Overview
The human body is a complex machine, but what happens when movement becomes a challenge? This course trains the next generation of physiotherapists to use scientific knowledge and patient-assessment in helping to improve the physical well-being of their patients or optimising sports professionals’ physical performance.
Brunel’s Physiotherapy course is designed to be hands-on and practical. Our Mary Seacole Building is purpose-built for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. The rooms reflect the type of clinical environments that you will work in when you graduate and you’ll learn your practical skills here as you’ll have the opportunity to practice on patients visiting the university and on your fellow students. This means that you’ll be confident and experienced in time for your first placement.
At Brunel we understand the value of making the most of your 1,000 hours of clinical experience. By starting placements in year two, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself and practice the skills you have learned in year one. Your placements will all be practical learning experiences, not just observational.
You’ll study modules covering a vast range of specialist areas within physiotherapy. You’ll learn the skills necessary to analyse patient symptoms and develop treatment plans. You’ll also learn to assess the effectiveness of your treatments. This is a skill which is vital to working as a physiotherapist.
Our graduates are equipped with a strong scientific foundation and the practical skills required to be first-rate physiotherapists. This is reflected in our employment figures with 100 per cent of our physiotherapy students being in work or study six months after graduating.
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Financial Support
Studying at University can be financially challenging so here at Brunel, we want to draw your attention to the UK Government support scheme – NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) aimed to reduce this cost burden.
This scheme is aimed primarily at British Nationals and British residents. There are some eligibility criteria to be met but basically UK students are eligible for a non-means tested grant of £5,000 for each academic year of study. More info can be found here.
This grant does not need to be paid back. Neither are you committed to working in the NHS on graduating and registering.
Please note that the application process and awarding of this grant is totally independent of the University. We are unable to advise or intervene on your behalf. Further information including a short video can be found here.
It’s likely that all students going on clinical placements will incur some travel expenses in excess of their normal travel to and from the University. Very occasionally students may have a travel journey in excess of 2 hours each way to and from placement in which case they would be eligible to stay local to their placement during the working week which would naturally incur extra expenditure for accommodation too.
So, it’s great that UK students are eligible for reimbursement of excess travel or accommodation costs incurred due to undertaking practical training on a clinical placement. This money does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
In addition to the basic Training Grant - UK students who have parental responsibility for a child may be eligible for an additional grant of £2000 for each academic year. This grant does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
UK students may apply for an additional exceptional support grant of up to £3000 for each academic year. This grant does not need to be paid back. Further information can be found here.
To register for an NHS Training Grant you will need to set up a Learning Support Fund Account – which takes around 5 minutes. Click here to start the process.
And remember too that you can still apply for a re-payable student loan in addition to the NHS Training Grant.
Dean’s International Scholarship: This course is eligible for a £2,000 fee waiver, per academic year, subject to availability. This Scholarship is for full-time international students only. Find out more.
Course content
Career Prospects for Physiotherapy Graduates
With increasing demand across healthcare sectors worldwide, our graduates enjoy near 100% employability and opportunities for career advancement. From government hospitals to private practice, sports organisations, and major corporations, our programmes prepare you for success. Designed to meet international regulators' standards, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and for global mobility, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
Professional Registration
Successful completion of the programme provides eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Successful completion of the programme also provides eligibility to apply for professional registration with regulatory bodies in other countries, for example: Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, USA, Ireland and India and many others. For current information on the specific requirements and registration process for each country we recommend that you consult the webpages of the relevant regulatory body.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges. Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
Compulsory
- Anatomy 1: Lower QuadrantThis module will introduce the student to the normal structure and function of the human body. The student will be introduced to the structural and functional anatomy of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb. Foundation knowledge gained in this module aims to underpin the students understanding for all other modules. Parallel and subsequent modules will incorporate and build on the core subjects introduced.
- Principles of Rehabilitation
- Systems of Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Anatomy 2: Upper QuadrantThis module will introduce the student to the normal structure and function of the human body. The student will be introduced to the structural and functional anatomy of the cervical spine, thorax and upper limb. Foundation knowledge gained in this module aims to underpin the students understanding for all other modules. Parallel and subsequent modules will incorporate and build on the core subjects introduced.
- Person Centred Healthcare and Leadership 1
- Musculoskeletal: Lower Quadrant IThis module is the first of two practically oriented modules related to musculoskeletal examination and treatment. The module aims to teach the student common pathologies and conditions relating to the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb (the lower quadrant), and how to assess and manage patients with such conditions. The module aims to enable students to relate the theory of musculoskeletal dysfunction to clinical practice and to integrate information from previous modules such as anatomy, pathophysiology and rehabilitation.
