Discover the top UK universities for Physiotherapy in 2026. Find courses with excellent clinical placements, student support, and career outcomes.
Best Universities for Physiotherapy: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Southampton | 92 | 84 |
| 2 Silver | University of Birmingham | 89 | 82 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Nottingham | 88 | 79 |
| 4 | University of Leeds | 87 | 80 |
| 5 | University of Glasgow | 85 | 78 |
| 6 | King’s College London | 84 | 77 |
| 7 | University of Manchester | 83 | 76 |
| 8 | University of Liverpool | 82 | 75 |
| 9 | University of Sheffield | 81 | 74 |
| 10 | University of Edinburgh | 80 | 73 |
1. University of Southampton Gold
2. University of Birmingham Silver
3. University of Nottingham Bronze
4. University of Leeds
5. University of Glasgow
6. King’s College London
7. University of Manchester
8. University of Liverpool
9. University of Sheffield
10. University of Edinburgh
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Physiotherapy rankings combine academic data with student lifestyle factors to highlight the best UK universities for Physiotherapy.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Physiotherapy Universities in the UK
Physiotherapy is one of the UK’s most respected healthcare degrees, combining science, movement, and patient care to help people recover from injury and improve mobility. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Physiotherapy in the UK, based on teaching quality, clinical placements, research excellence, and graduate outcomes. Each of these universities is HCPC-accredited and offers excellent preparation for a rewarding career in healthcare or sports rehabilitation.
University of Southampton
Southampton is a national leader in physiotherapy education and clinical training. With close partnerships across NHS trusts, students gain early practical experience and access to cutting-edge rehabilitation facilities. Graduate employability rates are consistently high.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham offers a comprehensive and hands-on physiotherapy program with strong ties to hospitals and sports organisations. Students benefit from excellent teaching, placements, and one of the UK’s best-equipped healthcare campuses.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham combines evidence-based learning with extensive practical placements. The university’s strong research focus and supportive student environment make it a popular choice for aspiring physiotherapists.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow offers affordable living and a well-structured physiotherapy program focused on rehabilitation science and patient-centred care. The university is known for excellent wellbeing support and a friendly, inclusive community.
King’s College London
King’s provides world-class teaching and access to leading hospitals and clinics in London. Its research-led approach ensures students graduate with up-to-date knowledge and clinical confidence.
University of Manchester
Manchester stands out for innovative teaching and a wide range of clinical placements across NHS and private healthcare settings. The university’s active student community and excellent employability support enhance the overall experience.
University of Essex
Essex offers small group teaching and personalised clinical mentoring. Students benefit from modern facilities, early hands-on experience, and excellent support from academic and healthcare professionals.
University of Leeds
Leeds delivers high student satisfaction and excellent career outcomes. Its physiotherapy course combines academic theory with real-world clinical exposure, ensuring graduates are job-ready and confident practitioners.
University of Exeter
Exeter provides a well-balanced mix of theory, practice, and wellbeing support. Its research into physical rehabilitation and exercise science strengthens the academic foundations of its physiotherapy programs.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield’s physiotherapy degree focuses on evidence-based practice and patient rehabilitation. Students benefit from strong research facilities, close NHS partnerships, and a supportive student environment.
Career Prospects After a Physiotherapy Degree
Physiotherapy graduates can pursue roles in hospitals, private clinics, sports therapy, occupational health, or community rehabilitation. Many go on to specialise in areas such as musculoskeletal care, neurology, or sports medicine. Related courses include Occupational Therapy and Sports Science.
Entry Requirements for Physiotherapy Degrees
Typical entry requirements range from 120 to 150 UCAS points, with A-levels (or equivalent) in Biology and sometimes Chemistry preferred. Most universities also require evidence of relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Physiotherapy in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Leeds offer affordable living costs and excellent student support, making them ideal for physiotherapy students seeking value and quality.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham are consistently ranked among the best UK cities for student social life, offering a perfect balance between study, placement, and fun.
Student Wellbeing and Support
Universities such as Birmingham, Exeter, and Sheffield are known for their comprehensive student wellbeing services, mentoring programs, and pastoral care tailored for healthcare students.
Considering Alternatives to Physiotherapy?
If you’re exploring other healthcare or sports-based pathways, consider Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or Sports Science.
Summary: Which Physiotherapy University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Physiotherapy, consider placement opportunities, research focus, student support, and city lifestyle. Southampton leads for clinical excellence, Birmingham and Nottingham excel in employability, and Glasgow and Sheffield offer great value. Compare your options to find the right fit for your goals in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Physiotherapy
Top UK universities for Physiotherapy include the University of Southampton, University of Birmingham, and King's College London. These institutions are praised for strong clinical placements, high-quality teaching, and excellent links with the NHS.
The University of Southampton frequently ranks top for Physiotherapy thanks to its world-class research facilities, strong NHS partnerships, and consistently high student satisfaction scores.
A Physiotherapy degree is highly rewarding, offering stable job prospects, competitive salaries, and the chance to improve people’s quality of life through rehabilitation and movement therapy.
Most courses require Biology and one other science subject such as Chemistry, Physics, or Maths. Some universities accept Physical Education or Psychology alongside Biology, but always check entry requirements for your chosen course.
Graduates typically become chartered physiotherapists working in the NHS, private healthcare, sports medicine, rehabilitation centres, and occupational health roles. Some also specialise in paediatrics, neurology, or musculoskeletal care.
Yes. Demand for physiotherapists is strong across the UK, particularly in the NHS and sports injury clinics. An ageing population and greater focus on rehabilitation are driving this need.
Starting salaries in the NHS typically range from £25,000 to £32,000 on Band 5 of the pay scale. With experience and specialisation, physiotherapists can progress to Band 7 or private practice roles earning £40,000 or more.
The mix of heavy anatomy content, long clinical placements, and hands-on patient care can be challenging. Students need strong time management skills and resilience to balance academic study with practical training.
Most work in NHS hospitals, community healthcare services, private clinics, sports teams, and specialist rehabilitation centres. Some move into teaching, research, or set up their own practices.
Yes. Physiotherapy is highly respected within healthcare and offers strong professional recognition through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, especially when studied at top UK universities.
Yes. To practice as a physiotherapist in the UK, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is required even if you studied at a top accredited university.
Most undergraduate degrees cover a broad foundation, but you can choose elective modules or specialise later in areas like sports physiotherapy, neurology, or paediatrics through postgraduate study or clinical experience.
Yes. Many UK universities welcome international students to physiotherapy programmes. You will need to meet English language requirements and may need to convert your qualification for HCPC registration after graduation.
Yes. UK students can access tuition loans and maintenance support. Some NHS Learning Support Fund payments and bursaries are also available to help with living and placement costs.
Some universities offer optional overseas placements or short-term exchanges, allowing students to gain international healthcare experience and broaden their practical skills.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked