Master of Physiotherapy/BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who use person-centred approaches to make a difference to people’s lives. Physiotherapists work in a wide range of settings and focus on the management and prevention of problems relating to movement and function across the life-span.

Physiotherapy is a demanding course and we recommend that you research the career thoroughly and consider work shadowing before you apply to ҹɫֱ²¥.

On this course you will:

• gain the confidence to deliver safe, effective and person-centered physiotherapy care on graduation;
• become part of a community of learners, working collaboratively with lecturers, clinical staff, service users and other students on a transformational journey towards professional registration; and
• carry out invaluable practice-based placements in each year that will enrich your learning. 
  
  

Structure

You’ll join a diverse cohort of students, exploring the fundamental principles of physiotherapy and gain hands-on practice experience through placement-based learning within health and social care.

As you progress, you will move on to either the BSc (Hons) or the undergraduate master’s pathway depending on your preferences. Both pathways develop professional skills, knowledge and attributes through a combination of university and placement-based learning. The undergraduate master’s route offers an opportunity to delve deeper into areas such as leadership, service improvement, research and public health, at a higher level.

Upon graduation, both pathways lead to eligibility for registration with the HCPC, opening doors to a fulfilling career in physiotherapy.

Find out about the benefits of studying an undergraduate master’s.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through both directed and self-directed study. You will be assessed using a range of methods including practical exams and written course work at the end of each module or semester.

Placements

Placements are invaluable in consolidating theoretical study into practical expertise by working directly with patients and practice educators. You will complete practice placements each year. 

Placements take place in a variety of real health and social care settings across Scotland. You will work (supported by a registered physiotherapist) with patients, their carers and families, and with other health and social care professionals.

ҹɫֱ²¥ manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student with the exception of the elective placement. The elective placement can be organised by individual students and provides the potential for a practice-based placement in a speciality area of interest or outside of the UK. It may be possible for you to undertake a single, elective, practice-based placement outside the UK.

To enhance future employability placements take place across Scotland with students normally undertaking half their placements in NHS Lothian and the rest in other health boards across Scotland. For some health boards, relocation for the duration of the placement might be required unless there are individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean they must remain in a specific location.Ìý

Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Specialist facilities

ҹɫֱ²¥ offers a variety of modern specialist spaces for use by our physiotherapy courses. Two large practical rooms are utilised for teaching and development of clinical skills. Students have access to numerous anatomy models which are incorporated into their learning during practical sessions and can be used during self-directed study sessions.ÌýÌýOur physiotherapy students also utilize ҹɫֱ²¥'s clinical simulation suite which is equipped to practice both hands-on skills and communication in a simulated real-life environment. The courses also have access to a motion analysis lab and human performance lab.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• study a range of modules that will equip you with the basic knowledge and skills for physiotherapy practice. Topics covered include: anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, aspects of psychology, professional practice, basic assessment skills, common physiotherapy interventions and evidence based practice; and
• complete a short foundation placement to introduce you to the application of theory into practice.

You will study the following modules:

• Introduction to Professional Practice: Introduces the idea of being a registered professional and all the responsibilities that go with this.
• Academic Skills: Introduces key skills you will need to learn to be successful studying at university and eventually completing a final research project at the end of your degree.
• Principles of Rehabilitation: Introduces basic concepts in rehabilitation in a variety of clinical populations. 
• Thriving in Professional Practice: Introduces the concept of continuous professional development and how you can look after yourself whilst working as a physiotherapist in practice.
• Foundations of Physiotherapy 1: Anatomy and physiology
• Foundations of Physiotherapy 2: Anatomy and physiology
• Introduction to Practice-based Learning: Introduces key skills you will need to go on your first placement and will include a two week observational placement. 

Year Two

You will:

• expand your skills relating to cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal physiotherapy;
• broaden your understanding of health and wellbeing and the role of the allied health professional in influencing health behaviour change;
• be encouraged to develop your skills for critical thinking and using information to support your studies; and
• carry out a six-week placement that will give you the opportunity to continue your learning in practice.

