Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes

A physiotherapist working on a patient lying on the therapy couch receiving treatment

Physiotherapy is a career where you can play a vital role in supporting people to live the best life they can, maximising their health, wellbeing and quality of life through movement, exercise, manual therapy and education.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS codes

HU12

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

Our physiotherapy degree enables you to register with the HCPC as a physiotherapist on graduation¹. It prepares you for a wide range of roles in various settings, including clinical work in the NHS, consultancy and private practice, sports rehabilitation in gyms and clubs, research and specialist education.

The future of the profession is changing and the course has been designed with this in mind. In addition to preparing you for clinical practice, you will explore entrepreneurship skills, your role in disease prevention and get to grips with technological advances.

Professionally accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), enabling you to apply to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK (please see Accreditation section for more information).
Gain the skills to deliver professional, impactful, evidence-informed care. You’ll learn to effectively critique evidence sources and make safe and effective decisions.
Learn to collaborate and thrive as a physiotherapist across and within multidisciplinary teams, developing your relationship management skills and coordinating care delivery.
Focus on one module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
You will complete five placements with a total clinical contact time that meets the recommendations for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)^2,5.
All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs⁶.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Coventry University has a long-standing history of providing outstanding physiotherapy education. As well as encouraging you to become an innovative and creative physiotherapist, we aim to equip you to meet the ever-changing demands of healthcare, wherever you choose to take your future career.

Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as a physiotherapist from the outset.
Our teaching approach is hands-on and practical. In addition to practice and simulation, we may involve service users in the delivery of the physiotherapy course who can act as models within demonstrations of physiotherapy interventions.
Employability and entrepreneurial skills are embedded throughout the course. You can explore a range of placement opportunities^2,5 from the NHS to sports clubs, schools and the community, so you can get a good idea of where you might take your future career.
Develop your digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking.
The diversity of our learner community is a key strength, with our learners bringing a wealth of previous experience from different backgrounds.

Studying in the School of Health and Care

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a physiotherapist from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Health and Care Professions Council

The degree is currently accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

The degree is currently accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy¹, allowing you to apply for membership with the CSP on successful completion of the course (additional costs apply).

Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

What you'll study

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

Understanding Human Health and Function - 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the essential knowledge and skills needed to understand the anatomical elements of the upper quadrant of the human body - bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You will also get a comprehensive view of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems of the body and how they all work together. You will apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life humans, working on your communication, palpation and handling skills.

Compulsory

Exploring Human Movement - 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the essential knowledge and skills needed to understand the anatomical elements of the lower quadrant of the human body - bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. It also includes movement analysis of the human body and understanding how the whole body works together for a functional goal. You will apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life humans, working on your communication, palpation and handling skills.

Compulsory

Person-Centred Approaches to Physiotherapy - 20 credits

In this module, you will be introduced to the principles of the physiotherapy assessment. These principles will serve as a basis for clinical decision-making and person-centred goal-setting in diverse healthcare contexts. You will also aim to develop the ability to formulate, deliver, adapt and record a physiotherapy management programme safely and effectively. You will engage in a range of learning activities to gain foundational skills in physiotherapy assessment, treatment and management. This module builds upon knowledge and understanding of human health and function gained earlier in the course, and links it to clinical decision-making, a vital skill and behaviour of the physiotherapist.

Compulsory

Placement 1: Introduction to Practice-based Learning - 20 credits

In this module, you will consolidate your professional and theoretical knowledge by integrating and applying it to practice-based learning scenarios^2,5. You will be provided with opportunities to apply your skills in assessment, identifying problems and establishing and implementing therapeutic plans with a focus on addressing person-centred goals. Throughout this placement, you will begin the process of adapting to the culture of the profession and explore the attitudes and behaviour that characterise a health professional. Structured guidance and supervision will frame the learning experience and you will be supported to regularly reflect and develop strategies to enhance your own development.

Compulsory

Becoming a Professional Practitioner - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the values, behaviours and actions essential for professional practice. We will support you to develop your personal and academic skills, providing you with opportunities to reflect on your knowledge, skills and values. We will work with you to foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration and valuing diversity to prepare you to work within multi-professional environments.