- RespiratoryThis module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge of normal respiratory physiology and the pathophysiology underpinning common respiratory disease. In addition, students will develop analytical assessment skills, plus theoretical knowledge and physiotherapeutic skills to treat patients presenting with a wide variety of symptoms associated with acute and chronic respiratory disease.
Compulsory
- Musculoskeletal II Upper QuadrantThis module is the second of two practically oriented modules related to musculoskeletal examination and treatment. The module aims to teach the student about common pathologies and conditions relating to the cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder girdle and upper limb and how to assess and manage patients with them, The module aims to enable students to relate the theory of musculoskeletal dysfunction to the practice and to integrate information from previous modules such as anatomy, pathophysiology and rehabilitation.
- Practice Placement 1
- Practice Placement 2
Learners will spend 12 weeks in a professional occupational therapy setting with a registered occupational therapist, who is their practice placement educator. The placement allows learners opportunities to be involved in offering occupational therapy services, apply the theory they have explored in university and work alongside people using the service, their carers and colleagues. They will engage with professional reflection, supervision and feedback.
- Mandatory Clinical Training
- Person Centred Healthcare and Leadership 2
- NeurorehabilitationThis module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to develop neurological physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills, and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills to support effective practice. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinning of practice as well as key concepts in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and the pathological processes underlying a range of neurological conditions. The module aims to introduce the scope of neurological physiotherapy practice and an understanding of the role of the physiotherapist with reference to the physical, psychological and social implications of neurological dysfunction and the role of the physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary team.
- Cardiovascular HealthThis module will provide the students with knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and common pathologies of the heart and peripheral circulation (including atherosclerosis and diabetes). Students will develop the therapeutic skills necessary to manage and rehabilitate cardiac patients including those who have undergone cardiac surgery and those who have undergone lower limb amputation. This module will also focus on health promotion with specific reference to cardiovascular health.
- Research MethodsThis module aims to develop the students’ concepts of evidence-based practice and develop their knowledge of the principles and concepts of the research process and extend their understanding of the role of research in practice.
Compulsory
- Critical CareThis module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge of the pathophysiology underpinning the critically ill patient. In addition, students will develop analytical assessment skills, plus theoretical knowledge and physiotherapeutic skills to treat problems associated with critical illness.
- Practice Placement 3
Students will spend a final 12 weeks in a contrasting professional occupational therapy setting from placement 2, again with supervision from a registered occupational therapist. The placement allows students opportunities to particpate in occupational therapy services showing the responsibilities and skills they will need as registered practitioners. They will apply and evaluate the theory they have learnt in practice when working alongside people using the service, their carers and colleagues. They will be responsble for a small service development project in liason with the setting and engage with professional reflection, supervision and feedback.
- Practice Placement 4
- Practice Placement 5
- Health Across the Lifespan
- Transition to Professional Practice
- Research ProposalThis module will allow students to develop a systematic understanding of the published literature in a defined subject area of the student’s choice, within a field relevant to physiotherapy. This understanding will facilitate the compilation of a coherent literature review and resultant identification of an appropriate research question assembled into a feasible research proposal.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Career Prospects for Physiotherapy Graduates
With increasing demand across healthcare sectors worldwide, our graduates enjoy near 100% employability and opportunities for career advancement. From government hospitals to private practice, sports organisations, and major corporations, our programmes prepare you for success. Designed to meet international regulators' standards, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and for global mobility, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
Professional Registration
Successful completion of the programme provides eligibility to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Successful completion of the programme also provides eligibility to apply for professional registration with regulatory bodies in other countries, for example: Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, USA, Ireland and India and many others. For current information on the specific requirements and registration process for each country we recommend that you consult the webpages of the relevant regulatory body.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges. Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
We expect all applicants to have thoroughly researched the profession prior to applying for the physiotherapy programme. This research requires review of the CSP website and other relevant web sites/literature and an observational clinical experience is advised. Applicants will be short listed from their UCAS forms on the basis of their academic profile and their insight into the profession. Short listed applicants will be required to attend a Selection Day.
Standard entrants:
These are the requirements which we would normally expect from applicants under the age of 21 at the proposed point of entry onto the programme. For all standard entry applicants, we normally expect 7 GCSEs or equivalent at grade B or grade 5 or above including two science subjects, GCSE English Language and Maths is also required at grade C or grade 4 or above.
