Undergraduate Course
Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)
Gain the knowledge and clinical skills you need to become a registered Physiotherapist, in a supportive and stimulating environment.
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Learn to diagnose and rehabilitate patients of all ages with acute or chronic conditions. Our course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and validated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that when you graduate you can apply for registration to practice as a Chartered Physiotherapist. We will help you to become a successful physiotherapist who is fit for purpose and practice.
Applications to start this course in 2025 are now closed.
York campus
- UCAS code – B160
- Duration – 3 years full time
- Start date – September 2025, September 2026
- School – School of Science, Technology and Health
Minimum entry requirements
ABB from A2 subjects to include Grade B or above in Biology or PE (but excluding General Studies) or equivalent.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English language, maths and science.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £14,700 per year full time
Discover Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy at York St John
Lauren Bedford introduces us to Physiotherapy at York St John University.
Student story
Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) MSc student Lawrence discusses his time at York St John.
Course overview
Master the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours you need to work as a physiotherapist. When you study on this course you will use a problem-based approach as you learn, working with your classmates to solve various physiotherapy problems.
We will guide you to become a competent and reflective practitioner who takes responsibility for your own continued professional development. You will learn to deliver ethical and effective physiotherapy services in different healthcare settings. Some of the things you will study include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Professionalism in healthcare
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Cardiovascular respiratory conditions
- Paediatrics
- Neurological conditions
- Population health
- Exercise therapy
- Movement analysis
- Mental health
- Chronic pain
- End of life care
- The military human
- Research methods
A key element of the course is applying your learning on professional placements each year. Experienced Physiotherapists will supervise you as you complete 1,000 hours of practice based learning in different clinical, health and social care settings. This will give you experience working across the profession, and with various different conditions and patients. During Year 2 there may be the opportunity to complete a practice based learning module abroad. This is a great chance to experience a different healthcare system, meet new friends and make lifelong memories.
Because this degree is accredited by the CSP and validated by the HCPC, you will meet the requirements for registration with both organisations when you complete the course. This will allow you to practise under the title of Chartered Physiotherapist.
We are also a Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) partner, providing training for former professional footballers.
Specialist learning facilities
See our specialist facilities in 360 degrees. On our virtual tour you can select an image to start exploring the learning spaces and equipment you'll use on this course.
You'll be able to click and drag on an image to look around the space.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. In your first year, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules across semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules across semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop an understanding of human anatomy specifically related to the key systems of the body. You will then explore dysfunction of these systems with an introduction to commonly presenting pathological processes relevant to Physiotherapy practice.
Strong cross module links will be made with Foundations of Practice 1 to ensure the practical application of a holistic patient centred approach.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop your awareness of professional issues within physiotherapy, and in healthcare more generally. You will build on your developing clinical knowledge from other modules to further consider professional standards in the industry. You will learn to confidently engage in your first PBL module as a professional student physiotherapist. In this role you will also be acting as an ambassador for York St John University and the physiotherapy profession.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
You will acquire a range of clinical skills which can be applied in the assessment and management of common conditions and pathologies. This module will allow you to develop the clinical reasoning skills to formulate person-centred, evidence-based interventions across key areas of physiotherapy.
You will acquire a range of rehabilitation and health promotion knowledge and skills within an evidence-based context. The skills and knowledge generated in this module will be transferable across different patient populations, from a range of socio-economic and diverse ethnic backgrounds, in key healthcare settings.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Apply the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained from the semester 1 modules. During your Practice Based Learning (PBL) modules, you will be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities in a professional, ethical and moral manner. All PBL modules are structured around the 4 pillars of practice and will be set in a variety of different healthcare settings. This will enable you to develop and put into practice the breadth of skills required in the management of patients in different service settings.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, specifically related to the musculoskeletal system, building on knowledge gained through the Foundations of Anatomy and Pathophysiology 1 module. You will explore function and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system through commonly presenting pathological processes in order to foster an understanding of the underlying patho-anatomy of clinical presentations.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop skills in assessment of the peripheral musculoskeletal system and the evidence-based management of common clinical pathologies and presentations. This module will offer the opportunity to apply the knowledge of systems, pathological processes and clinical presentations gained through the Foundations of Anatomy and Pathophysiology modules. You will continue to develop your rehabilitation and health promotion knowledge and skills within an evidence-based context and you will be supported to evaluate the physical and psychosocial benefits of rehabilitation across key healthcare settings, with an emphasis on individualised care.
