8 mins
A credential in physiotherapy from a reputed university gives you the right launchpad for a host of lucrative careers. Physiotherapy courses equip you not only for a career as a physiotherapist with a hospital or medical centre but also as sports therapist, exercise physiologist, chiropractor, or even a dance movement. If you dream of helping people maximise their mobility, recover physical mobility from illness, injury or accident or reduce risk of further injury, a physiotherapy degree or a Master of Physiotherapy program is right for you.
What is Physiotherapy?
A physiotherapist assesses the patient’s physical problems and disabilities. Then they plan the perfect treatment regimen to restore the patient’s mobility to the greatest extent possible. Along the way, the physiotherapy professional also addresses pain, mental well- being as well as body flexibility and balance, with a view to improving the overall quality of life of the patient. Teaching the patient how to avoid risks in future and how to manage their long- term conditions is a part of the job description too.
When you study physiotherapy, you may have the option to specialize in an area. A few sub-specialities are:
- Geriatrics
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Neuromusculoskeletal
- Paediatric
What is taught in physiotherapy courses
When you opt for physio courses abroad, expect to begin with some foundational courses, especially if you have signed up for a Bachelor of Physiotherapy program. The coursework may cover:
- The basics, beginning with human anatomy and physiology
- A thorough understanding of musculoskeletal health
- Neuroanatomy and neurological physiotherapy
- Orthopaedic, cardio respiratory physiotherapy
- Paediatric physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation, restoration of movement after injuries, illness, disabilities or other causes
- Acute care for severely affected patients
- Pain management
- Tailored exercise
- Therapy methods
- Treatment methods with limited resources
- Clinical reasoning for accurate evaluation and diagnosis
- Patient/ caretaker communication
Popular colleges/universities to study Physiotherapy courses
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Coventry University
- Cardiff University
- Dalhousie University
- University of South Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Canberra and
- Flinders University
are some of the best universities you should explore.
Many Indian students choose to study physiotherapy abroad because of the increased demand both in India and abroad for qualified, well- trained physiotherapists. Getting your physiotherapy degree abroad helps you experience the best that the world has to offer in terms of teaching, facilities and hands- on experience in a hospital or clinic setting. Here are a few universities that have excellent reputation for their physiotherapy courses.
Manchester Metropolitan University
One of the UK’s greenest campuses, Manchester Metropolitan also holds the Triple Crown accreditation indicating international excellence. This university ranked in the 10th place (year 2022) across UK for physiotherapy (Complete University guide). Their on-site physiotherapy clinic offers real time student opportunities for hands-on experience. The courses are designed to train you in assessment of the patient, outlining treatment goals, chronic pain management and treatment approaches as well as administering the procedure.
Manchester Metropolitan offers both Bachelors and Masters programs in physiotherapy and related areas, as follows:
- BSc Honors Physiotherapy: 3 years, full- time
- MSc Advanced physiotherapy: Full- time 15 months, Part time 3- 5 years
- MSc (Preregistration) Physiotherapy: For students with UG degree in related subject- this is a full- time accelerated course spanning 2 years
Other related courses:
- BSc Honors Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy
- BSc Honors and MSC in Human Physiology
- MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG Certification in Sport and Exercise Medicine
Coventry University
The university has recently been awarded a Gold Teaching Excellence Framework rating for outstanding student experience and outcomes. In the QS World rankings 2024: Europe, Coventry University Group stands first in the UK for international student diversity. The physiotherapy courses offered here are:
- BSc Honors Physiotherapy: 3 years, full- time
- MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: 1 year, full- time/ 2 years, part- time
- MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice: 1 year, full- time (Students must hold BSc or Diploma in physiotherapy from recognized universities)
- MSc Physiotherapy and Leadership (pre-registration): 2 years, full- time
Cardiff University
Two Nobel prize winners are closely associated with the university, one of whom continues to be part of the institution as also several Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. A leading research institution in Britain, Cardiff university has at least half of its student population taking up work placements as they study. The university’s Occupational Therapy programme is at top place in the UK as per Complete University Guide 2023. The physiotherapy program was ranked 1st in Wales and 3rd in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2021.
