Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK: Top Universities, Eligibility, Costs & Career Scope

A Master’s in Physiotherapy in the UK’s world-class universities can be your gateway to global career opportunities. You may apply for a master’s program at the University of Birmingham, King’s College London, and the University of Nottingham. Master’s in physiotherapy blends academic knowledge with real-world clinical experience. 

Graduates can explore a wide range of career paths after completing this degree, like working in hospitals, private clinics, sports rehabilitation centers, and other settings. There is a significant demand for qualified physiotherapists in the UK and globally, particularly those specializing in areas such as neurology, pediatrics, or cardiorespiratory care. 

If you are passionate about improving lives, pursuing a Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK could be the right move. This guide will walk you through the best universities in the UK for an MSc in Physiotherapy, career prospects, and everything else you need to know to take the next big step in your physiotherapy journey.

Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK – Overview

A Master’s in Physiotherapy in the UK is a postgraduate degree designed to equip students with advanced clinical skills and hands-on training through NHS placements. Depending on the university and physiotherapy courses in the UK, the program duration can range from 1 to 2 years. 

Many universities offer 12-month Master's courses in Physiotherapy for full-time students, while part-time courses can go up to 48 months. Whether you are a recent graduate or a healthcare professional, you can enroll for both physiotherapy pre-registration and advanced MSc programs to prepare for global physiotherapy careers.

Eligibility for a Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

A Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy or a related field is the typical requirement for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in the UK.  Other criteria, which might vary as per the university requirements, include:  

• A Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy or a related subject
• Some universities may require relevant clinical experience in physiotherapy or a related field
• A minimum English proficiency score between 6 and 7 in the IELTS exam
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) defining the applicant’s intent to apply to the university.
• Other requirements include a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), academic documents, a CV, and other relevant certificates. 

Also read: Study Master's Degrees Abroad

Admission Process for Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

The admission process to apply for a Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK includes meeting the admission requirements of the specific university you are targeting. Other requirements may vary depending on the particular university and its admission requirements.   

Below are the steps to follow:

• Shortlist universities offering a master’s in physiotherapy based on your preferred location, curriculum, costs, scholarship, specialization choices, and career goals.
• Draft a strong statement of purpose (SOP) and ask your current institution to write a letter of recommendation for you.
• Pay the application fee and submit online through the university portal.
• Attend interviews and receive an offer letter.
• Apply for a student visa.
• Appear for the visa interview.
• Arrange for accommodation in the UK and travel. 

Documents required:

Below is a list of all the supporting documents needed for applying to a university to study in the UK for a Master’s in Physiotherapy: 

• A valid Indian passport 
• Academic certifications 
• Updated resume (CV)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose  (SOP)
• Student visa for the UK  
• IELTS score
• Copy of passport
• Proof of work experience 

Also read: Documents Required to Study Abroad in 2025

Top Universities Offering Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK 

For a Master’s program in Physiotherapy in the UK, you can explore top universities like Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge, among others. The program is ideal for those who want to conduct hands-on and clinically focused research while also enhancing their clinical skills and professional knowledge.

Here’s a quick look at the best Universities in the UK for MSc in Psychology and their respective QS rankings: 

Source: Top Universities

Top Specializations for Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

A Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK offers several popular specializations, including Sports Physiotherapy and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. These specializations focus on treating conditions related to bones, muscles, and joints. 

Below are some other specializations to explore:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: This specialization focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to muscles, joints, and bones. Ideal for roles in orthopaedic rehab therapy and sports injury clinics.
• Neurological Physiotherapy: This specialization covers rehabilitation for conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Graduates often work in neuro-rehab units and community care.
• Sports Physiotherapy: It is designed for individuals willing to work with athletes or in fitness rehabilitation. Offers expertise in injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimisation.
• Paediatric Physiotherapy: This specialization involves treating developmental, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions in children. Practitioners often work in schools, paediatric hospitals, or early intervention services.
• Occupational Health Physiotherapy: Involves rehabilitation for workplace injuries. Frequently used by corporate wellness programs and insurance-based healthcare providers.
• Manual Therapy: Advanced practice involving hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Commonly paired with musculoskeletal specialisation for clinic-based roles.
• Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy: This specialization manages conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cardiac recovery. Popular in NHS and hospital-based settings.

Scholarships for Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

For scholarships to pursue a Master’s in physiotherapy in the UK, you can explore funding options like the Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships, along with university-specific scholarships. The table below features a few such programs: 

Source: Official Websites

Cost of Studying a Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

The fee for a master's in physiotherapy can vary depending on the university you enroll in. International students studying at the University of Nottingham pay a fee of GBP 24,300 (INR 28,04,108) for a 1-year MSc in Physiotherapy.

Below are the average course fees charged to international students by a few other top universities in the UK:

• The fee for a full-time MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy at the University of Manchester is GBP 20,000 (INR 23,09,696) per year.  
• The fee for a full-time MSc by Research in Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford is GBP 33,370 (INR 38,52,633)
• The University of Nottingham has a fee of GBP 24,300 (INR 28,04,108) for a 1-year MSc in Physiotherapy.
• The fee for master’s programs at the University of Birmingham ranges between GBP 24,130 to GBP 26,180 (INR 27,87,487 - INR 30,24,415)

Further, additional expenses like books, travel, and accommodation in the UK may bring the total annual cost to GBP 25,000– GBP 40,000 (INR 28,89,922 – INR 46,23,876) per year.

Also read: Cost of Living in the UK (2025): A Comprehensive Guide for Students, Professionals & Families

Career Opportunities After a Master's in Physiotherapy in the UK

Graduates in physiotherapy can become Registered Physiotherapists, Specialist Physiotherapists, and Rehabilitation Consultants, or explore other interesting areas after completing their Master’s in Physiotherapy from a top university in the UK. Here are some other roles to pursue:

Sources: Indeed, Glassdoor

How Can upGrad Help You?

upGrad can be your ideal choice if you want to know more about the best universities in the UK for an MSc in Physiotherapy. upGrad bridges the gap between your ambition of studying overseas and the wide opportunities you can unlock. Our Master’s in Physiotherapy in the UK program enables a seamless transition to global education, preparing students for a rewarding career. 

To know more, reach out to upGrad and get admission to your preferred UK university.