Year 2
In your second year, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules across semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules across semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Enhance and integrate your knowledge and understanding of neuro-musculoskeletal, cardiovascular respiratory and neurological conditions from Year 1. You will develop your knowledge of anatomy and clinical interventions, with applied pathology and dysfunction, considering a variety of presentations across a variety of clinical settings, specifically focussing upon cardiovascular respiratory and neurological complaints. We will explore long term and acute conditions and health promotion, as well as psycho-social aspects of patient management.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will enable you to develop a knowledge and understanding of Population health and the role this plays in physiotherapy practice and wider heath care policy and delivery, as this is vital for our future physiotherapy workforce.
Key principles will be explored including health inequalities and determinants of health, so that you are equipped with a range of skills in the delivery of health promotion that can be considered and applied to a wide range of settings and populations.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will have the opportunity to apply and build on the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained from the course so far. During your PBL modules, you will be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities in a professional, ethical and moral manner. All PBL modules are structured around the 4 pillars of practice and will be set in a variety of different healthcare settings. This will enable you to develop and put into practice the breadth of skills required in the management of patients in different service settings.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Enhance and integrate your knowledge and understanding of neuro-musculoskeletal skills from Year 1. You will develop your knowledge of spinal anatomy and clinical interventions, with applied pathology and dysfunction, considering a variety of presentations across a variety of clinical settings.
Practical skills will be further developed including manual therapy, movement analysis and treatment interventions, underpinned by clinical reasoning and evidence to support physiotherapy practice, whilst also considering the overall holistic management of the patient.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Built on the skills developed in Year 1, this Research Methods module will support the evidence based clinical modules by enabling effective critical appraisal and decision-making of practice-based activity. You will write a literature review which will then facilitate you to undertake your dissertation module in Year 3 and produce a coherent research proposal.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Apply and build on the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained from the course so far. During your PBL modules, you will be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities in a professional, ethical and moral manner. All PBL modules are structured around the 4 pillars of practice and will be set in a variety of different healthcare settings. This will enable you to develop and put into practice the breadth of skills required in the management of patients in different service settings.
Year 3
In your third year, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules across semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules across semester 2
- 1 compulsory dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will help to prepare you for employment in the contemporary health and social care environment, where clinical services and practice are constantly developing and changing. You will explore:
- Health and social care policy and organisation
- Legal and ethical issues
- Leadership and service development
You will also receive careers guidance, building skills such as reflection, professional development planning, and producing a professional portfolio.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module provides you with the opportunity to apply and build on the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained from the course so far. During your PBL modules, you will be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities in a professional, ethical and moral manner. All PBL modules are structured around the 4 pillars of practice and will be set in a variety of different healthcare settings.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop more advanced clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and application of physiotherapeutic interventions to a variety of more complex presentations across different clinical settings. You will learn to be responsive to the changing nature of health and social care.
Emphasis will be placed on developing collaborative and person-centred management strategies supported by a contemporary evidence base.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Apply and build on the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained from the course so far. During your PBL modules, you will be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities in a professional, ethical and moral manner. All PBL modules are structured around the 4 pillars of practice and will be set in a variety of different healthcare settings. This will enable you to develop and put into practice the breadth of skills required in the management of patients in different service settings.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
Having conducted a literature review in Year 2, you will now propose a primary research project, including a draft ethics application. This will enable you to investigate, in depth, a clinical area of interest, demonstrating justification for further research. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in research skills as you explain and justify a well-crafted research proposal, driven by research rigour and ethical practice.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Your modules will increase in complexity as you progress through your degree. You will learn through:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Interactive workshops
- Practical anatomy and skill sessions
- Practice Based Learning (PBL)
If you are studying full time you will have 15 to 20 hours of contact time per week. In your final year there will be less contact time as you work on your Dissertation and placements. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to conduct independent study outside of your contact hours. This might include reading, research and coursework preparation. You can also arrange academic tutorials to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Assessment
Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Practical case study presentations
- Written evidence based reports
- Essays
- Poster presentations
- Oral exams, known as viva voce
- Computer Based Assessment
For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission, submission as we support you through formative assessment. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your academic writing.