- GCE A-level AAB - ABB to include at least one of the following subjects, Biology, Human Biology, PE, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry or Maths. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points, with a 5 in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, PE or Maths at Higher Level. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science, Health and Social Care, or Sport and Exercise Science with an A-level grade B in Biology, Human Biology, PE, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry or Maths.
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in Applied Science, Health and Social Care or Sport and Exercise Science, and A-level grade B in Biology, Human Biology, PE, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry or Maths.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate D in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Health and Social Care, Sport or Sport and Exercise Science, with two A-levels at grades BB, including Biology, Human Biology, PE, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry or Maths.
- 128 UCAS Tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma (accepted subjects: Health Science, Health and Human Sciences, Health Professions, Health and Social Care, Health Studies, Medicine, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Science, Science in Health Professions) with 45 credits at Level 3 and a grade B in A Level Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Psychology or PE.
- T levels : Not accepted.
Non-standard entrants / mature students:
These are the requirements which we would normally expect from applicants over the age of 21 at the proposed point of entry onto the programme.
Non-standard entrants and mature students (over the age of 21 years) are welcome and considered on an individual basis. However applicants are normally required to provide evidence of formal academic study of Human Biology/Biology to A-level standard or equivalent within the four years prior to the start of the programme. For all non-standard entry applicants a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade B or grade 5 or above are required. GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required. A selection of possible entry level academic qualifications is given below:
- GCSE All applicants must have GCSEs in English Language and Maths – equivalents are not normally accepted.
- GCE A-levels At least Grade B in A-level Biology or Human Biology ideally taken within the last four years plus a second A-level at grade B.
- Obtain a minimum of 128 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Health Science, Health and Human Sciences, Health Professions, Health and Social Care, Health Studies, Medicine, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Science or Science in Health Professions with 45 credits at Level 3. In addition all Access students must be able to offer us a B grade at A-Level in Biology, Human Biology, PE, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry or Maths.
Advice for mature students:
In order to present us with enough detail on which to base a decision we ask that you:
Document your full academic history on the UCAS form and not just give us your most recent qualifications(s).
Access students please list only the modules you intend to study, not all the ones available for study. Remember that we require GCSEs in English Language and Maths – we do not accept equivalents offered as part of an Access diploma.
Present documentary proof of previous academic achievements at the point of course enrolment.
Health and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
In addition to meeting our entry criteria and a satisfactory selection day outcome, applicants under offer must demonstrate satisfactory health declaration and complete a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application, previously known as a (CRB) check.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
For further guidance please Contact Admissions.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
International
£23,615 full-time
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
The course will be delivered using a variety of methods that have been chosen to optimise your learning of clinical theories and skills. All methods have been designed to maximise the level of interaction and engagement with tutors and fellow students.
All modules will be delivered on campus via in-person teaching. You'll therefore be required to attend campus for all modules. Each module will be supported by the provision of additional online learning.
Campus-based teaching will be delivered in small group tutorials within our purpose-built clinical skills rooms.
Support
You'll have a personal tutor throughout your time at university. They will be a source of support and will help you to make the most of your studies and time at university. You will have scheduled tutor meetings and be able to access your tutor as required, either online or via face-to-face meetings on campus.
Assessments
A variety of assessment formats will be used to support your learning. This will include campus-based clinical assessments and online exams.
Clinical Placements
You'll be supported by our dedicated clinical placements team, and allocated placements within the NHS and other healthcare organisations within the UK.
The schedule of teaching and assessment has been developed to maximise your enjoyment and support during the programme. Through the provision of campus-based teaching we will provide an engaging and stimulating programme that helps you to maximise your learning and professional development in preparation for clinical practice.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Brunel’s Physiotherapy programme is the largest of its kind in London and one of the largest in the UK. This means that we have an academic team with specialists in every area of physiotherapy. Most of our academics currently work in hospitals and other clinical settings so they will be teaching you up-to-date scientific knowledge and patient-assessment skills.
Our lecturers are also active in research and often contribute to the development of professional guidelines so you know you’re being taught by practising physiotherapists with a high profile in the sector.
Our teaching approaches are diverse and you’ll benefit from practical groups, keynote lectures and small tutorial groups. Our students are extremely well prepared for their placements, which is why clinicians in South East England consistently rate 98% of them as excellent or very good on their final practice placement.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical vivas, practical exams, written assignments and your clinical placement assessment record.
