Physiotherapy (pre-registration) MSc

At the core of our programme is a commitment to patient care. We will equip you with the skills to become an independent, evidence-based, and patient-centered physiotherapist. By joining us, you'll be empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.

Course Structure

• Learn from field experts at the forefront of groundbreaking research
• Gain real-world experiences in local communities and clinical settings
• Study at the largest custom built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility in the UK

Our commitment to patient-centered care, equality, diversity, and inclusion resonates within the NHS Constitution’s values. You will not only graduate as a skilled practitioner but also as a compassionate and ethical advocate for equality in healthcare.

This course is tailored for those aspiring to become physiotherapists and is not intended for those already qualified. Successful completion of this course will give you eligibility to apply for registration with both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health and Care Professions Council.

• Mixed teaching methods - benefit from a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, presentations, peer group learning and self-study
• Practical assignments - home to a variety of practical spaces, you will learn in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with mannequins to simulate clinical settings
• Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways which may differ for each each module you take

Our new Centre for Movement and Wellbeing clinic will provide unique opportunities to interact with patients and gain real-life experiences through placements. The physiotherapy clinic is at the heart of MoveWell, offering targeted therapies to support good health, through the treatment and rehabilitation from injury, acute illness and chronic disease.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

In Year 1, the following modules must be taken:

In Year 2, the following modules must be taken:

You should present evidence of study in a relevant discipline, ordinarily holding an honours degree in a relevant discipline at 1st or 2.1 classifications. It is expected that you will have previous knowledge in human anatomy or physiology. Ideally, we would consider life science degrees that contain modules focused around that area, e.g. Human Biology, Biosciences, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, etc, where human anatomy or physiology modules will have formed part of the previous degree programme of study.

Alternatively, we would consider applications from graduates of other disciplines who have either a) worked in a healthcare field and gained significant practical experience (e.g. healthcare assistant, physiotherapy assistant or those holding existing professional healthcare qualifications) or b) obtained additional qualifications where the study of human anatomy and physiology has formed a significant part of the programme of study. If you are unsure of whether your qualifications are relevant, you are very welcome to send us your degree transcript so that our Admissions Tutor can take a closer look at what you have studied before you submit an application for the course.

Applicants are required to demonstrate clear evidence of Physiotherapy experience (e.g. signed letters from clinical managers confirming dates and types of experience) or evidence of experience that you can show relates to the practice of physiotherapy. It is expected that you will have previous knowledge in human anatomy or physiology.

In addition, you will be asked to submit a personal statement along with the University application form. The purpose of the personal statement is to support your application. Your personal statement should contain information about your previous experience in Higher Education with particular focus on areas of study and experience relevant to the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration), as well as research activity. We are looking for knowledge and some experience of a broad range of physiotherapy practice, or experience that you can show relates to the broad range of physiotherapy practice. Other experience such as membership and involvement in organisations, voluntary work and other work experience and qualifications may be relevant to your application to help show how your personal qualities are compatible with the values identified within the NHS Constitution. 

You will not be accepted to the course if you already have a degree in Physiotherapy. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is not considered.

Applicants with disabilities

If you have a disability, we take a positive view of what you can achieve as future healthcare professionals and take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you can successfully complete your studies. You will be assessed up to and including the interview on the basis of the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability we will invite you to work with us together with the disability team, clinical colleagues and specialist services (RNIB, for example) to explore how best we can support your studies.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Application documents

Before your application can be processed you must submit the following items:

• Completed application form
• Copy of degree certificate (if you have already completed your degree)
• Transcript - official University document detailing modules covered & marks awarded
• One reference
• A personal statement expressing your interest (three A4 pages maximum)

Non-academic conditions of entry

• A satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisations, and other regulatory checks are required before registration.
• You will be required to complete a successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For healthcare profession courses no convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings are considered “spent”, this includes those that may have been received when a minor (i.e. under the age of 18). Declaring any matter likely to be recorded on your enhanced DBS disclosure does not automatically rule you out from becoming a physiotherapist. However, you will have to provide information about this to enable us to make a decision about any offer made.
• You will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practise Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter.

Interviews

If you demonstrate via your application that you have meet the admission criteria, you will be invited to interview prior to a decision regarding admission to the course. This process will identify and examine your ability to cope with the multiple demands of the programme and will explore personal values and attitudes to ensure your suitability for admission to a registered healthcare profession.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Embark on an exciting career journey in the NHS, private sector, or community hospitals. Explore opportunities within sports clubs and the military. You could even work on a freelance basis alongside working in the NHS. As a graduate in physiotherapy, you’ll have a diverse range of career paths to choose from. 

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.