Practice Based Learning (PBL)
You will complete 1000 hours of practice based learning. There will be an opportunity for an elective PBL module in your final year.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Physiotherapy
This course will prepare you for a career as a physiotherapist in various professional settings. You will also develop diverse skills that can be used in a range of jobs. These include research, analysis, problem solving and communication skills.
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate courses at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
ABB from A2 subjects to include Grade B or above in Biology or PE (but excluding General Studies) or equivalent.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English language, maths and science.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
| Qualification | Minimum grade | Minimum science requirements |
|---|---|---|
| A level (A2) | ABB (excluding General Studies) | B in biology or physical education |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | Distinction, Distinction, Merit |
Your BTEC must be in a related subject area such as science, sport or health and social care. You must have achieved a minimum of DDM, and this must include a minimum of 3 modules containing human biology, anatomy and/or physiology. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points | Grade 6 or higher in Higher Level Biology. |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 45 credits at level 3 | The course must be in a related subject area such as Allied Health Professions or science. You must have passed 3 modules of human biology, anatomy or physiology. |
| Previous study in Higher Education (HE) | Foundation Year, HNCs, HNDs | Your HE study must be in a related area. You will need to achieve high grades in a biology subject. These applications are considered on a case by case basis. |
| A combination of qualifications | 128 UCAS points or higher | Any Biology courses listed in this column. We may consider level 3 BTECS with up to 2 grades if they equivalent to an A level in biology. |
| T Level | Merit or higher | Students who have studied a course in Health and Science will be considered. Students must have achieved a minimum grade of a Merit. |
We do not accept Adult Numeracy or Key Skills in place of of GCSE Maths. We do not accept Adult Literacy or Key Skills instead of GCSE English Language.
Interview
If we think your application is outstanding, we will invite you for an interview. We do not interview every applicant. Find out more about the Physiotherapy interviews, what you will need and what you can expect on the day.
Additional requirements
For entry onto this course, you will also need:
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- A satisfactory medical report
- Insight into the Physiotherapy profession
Your experience can be in any setting a physiotherapist works in or an environment that gives you insight into healthcare practice. We do not require a specific amount of work experience. If you struggle to find work shadowing experience, detailed insight into physiotherapy through online research is acceptable.
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.5) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry onto this course is
- £9,535 per year for full time study
- £7,145 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
NHS Training Grant
If your application to this course is successful, you can apply for extra financial support from the NHS. This is a non-means-tested grant. Find out how to apply.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £14,700 per year full time
International 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this course is £14,700 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Brilliant facilities
You will have access to spacious clinical labs with fully adjustable treatment plinths.
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Clinical simulation
Benefit from learning in our state of the art clinical simulation labs on campus.
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The latest equipment
You will be able to use the latest equipment in our physiotherapy labs. These include an ultrasound scanner and more.
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Alexandra Physiotherapy
I find my course challenging but very enjoyable. We cover the main 3 physiotherapy areas; Musculoskeletal, Neuro and Respiratory which we build on during placements. We have a mixture of practical exams, essays and presentations which I think is good as these require different skills to develop and it means if you are less strong in one aspect you can make it up in another. I particularly like placements, we do 6 all together so work in a variety of different areas.
Mark Physiotherapy alumnus
I will remember my time at York St John for the knowledgeable lecturers who worked together to deliver a very organised course. I now work as a physiotherapist on an acute medical ward and my course was excellent preparation for this.
Melissa Physiotherapy
We did 1,000 hours of clinical placement in different areas and specialities. This was a great way to put into practice everything that we learned, while working alongside health professionals in a clinical environment.
More to explore
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Join us in 2025
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Open Days
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