Physiotherapy

A Brighton Physiotherapy degree will prepare you for a rewarding career where you’ll help improve your patients’ function, wellbeing and quality of life through advice, exercise and education. Brighton is 3rd in the UK for physiotherapy courses in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), ensuring you’ll gain all the knowledge and skills required for professional practice. Successful completion of the degree means you will be eligible to apply for HCPC registration and practice as a physiotherapist.

At Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. Five block practice placements will build your experience with opportunities in the NHS, charitable organisations and private organisations, ensuring you get varied experience. You’ll also gain plenty of hands-on experience at university using our specialist facilities which include an exercise rehabilitation gym, physiotherapy suites and a virtual anatomy lab.

Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton’s physiotherapy graduates have successful careers working in the NHS and private sector. The Graduate Outcomes survey found that 95% of our physiotherapy graduates were in work or further study and 90% of working graduates were in highly skilled work as therapists or other professionals 15 months after their degree.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

• Brighton is 3rd in the UK for physiotherapy courses in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

• On-campus facilities include a physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation gym, physiotherapy suites and a virtual anatomy lab.

• Clinical placements in settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres and patients’ homes, plus an opportunity to gain a global perspective in Kenya.

• Non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Physiotherapy
Brighton is less than an hour from central London and has been named one of the 50 best cities in the world and the happiest city in the UK by Time Out.

Year 1
In your first year of the physiotherapy degree, you will build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and core physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills, while exploring what it means to be a healthcare professional. You’ll also gain early hands-on experience through physiotherapy-relevant work placements, helping you develop your communication, teamwork and patient-centred care skills in real-world settings.

Core modules
The Physiotherapist as a Professional 1
Foundations of Physiotherapy Patient Management
Applied Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Foundations of Physiotherapy Assessment
Foundations of Physiotherapy Treatment Skills
Exercise for Health and Rehabilitation

Year 2
In your second year, you will develop your clinical reasoning and practical skills across musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory areas, preparing for your first clinical placement. You’ll also explore healthcare across the lifespan, engage with research methods and deepen your understanding of professional practice in evolving healthcare environments.

Core modules
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in Contemporary Healthcare
Physiotherapy Management in Acute Care Settings
Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan
Research Methods in Healthcare
The Physiotherapist as a Professional 2
Practice Placement 1

Final year
In your final year, you will complete a series of clinical placements to consolidate your practical skills and professional confidence, working with increasing autonomy across diverse healthcare settings. Alongside this, you will undertake a research dissertation and prepare for the transition into professional practice, exploring career opportunities and developing your portfolio with input from experienced clinicians and healthcare leaders.

Core modules
Clinical Practice Placements 2, 3, 4 and 5
Research for Evidence-based Practice
The Physiotherapist as a Professional 3