Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

Entry requirements

We will consider all applicants with 2:2 or above, or equivalent international qualifications. For some courses, there may be additional requirements which can be found on our website. This programme is not suitable for those already holding a diploma or degree in physiotherapy.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The deadline to apply for this course starting October 2026 has now passed (15 December 2025). Due to the course's popularity, offers are made on a first come, first served basis until places are filled, after which offers will be made for a place on the waiting list.

Physiotherapy is a science-based health care profession committed to extending, applying, evaluating, and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice. Physiotherapists adopt a ‘whole person' approach to maximise the potential of a person's function and movement. Thus, physiotherapists not only help people stay independent for as long possible after illness or injury, but also help maintain health for people of all ages, preventing disease and managing pain.

Patient involvement is at the core of this approach and, as such, key attributes a physiotherapist must possess include the ability to empower, relate, and educate people to facilitate change in their health and wellbeing. Physiotherapists are autonomous professionals, able to act as first-contact practitioners, as well as accepting referrals from other health care professionals. Consequently, central to physiotherapy practice is clinical judgement and informed interpretation of clinical information.

Physiotherapists are also professionals who work in increasingly complex environments. At Essex, we produce graduates who demonstrate effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, underpinned by a sound physiotherapy knowledge base and appropriate professional skills. To succeed, you will possess self-directed learning habits that will enable you to continue as a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner, maintaining your fitness to practise throughout your career.

Our full-time MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) course is studied over two years and is designed as a continuous progression of integrated theory and practice, emphasising students being proactive partners in their learning experiences.

Our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (SRES) is a community specifically focused on sports and exercise science, sports therapy and physiotherapy. We are based in the Essex Sport Arena at the Colchester Campus and bring together internationally recognised research, knowledge and placement and vocational opportunities for our students and graduates.

Vaccinations

We continue to recommend COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. This is to protect yourself and the vulnerable people you may meet throughout your placement.

Practice-based learning opportunities

Practice-based placements are organised by our placement team and each student is timetabled to complete approximately 1,000 hours of practice-based learning. During placements, you'll work with qualified physiotherapists and other professionals to consolidate learning, gain new experiences, and develop and refine your abilities. Learning on placement is achieved through interactive experiences and practice educators facilitating personal and professional growth within a variety of settings. The environment is supportive, enabling you to rehearse skills with constructive feedback.

To maximise the learning opportunities available to you, we work with a variety of practice-based learning providers from across our region. From the Colchester Campus you may need to travel up to 90 minutes each day to and from a placement location, or use local accommodation for locations that are further afield. Eligible students are able to claim back these additional costs associated with attending placements through the NHS business authority, who you can also apply to for a £5,000 per academic year grant (that you won't need to pay back!). Additional funding may also be available depending on your personal circumstances. You can find more information about eligibility and how to apply on the Health and Social Care Scholarships and Funding page.

You will be provided with two student physiotherapist uniform polo shirts, as well as two tunics and two pairs of trousers, prior to your first practice placement (you can also purchase additional items, if you choose).

Additional expenses

You will incur additional costs and expenses throughout this course, which you can learn more about in our Additional Course-Related Expenses document (.doc).

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a physiotherapist.

Information for international students

Entry requirements: You can find international entry requirements for most countries on our international students webpage. If your country is not listed, please contact Postgraduate Admissions at pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

Pre-sessional English Language courses: If you need to improve your English language skills before joining your main degree course, we offer pre-sessional English courses on our campuses in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways.

Fees and funding

There are a wide range of funding options for postgraduate study, including scholarships, bursaries and alumni discounts. You can check your eligibility on our fees and funding webpage.