Choosing to study physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology is committing to understanding the human body and its intricate workings. It will equip you with the skills to rehabilitate and restore physical wellbeing through physiotherapy but also delves into physiological processes and the identification of pathological conditions.
It’s about gaining a holistic perspective, connecting the dots between normal body function, deviations from health, and effective therapeutic interventions. It prepares graduates for diverse roles in clinical settings but also positions them for career growth in research, academia, healthcare management, or specialisation in areas such as neurophysiology, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, or pathology diagnosis.
The impact you could make
Contribute significantly to the field of healthcare and the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Contribute to diagnostic accuracy by identifying and interpreting abnormalities in tissues and bodily fluids.
Educate communities about health promotion, disease prevention, and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles.
“I really enjoyed anatomy. I loved learning about how our bodies work and enjoyed the mix of learning and then applying that to practice.”
Second year physiotherapy student, University of Chichester
Example assignment
"I really enjoyed my exercise prescription assignment because it challenged by knowledge and outlook of exercise and really opened my eyes to the differences between physiotherapy and general fitness exercises."
First year physiotherapy student, University of Winchester
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some physiotherapy, physiology and pathology courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Biology
Maths
PE
78% of students
studying physiotherapy, physiology and pathology would recommend it to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Hard skills you'll develop
tick!Clinical assessment
tick!Rehabilitation techniques
tick!Anatomy and physiology knowledge
tick!Medical terminology
Soft skills you'll develop
tick!Active listening
tick!Empathy
tick!Collaborative decision-making
tick!Patient advocacy
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying physiotherapy, physiology and pathology. The following information is based on a typical physiotherapist role.
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Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study physiotherapy, physiology and pathology at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology applicants.
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
tick!Can you clearly talk about your interest in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, maybe sharing experiences or observations that have influenced your desire to contribute to the recovery and wellbeing of others.
tick!If you can, mention any research or lab experiences related to physiology or pathology, highlighting your interest in scientific inquiry and understanding diseases.
tick!Show examples of situations where you demonstrated leadership or worked effectively as part of a team.
tick!Talk about empathy and your commitment to patient-centred care, as this will prove your understanding of the human side of healthcare.
tick!What are your professional goals in the areas of physiotherapy, physiology, and pathology?