The following choices are open to study physiotherapy here:
- BSc Occupational Therapy: 3 years, full- time
- MSc Physiotherapy: 18 months full- time, 3 years, part- time
- MSc Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy: 18 months full- time, 3 years part- time
- MSc Pre-Registration Physiotherapy: 2 years, full- time
Apart from these, the university also offers:
- PhD, MPhil Healthcare Sciences
- PhD, MPhil, MD Neuroscience
Dalhousie University
This Canadian university is among the top 350 universities in the world in the current Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Dalhousie stands 14th among Canadian universities and 1st in Atlantic Canada. The university ranks best in the International outlook area.
Their courses in physiotherapy are as follows:
- MSc Physiotherapy: 28 month, full- time intensive program
- Combined MScPT- Rehabilitation Research: 3 year course to complete two degrees (MSc Physiotherapy and MSc Rehabilitation Research)
The university offers a related MSc Physiology and Biophysics course as well and the MSc Rehabilitation Research in Physiotherapy course. The latter is not for those studying to become physiotherapists after graduation. They also have an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in topics related to Physiotherapy.
University of South Australia
This Adelaide based university is among the top 15 in the country for teaching quality, top 5 for excellence in education and in top place for graduate employability. Backed by a practical approach to teaching, the university’s physiotherapy courses equip you to deal with real world situations so you emerge career ready when you graduate.
Here is what they offer:
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors): 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours): 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science: 3 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Human Movement: 3 years, full- time
- Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry): 2 years, full- time
- Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports): 1 year, full- time
The university also offers other related programs such as the Bachelor of Health Science- Fully online or part- time program with a 3 year duration and Post Graduate Principles of Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy.
Swinburne University of Technology
This Australian university, with a sprawling Melbourne campus, prides itself on cutting edge technological tools to enhance learning outcomes. Online study options are easy to find here and the interactive mode of teaching makes student experience top- notch. This is Australia’s first Adobe Creative campus, which gives students free access to all of Adobe’s creative cloud innovations. Swinburne ranks within the top 250 in the 2024 list of Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 43rd in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023.
The physiotherapy courses offered here are:
- Master of Physiotherapy: 2 years, full- time
- Doctor of Philosophy and Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management: 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science: 3 years full-time or equivalent part- time option
- Master of Occupational Therapy: 2 years, full- time
University of Canberra
Among the top 1% of the Young Universities globally (2022) with rank 17th and at top place in Canberra for graduate employment, University of Canberra is a great place for Indian students. The institution is committed to progressive teaching methods and robust connections with the industry ensure that students have both exposure to the field and access to the best career opportunities when they graduate. Innovation and research are highly encouraged here so if this is your passion area, this university is a great place for you to get your physiotherapy degree.
The university offers a number of physio courses and closely related programs as follows:
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy: 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science: 3 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation: 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement): 3 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Business (Sport Management): 3 years, Full- time and part- time
- Master of Physiotherapy: 2 years, full- time
- (PG) Graduate Certificate in Human Movement Science: 0.5 years
- (PG) Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics: 1 year, part- time
- (PG) Graduate Certificate in Performance Health Management: 2 years, part- time
- (PG) Graduate Certificate in Performance Health Management: 2 years, part- time
Flinders University
This Australian university is among the top 2% according to the 2023 THE World University Rankings. The university boasts of 26 Fullbright scholars, 5 Rhodes scholars, a Fields medallist and an Australian of the Year. It is also the top ranked university in South Australia for learning engagement in undergraduate programs, according to the 2023 Good Universities Guide.
The physiotherapy courses and related programs offered here are:
- Bachelor of Business (Sports Management): 3 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary Health and Physical Education): 4 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Exercise Science: 3 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Exercise Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology: 5 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Health Sciences / Master of Occupational Therapy: 5 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Health Sciences / Master of Physiotherapy: 5 years, full- time
- Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation: 3 years, full- time
Eligibility for studying Physiotherapy courses
Each university has its own eligibility criteria and these may not exactly match what others require. However, here is a general list of requirements that tells you what to expect:
- A High School Certificate with a minimum percentage requirement in specified subjects for a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a degree from accredited university with a minimum overall percentage required (60% and above) for a Master of Physiotherapy.
