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Individuals affected by injury, illness or disability rely on physiotherapists to help restore their movement and function, and enable a deeper understanding of their problem through education. Begin your career in caring for others at St Mary’s.

  • The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Clinical placement of 1,000 hours within NHS and private sectors
  • Facilities include Performance Enhancement Centre (PEC), physiology and psychology labs, an in-house physiotherapy clinic and Simulation Rooms (Intensive Care)
  • Teaching in small groups from a team of dedicated lecturers with strong clinical experience

Why study Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a broad and continuously evolving profession, having historically achieved greater recognition every year in both NHS and private settings. A physiotherapist is an important part of healthy living across the lifespan from development in childhood and young adults, injuries and illness of physical and mental health in adults, and healthy ageing.

Physiotherapists can also become specialists in specific populations, research, technology and industry. You will find physiotherapists behind the scenes in many different environments.

To become part of the physiotherapy workforce you can study for a BSc in Physiotherapy over three years. It is a demanding course, but one which gives you fulfilment, life skills and a rewarding career

At St Mary's we use a contemporary approach to encourage students to gain an understanding of all areas of physiotherapy through the use of a blended learning approach incorporating technology, tutorials, group work and practice-based learning. Teaching throughout the course is guided by physiotherapists with specialist knowledge and skills in public, private, research and advanced clinical practice,

During the programme, you will have to successfully complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice education. You will be allocated to a range of diverse and exciting placements, where you'll gain a variety of experiences with a wide range of client groups, under the guidance of skilled clinicians. It is anticipated that your clinical practice is fully supported by the integration of theory from the classroom.

We aim to support the NHS in developing students who acknowledge, appreciate and implement NHS core values from the first to the last placement they embark upon. Each placement is focussed towards fulfilling a part of the NHS core values from ‘Respect and Dignity’ to ‘Improving Lives.’

Our Physiotherapy degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that upon successful completion of the course you will be able to become a member of the CSP and HCPC and begin practicing straight away.

We aspire to enable our students to become independent practitioners and future leaders in physiotherapy.

Why St Mary's?

Part of Vision 2025 here at St Mary’s University is to enable all students to become “independent problem solvers and ethical leaders”. This vision is highly appropriate to our Physiotherapy programme. We envisage that our physiotherapy students will become rounded thinkers and problem solvers. They will provide a worthy and enthusiastic addition to any workforce, whether as a student or a graduate.

You'll be taught by a team of dedicated lecturers with clinical experience, ensuring you're well supported on your journey to becoming a high-calibre physiotherapist. The programme has a contemporary approach with an integration of theory and practical elements. It will enable you to problem-solve about patients independently, from all angles.

We also understand the need for our future physiotherapy workforce to have the skills to become leaders in business, whether within the NHS or outside. We strive to help meet these needs and demands through the development of strong leadership skills.

Our course has undergone the HCPC validation process and has met all conditions.

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Entry requirements

96-128 UCAS points required

ABB

A Levels

DMM

BTEC Extended
Diploma

View alternative requirements

To calculate your expected UCAS points, please use the UCAS Tariff calculator.

At St Mary's we would like to help you become the best Physiotherapist you can be. We would like to recruit candidates who are caring, well rounded, problem solvers, who can work with others to deliver a compassionate care package.

Ideally, candidates should be reliable, honest and able to communicate clearly with service users. Candidates who apply should have a strong ethical stance on equality, non-discrimination and fairness (based on NHS constitution and core values, 2013).

We are influenced in our selection for the physiotherapy programme by a number of different factors, over and above your academic record. We like to see evidence of your motivation for a career in physiotherapy, and your outside interests are also a pointer to whether you are the sort of person likely to make the most of the degree.

GCSEs

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths, English Language and Science.

A Levels

ABB to include either Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry.

BTEC

DMM at Extended Diploma level in a Biological Science. Other BTEC qualifications in a related biological science will be considered in combination with other qualifications. The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport or Health Care are not eligible unless combined with a suitable level 3 Biology qualification. 

International Baccalaureate

IB Diploma 33 with a 5 in Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths at a higher level.

