Physiotherapy - MSci

Accelerate your physiotherapy career with our diverse and innovative four-year Master’s programme. Become a highly competent and clinically astute physiotherapist who can improve people's quality of life and physical wellbeing by restoring, maintaining and enhancing their function and movement.

Year of entry

Course type

  • Integrated Master's

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

  • B160

Duration of study

  • 4 years

Why study Physiotherapy at Keele University?

Accredited by the UK Health and Care Professions Council
Top 10 for Physiotherapy (Guardian University League Table, 2023)
Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Eligible students can apply for a non-repayable £5,000 NHS grant per academic year
Gain extra experience and qualify with a Master's
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Professional Accreditation

Physiotherapy at Keele is accredited by the UK Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.‌

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists

UK Health and Care Professions Council

Nafisah, a physiotherapy student at Keele University

"Keele has provided me with high-quality education from an expert faculty who have always guided, encouraged and supported my journey to becoming a well-rounded and competent Physiotherapist. The multimodal approach to teaching and learning has enhanced my overall academic experience. Furthermore, the continuously expanding diversity among staff and cohort members, has been empowering and conducive in creating an inclusive environment" "

Nafisah, Physiotherapy

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: ABB Subject specifics apply
BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
T Level: Distinction Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

ABB in three A Levels including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

Contextual Offer: BBB in three A levels including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Health and Social Care, Sport or Sport and Exercise Science.

Contextual Offer: BTEC Extended Diploma not included.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education A Level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Health and Social Care, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and A in any A Level.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education, or Distinction in Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Health and Social Care, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Distinction in any of the following T Levels: Health, Healthcare Science, Science.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

655 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education, or 32 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Education.

Contextual Offer: 555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education or Sport Science or 31 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Education.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

128 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits and Merit in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

To include 15 Level 3 credits in topics relating to Human Biology / Anatomy / Physiology / Chemistry.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBBC in five Highers in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and BC in two Highers including Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education Higher or Advanced Higher, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education Advanced Higher.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry (combined), or Physical Education.

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in Biology, Chemistry / Physics or Physical Education, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 in Biology, Chemistry / Physics or Physical Education.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education or Natural Science.

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 16 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Biology, Chemistry or Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership.

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

ABB in three Advanced Levels including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM including B in Biology, Chemistry or Sports Science.

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

ABB in three H2 Levels including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

75% overall with 7 in Biology (4 period), Chemistry or Physical Education

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB including B in Chemistry, Biology or Physical Education.

Grade A in EAP English Language module.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

ABB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Additional information

Under normal circumstances, students must be 18 years old when they commence the course, or by 1 October of the first Semester, due to the clinical elements of the programme.  

Health checks and DBS Clearance
Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the code on request.

Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

We will also consider applicants with previous degrees, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, and other health related higher education qualifications. Please contact us for advice.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Tom Davies

"I have loved my time at Keele studying Physiotherapy. With outstanding guidance and support I have gained the academic, clinical and research skills needed in a wide variety of topics."

Tom, Physiotherapy

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Millie Berrett

"I chose to study physio at Keele because of the atmosphere that was created and shared by everyone I met at my first open day. This is something that has continued through my 3 years at Keele. I have made some amazing friends who along with the staff at SAHP have supported me through the duration of my degree and helped to make a stressful 3 years some of the most enjoyable."

Millie, Physiotherapy

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Marcus Chung

"The sense of community within the student body has positively impacted my learning experience and outcome, I dont think I would have completed my 3 years at Keele successfully without the help and support from my peers. "

Marcus, Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy with Integrated Masters MSCi

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

Course content

Our Foundation Year  allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our  foundation year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the Msci (Hons) Physiotherapy Integrated Master's course. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career.  Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

You will gain a greater appreciation of historical and contemporary approaches to health and social care within the UK, considering key health issues and challenges facing health and science services. At the same time, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes.

Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester One modules

FYO-00237 Foundations of Human Biology for Health 15 credits
FYO-00245 Foundations in Health and Society 15 credits
FYO-00213 Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students 15 credits

Semester Two modules

FYO-00239 Advancing Human Biology for Health 30 credits
FYO-00336 Advancing Health and Society 15 credits

Year long modules (Semesters One and Two)

FYO-00181 Academic and Professional Development 30 credits

Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  • 104 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level), or 96 UCAS points including A level / Scottish Higher / IB Diploma Physics, Chemistry or Biology, T Level Health, Healthcare Science or Science, or BTEC Applied Human Biology or Applied Science (any level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. For Physiotherapy, place offer is subject to scoring application or interview. 

How to apply

UCAS applications

Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Physiotherapy with Foundation Year, UCAS code: B1B9

Direct Entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Discover the Keele difference

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Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.