- Many universities require the applicant to have studied physical education or biological science as part of the school work or degree program. Some have additional requirements too, for example, UNISA lists both biology and physics (South Australian Certificate of Education level) as assumed knowledge for students.
- Check for minimum percentage requirements in science and maths subjects
- English language proficiency scores. Typically, IELTS score of 6.0 and above across the bands. Some universities may also accept TOEFL, Pearson or Cambridge English scores
Apart from these, you will include a personal statement that explains why you want to enrol in a physiotherapy course and what kind of experience or exposure you already have to the subject.
Physiotherapy course options
Physiotherapy is an expansive field of study and there are many areas you can choose to study and/ or specialise in, depending on where your interests lie. Some of the choices you have are:
- Exercise science: The program will teach you all about developments in the exercise science niche and how it can be used as preventive measure to ward off common ailments. You will get grounding in motor control, motor learning and the nuances of exercise science
- Sports and Active recreation: You will train to become a professional with deep understanding of how sport impacts the human body and contributes to overall health. You will also learn about sports coaching and development.
- Occupational Therapy: You will learn to help clients improve their health and overall well- being with physiotherapy and exercise. The focus is on understanding what people need in their everyday lives and making it easy for them to achieve those with positive outcomes for the body.
- Sports management: A slightly off- track coursework with a physiotherapy degree but a very rewarding and lucrative one, this kind of course will help you understand what happens behind the scenes with a sports intensive business like an academy or a gym.
- Paediatric physiotherapy: You will be trained to undertake one of the most rewarding and satisfying career options in this line. The course work will help you understand the physiology of a child’s body and train you to help children achieve maximum functional mobility, overcoming their limitations.
- Acute care physiotherapy: You will learn to assess patients and work hand in hand with the healthcare team to improve the patient’s mobility, functionality, physical strength and endurance. Training will also include focus on warding off complications associated with prolonged immobility.
- Elder care: This is another track where helping ward off complications associated with prolonged immobility is a specialisation you will focus on. You will also learn to assess the patient’s abilities and restrictions and formulate treatment plans to maintain and improve physical health. You will have specific training on dealing with common age- related ailments that affect movement, such as, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s etc.
- Rehabilitation: One of the most critical specializations in physiotherapy, here you will learn how to help patients recover from injury, illness, accidents or dysfunctions arising from other causes. Understanding of how to strengthen muscles around injured areas, restore function in those areas and joints and also help with pain management will be part of course work.
- Special needs management: Physiotherapists play a crucial role in helping those with special needs gain maximum independence. You will learn to work closely with the patient, caregivers as well as other medical professionals and understand how to create customised plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
- Neurological physiotherapy: This coursework too is usually associated with elder care but this niche trains you to understand in depth various neuro problems that affect the brain, nervous system and spinal cord and the impact it can have on mobility and functionality.
Career opportunities
A physiotherapy degree or a Master of Physiotherapy equips you to find employment in a variety of industries and with many different employers. For instance, you can take charge of workplace health or workplace injury prevention programs at a business organisation, or start up your own rehabilitation clinic or associate with gymnasiums or sporting clubs to provide your services to their patrons. Support and treatment to disabled persons is another area where physiotherapists with a passion for their line of work are very much in demand.
Physio courses from reputed universities make students a sought- after professional for hospitals, work places, community health centres, elder care clinics/ homes, schools and educational institutions, disability service institutions and more.
Some of the career options open to you are:
- Exercise physiologist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Acute care physiotherapist
- Health and injury prevention advisor
- Health/ wellness coordinator
- Elder care physiotherapist
- Home care physio services
- Paediatric physiotherapist
The decision to study physiotherapy can pave the way to a very rewarding and satisfying career path that lets you help people with visible benefits. Getting your physiotherapy degree from a reputed university abroad ensures that you are employable across the globe and that you have the right credentials to guarantee a very attractive pay package. This guide helps you understand your options if physiotherapy is your dream career.
Hi there! I'm Navi, your AI assistant on WhatsApp.