Access to Higher Education

Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Science, Human Sciences or Physiotherapy with 45 credits passed at level 3 will be considered. You can use the UCAS calculator to calculate your expected UCAS points. We require a minimum of 12 credits at Distinction or 21 at Merit in modules in Human Biology/Physiology.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Three subjects at H2, which must include either Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths and two subjects at H3. Your Maths and English grades must be at least H6 or O3.

Irish Leaving Certificate (Pre-2017)

If your Irish Leaving Certificate results are before 2017 you will need three Higher A2, which must include either Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths and two subjects at Higher B2. Your Maths and English grades must be at least Higher D3 or Ordinary B3.

Additional requirement information

Interviews

If you reach the academic standards we will invite you for an interview to complete the selection process. This is a selective course and applications are assessed through three rounds: initial academic assessment, academic team review and interview. 

DBS checks

Students will be required to complete a successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) including child and adult barred list check before admission to the programme. The cost of the required check is £23.

For students who are coming from overseas or have lived outside the UK in the last 5 years, a satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required.

Declaring any matter likely to be recorded on your 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.

Please note: not declaring in advance anything that you are aware of may have an impact on the outcome on the decisions we make regarding your application.

Health check and declaration

As part of the Healthcare profession, candidates will need to provide us with a satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisations, prior to being accepted on the programme.

Students will need to ensure that they have had their vaccination for Hepatitis B, BCG, Varicella, and Influenza where applicable. Details of the Statutory immunisations can be discussed at interview and will be reinforced with the offer letter.

Students will need to sign a Fitness to Practice contract on registration for the course. 

First-aid

A satisfactory first-aid certificate is also required. For more information about accepted first-aid courses please email dimitrios.sampanis@stmarys.ac.uk.

Mature students

We strongly value the range of experience that mature students can bring to the course. Please apply so we can assess all of your qualifications together.

Students with disabilities

We take a positive view of what candidates with disabilities can achieve as future healthcare professionals. Our obligation is to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies.

 

All applicants 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 work together with the disability team, clinical colleagues and specialist services (RNIB, for example) to explore how best we can support your studies.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

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Course content

Year one

  • Clinical Anatomy Core
  • Physiology and Pathology Core
  • Professional Skills and Inter-Professional Practice Core
  • Physiotherapy Assessment Core
  • Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice Core
  • Exercise Prescription in Rehabilitation Core

Year two

  • Contemporary Physiotherapy Core
  • Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Core
  • Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Core
  • Neurological Physiotherapy Core
  • Clinical Placement 1 Core
  • Clinical Placement 2 Core

Year three

  • Physiotherapeutic Management of Complex Patients Core
  • Leadership and Management Core
  • Clinical Placement 3 Core
  • Clinical Placement 4 Core
  • Clinical Placement 5 Core
  • Dissertation/Research Project Core

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

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Career opportunities

Clinical Placements

Practice education modules occur across the last two years of the programme and assessment of your practice education is continuous. This applies to all practical modules across the three years of your degree as well.

Placements vary as to the experience offered; you may work within the hospital environment, in community-based environments such as clinics or schools, and within the independent and voluntary sectors. You may experience a variety of working practices including extended hours and seven-day working.

You will carry out an elective clinical placement to develop learning and experience diversity in practice between your second and third year.

Please note: there may be expenses incurred with travel and/or accommodation on clinical placements which are mandatory elements of the course. 

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Physiotherapy students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

The programme takes a blended learning approach for knowledge and skills acquisition and development. These include theory and practical sessions as well as group and seminar work. In addition, there are multiple online resources and students encouraged to do guided learning by using these resources in order to support their learning.

The level 4 (year one) programme begins with an induction in which you work on group activities designed to develop communication, listening and teamwork skills. There is also the opportunity to work together and get to know your peers in a fun setting, whilst practising the skills that are needed throughout the course of the programme.

These themes continue into levels 5 and 6 (years two and three) where clinical placements are included. Surrounding the placements are intensive periods of teaching where the appropriate clinical and academic skills are taught.

One of the key characteristics of this course and the blended learning that follows is that students are part of a small cohort of no more than 35 students making theoretical sessions very direct and students to feel supportive by the lectures and mentors. Also, during practical sessions these number can be split to small groups of four people in order to achieve higher performance of students during practical skills.