Compulsory

Evidence: Your Profession in a Global Context - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to understand and appreciate the role of evidence in both your profession and the wider health and care sector. The module supports you in understanding how your personal views and experiences may influence your thinking in developing your professional identity. This module will help you develop critical thinking skills by encouraging you to question, challenge and reflect. You'll learn to use evidence to build your approaches, making you a more inclusive, evidence-based practitioner.

Compulsory

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

Pathways of Care in Physiotherapy Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories which underpin physiotherapy practice. You will be guided in adapting the foundational skills in physiotherapy assessment and interventions to a broad range of clinical contexts, allowing you to enhance your appreciation of the scope of physiotherapy practice. The module primarily focuses on holistic clinical reasoning and decision-making and you will be introduced to the pathophysiology of key conditions and the concept of evidence-informed practice. The module uses a variety of teaching and learning strategies to enable you to identify and address your own developmental needs.

Compulsory

Placement 2: Progressing Practice-based Learning - 20 credits

In this placement module, you will continue to consolidate your theoretical and practical skills and demonstrate the judicious use of current and relevant evidence in making clinical decisions^2,5. You will be guided and supported by Practice Educators in structuring your learning experience. You will aim to develop your personal and professional insight and an ability to constructively reflect on your own performance within interprofessional and multicultural health contexts.

Compulsory

Optimising Health and Wellbeing - 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the knowledge, skills and confidence required to facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making in physiotherapy practice. You will explore the factors influencing the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The emphasis will be on understanding the changes that occur in normal physiology because of diseases and dysfunctions affecting various systems in the human body. You will be provided with opportunities to develop applied knowledge of pathophysiology in common conditions affecting various systems in the human body. The focus will be on promoting health and prevention of illness using active self-management strategies.

Compulsory

Placement 3: Developing Towards Independent Practice - 20 credits

In this practice-based learning module you will be provided with opportunities to further develop your ability to practice safely, effectively and independently in a diversity of settings whilst enhancing your ability to be reflective, evidence-informed practitioners^2,5. You will continue to receive guidance as you gain the knowledge and skills required to further develop your professional autonomy when addressing the dimensions of different practice settings. Practice Educators will work collaboratively with you to structure your learning experience and provide guidance and supervision.

Compulsory

Values-Based Physiotherapy - 20 credits

In this module, you will develop your ability to learn from experience by reflecting on your practice and on events related to values-based physiotherapy. Values-based healthcare is central to effective and ethical practice. Professional bodies, such as the NHS, CSP and HCPC place values at the heart of the principles and behaviours that underpin contemporary practice and drive standards.

You will aim to use your experiences and reflective models to explore events from practice placements that are relevant to values-based physiotherapy. You will utilise a variety of perspectives to aid your reflection including peers and appropriate literature. Including a consideration of the enablers and barriers that drive values-based practice, you will aim to enhance your employability by exploring methods to assess your personal learning needs and how to implement a development plan.

Compulsory

Exploring Knowledge Through Curiosity - 20 credits

This module explores methods of enquiry utilised in daily practice. You will aim to develop your ability to analyse the knowledge, theory and practice-based evidence within health and care. This module explores how daily inquiry methods can be transformed into more systematic approaches to data collection and analysis. You'll learn about quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation and audit techniques. Through exploration and debate, you will aim to develop an appreciation of interdisciplinary and profession-specific evidence and how to use this learning within the practice context.

Compulsory

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

Placement 4: Engaging in Quality Practice - 20 credits

In this placement module, you will assume responsibility for the effective management of caseloads including efficient time management and resource allocation^2,5. This practice-based learning opportunity aims to allow you to consolidate your knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to integrate into professional practice. You will aim to make positive contributions to interprofessional team functioning and understand the importance of continuing professional development in maintaining quality and standards of practice. You will aim to demonstrate your ability to critically utilise a diversity of evidence in clinical decision-making in the context of client-centred care. Practice Educators will guide and support the learning process to structure your learning experience.