You will study the following modules:

• Kinesiology in Rehabilitation: Introducing movement as a science. 
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: Introducing the basic concepts of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy: Including common conditions, assessment and management
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Introducing the Basic Concepts of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Including common conditions, assessment and management
• Health Coaching for Professional Practice: Introduction to the use of coaching as a behaviour change technique in health. (M-route only)
• Neurological Physiotherapy Introducing the Basic Concepts of Neuroloigical Physiotherapy: Including common conditions, assessment and management
• Research Methods: Introducing you to the basic skills you need to plan and execute a research project, building you up to your final year project. 
• Practice-based Learning 1: You will complete a 6-week placement in a variety of settings, across all pillars of practice, including clinical/research/education and leadership. 

Year Three

You will:

• develop your skills further to look at the management of people with more complex conditions;
• broaden your awareness of healthcare and challenge your understanding of health education and promotion; and
• complete two placements, further expanding your practice knowledge.

You will study the following modules:

• Complexity in Physiotherapy 1: A case study based module exploring complex cases to build on your level 2 module and placement learning. 
• Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working: Introduces you to concepts of multidisciplinary working (M-route only). 
• Applied Research Methods: Advancing your research skills in analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in preparation for your final year project. 
• Complexity in Physiotherapy 2: In this module you will autonomously explore a novel area of physiotherapy and learn about theories of teaching and learning that you can apply in your practice. 
• Exploring change in Global Physiotherapy Practice: You will learn about how to review service provision and support change in a range of challenging environments (M-route only) Investigation of Practice: You will carry out a confined data collection exercise and practice using statistical packages in preparation for your final year project. 
• Practice-based Learning 2: You will undertake two 5 or 6 week placements in a variety of settings, across all pillars of practice, including clinical/research/education and leadership.

Year Four

You will:

• consolidate your practical, theoretical and professional skills through university and practice based learning (PBL) placements;
• explore how the development of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial skills can contribute to meeting the challenges of contemporary health and social care;
• work with a project supervisor to plan, carry out and evaluate a small scale research project; and
• carry out two placements including an elective placement.

You will study the following modules:

• Public Health Practice for Physiotherapists: You will learn all about this emerging area of practice for physiotherapists and have freedom to explore the role of physiotherapy in wider health issues (M-route only).
• Professional Skills Development: You will be introduced the HCPC CPD portfolio process, which you can carry into professional practice.
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Professional Practice: You will have the opportunity to address real world problems with innovative solutions in partnership with local organisations.
• Dissertation: You will carry out a small data based project with a supervisor. 
• Practice-based Learning 3: You will undertake two 5 or 6 week placements in a variety of settings, across all pillars of practice, including clinical/research/education and leadership. One of these placements is an elective placement and can be organised by you. 

You can work as a physiotherapist in the NHS or private practice; in hospitals and in the community or in an outpatient setting Physiotherapy is a hugely varied career with some physiotherapists specializing in research or neurological rehabilitation or sports rehabilitation, amongst many others specialties.

On graduation you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and to apply for membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard - AABBB, Minimum - ABBBB

A Level: AAB

Irish Leaving Certificate: H1 H2 H2 H2 H3

International Baccalaureate: 32 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 6.0.

Required subjects: Two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths at Higher/ A Level or equivalent. Higher English is also required for those taking Highers. English is required at Higher Level for those taking the ILC. English and Mathematics required at Nat 5/GCSE level at grade C/4 or above. We can also accept National 5 Application of Mathematics or Lifeskills at the same grade.

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience. Other degree and graduate qualifications will be considered. Visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page for more information. 

Direct Entry: Direct entry may be facilitated to Year Two of the course for applicants with HND Physical Activity and Health (Next Gen). Direct Entry will only be considered where there are available places and spaces are not guaranteed.

Other requirements

• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
• An occupational health check is required, and you may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
• You will be required to obtain personal indemnity insurance, usually through membership of the professional body.

Other information

The course is highly competitive and applications received after the UCAS equal consideration deadline are unlikely to be considered.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ҹɫֱ²¥. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2027 entry.

Other costs: 

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is your responsibility.
• You will be required to pay any additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation. If you receive SAAS funding you may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and name badge costs

• For more information on this, visit the UG 2027 fees page on our website.

Application information

How to apply: Application for this course should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

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Email Admissions

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• This course is due for re-validation in May 2025. We hope for the course content to be as described on this page, but the final part of the validation process may lead to some adjustments for 2026 entry. Please check back here for any updates.