Teaching breakdown

Learning on the course is made up through a combination of:

  • Contact time: 15%
  • Placement/work-based learning: 26%
  • Guided learning: 11%
  • Independent study: 48%

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will receive your timetable a week before teaching is due to start at the latest.

Assessment methods

Modules are assessed through a variety of methods, including written theory examinations, vivas, oral presentations and written coursework across all levels.

The practical viva's form a significant part of the assessments due to the clinical nature of the programme. In addition, at level 6 there is an independent research project to complete, as well as a formal clinical examination at the end of the degree.

Further information

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within three weeks.

See how your final degree mark is calculated...

Compensated passes

Please refer to the information on compensated passes throughout your degree as outlined in the academic regulations.

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Fees and funding

2021/22 fees

  • Home: £9,250*
  • International: £12,900

* Please note: These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding.

Information about tuition fees, student loans and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

The UK Government has confirmed that EU applicants starting in 2020 remain eligible for 'home fee status' and can access financial support.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

You will need to buy student physiotherapy uniform - which is navy trousers and a polo shirt from Graham Gardner Ltd - plus black shoes for clinical placement. A stethoscope will also be needed for the cardio-respiratory module and placements. 

You will also need to pay for your own travel expenses to get to and from your placements, which are generally in the Greater London area.

For further information about additional costs please contact dimitrios.sampanis@stmarys.ac.uk.

Scholarships

Physiotherapy students are now eligible for a bursary of up to £5,000 per academic year as long as they are currently actively in study and receiving tuition fee or and maintenance support from the Student Loans Company. 

The bursary is paid in installments throughout the academic year.

We also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for new undergraduate students. This includes:

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

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Facilities

View all facilities
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Further information


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Visit the campus

Open days

Attending an open day is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into what life is like as a St Mary's student. During the day you'll have the chance to:

  • Speak to current students to hear about their experiences so far
  • Meet your future academics to put a name and a face to who you'll be learning from
  • Take a tour of the University and the on-campus accommodation options
  • Get involved with activities going on across campus as you explore new surroundings

Book your place now

Campus tours

There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the campus, even if you can't make it to an Open Day.

We run campus tours every Wednesday at 12pm. If you'd like to join us for one of these tours please register your place for your preferred day.

Virtual tour

We know that for it's important to you to see where you'll be living and studying before you make your decision. However, we also know that for many people it's not always easy to make it to the campus.

That's why we've developed a virtual tour of campus, allowing you to explore that facilities and the beautiful views that we have to offer.

Launch the virtual tour

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UCAS Application Timeline

1

UCAS Apply Opens

You will be able to register and begin your application, but won't yet be able to submit it.

May (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
2

Completed applications can be submitted to UCAS

From September you'll be able to submit your UCAS application. Universities will start making decisions on applications.

September (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
3

UCAS application deadline

You will need to submit your application by this date.

January 15th

Find out more about the application process
4

UCAS Extra opens

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, you might be able to add another choice.

Late February

Find out more about UCAS Extra
5

Replying to offers

Your deadline for replying to your offers depends on when you received all your decisions by. If you miss your deadline, UCAS will automatically decline all your offers

Spring/Summer

Find out more about the application process
6

Late applications are entered into Clearing

If your application is received after 30th June, it will be entered into Clearing.

30th June

Find out more about Clearing
7

UCAS Extra application deadline

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, this will be your last chance to add an Extra choice.

Early July

Find out more about UCAS Extra
8

Clearing Opens

Clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool.

Early July

Find out more about Clearing
9

Clearing hotline opens

On A-Level results day, we open our Clearing hotline. If you're eligible to apply through Clearing, you'll be able to apply to us via phone.

Mid-August

Find out more about Clearing
10

Adjustment opens

If you've exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, you may be able to apply for an alternative course.

Mid-August

Find out more about the application process
11

Final application deadline

This is the final opportunity to apply for a course beginning in that year.

September

Find out more about Clearing
12

Clearing closes

This is your final chance to apply through Clearing. Please note: you will not be able to apply for Primary Education beyond mid-September.

October

Find out more about Clearing