Compulsory

Exploring Physiotherapy Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to build upon your previous knowledge to further develop your clinical skills, competencies and effectiveness by exploring other areas of physiotherapy practice uncovered in previous years. The emphasis will be on extending the fundamentals of clinical practice and providing learning opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a variety of areas of physiotherapy practice. The module will focus on the incorporation of the best available evidence to inform your clinical practice through critical evaluation of clinical practice guidelines. One of the aims of this module is to prepare you for your employment in the physiotherapy profession. This module aims to give you opportunities to further prepare yourself for entry into the job market to fully convey the range of skills, expertise, experiences and knowledge that you bring with you.

Compulsory

Facilitating Change Through Physiotherapy - 20 credits

This module aims to support you to become an autonomous practitioner and to understand all the components needed for this to be successful. You will consider how to engage in career-long learning and how to adapt this for the future, what the important elements are that prepare a learner to become a graduate and discover how to develop resilience for working in a complex and changing healthcare environment. You will explore and challenge barriers to inclusion into our profession and engage in behaviours that change the future of the profession. The module explores the concept of entrepreneurship within physiotherapy and is built on real-life examples and real-world entrepreneurs who are leading and guiding the profession to work differently and more innovatively and creatively to change and improve how we as a profession work.

Compulsory

Placement 5: Developing Autonomous Practice - 20 credits

The primary aim of this practice-based learning module is to support you in demonstrating an ability to undertake the role of an independent, autonomous and reflective practitioner in such a way that reflects the practice of a newly qualified physiotherapist^2,5. You will aim to efficiently manage a client caseload, consistently demonstrate evidence-informed practice and effectively integrate the professional and interpersonal skills acquired through the course. In addition, you will aim to embrace the critical role of lifelong learning and continuing professional development in practising to the highest standards and within your scope of practice to deliver high-quality healthcare. Practice Educators will support and guide you in assuming more responsibility for your own learning and development.
.

Compulsory

Leading for the Future as a Health and Care Professional - 20 credits

Our health and care workforce is required to lead the delivery of high-quality care, whilst navigating a complex health and social care ecosystem. This module aims to foster confident and accountable leadership through an interprofessional learning experience. By collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds, you'll explore fresh perspectives and analyse contemporary theory, practice and evidence to redefine leadership for yourself. The module aims to foster your development as a reflective leader.

Compulsory

The Evidence-based Practitioner: Professional Project - 20 credits

In this module, you'll examine how to critically evaluate, interpret and apply the latest national and international research to improve care. You'll aim to gain the skills to analyse, safely use and share these findings, ultimately shaping best practices in your field. This module should also equip you with the skills to conduct an independent study. We'll support you as you develop your research and communication abilities, empowering you to share your findings with healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops – this includes a combination of practical and classroom sessions with a focus on active learning
group work
self-directed learning – you will be guided to appropriate self-directed learning to complete before attending sessions. This will give you a useful baseline knowledge to build upon with tutor support
clinical placement opportunities^2,5 – throughout the course, you will complete five practice placements in appropriate learning environments to put your theoretical knowledge into practice.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning:

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to university staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating the profession, the HCPC. No less than 1000 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

written coursework
practice placements
Virtual Simulated Placements
simulations
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations or viva voces
presentations - both in-person and pre-recorded.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

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UCAS details

1

Course name: Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)

2

Course code: HU12

3

Course location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Typical entry requirements:

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£19,850 per year	Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible students for each year of study⁶. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building features a range of mock healthcare settings, including hospital wards, ambulance, therapy suites and community houses, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations before you go on placement⁴.

Hospital wards

We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing four beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools. You will have the opportunity to engage in high-fidelity simulation giving you the opportunity to practice your physiotherapy skills on a critically unwell patient.

Community houses

There are two fully furnished houses within the Alison Gingell building. This environment allows you to consider how your physiotherapy skills could be applied in the community setting.

Strength and Conditioning Suite

Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and even a 3D motion capture system. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the sports context.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Employability is considered throughout the course, with a specific module for you to develop your leadership skills. This aims to equip you to work in a range of healthcare environments including the NHS, private practice, sports, specialist education and leadership.

Practice placements also help you to develop the skills needed upon graduation, preparing you for your future career as a physiotherapist^2,5.

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
SHCU012

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

⁶NHS payment

The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please therefore check the NHSBSA website for up-to-date information before applying.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.