functions.
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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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.
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
Medicine, dentistry and nursing
Sport, leisure and recreation
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Not all superheroes wear a cape. These specialists blend their knowledge of genetics with empathy and excellent communication skills to work out genetic risks in families. Whether unravelling family medical histories, understanding genetic test results, or providing support for prenatal decisions, genetic counsellors offer more than just information. With a keen eye on the latest genetic advancements, these counsellors are not just professionals; they're advocates for informed decision-making and champions of personalised healthcare.
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.
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:
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Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
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Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer.
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No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
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Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
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Explore further
Go deeper into topics around physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology with the following:
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Test your knowledge
Brush up on the different parts and functions of the human body with this
60-question quiz.
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Keep up-to-date with these websites
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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?
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.
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