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 Explained
University of Southampton
Renowned for clinical excellence and strong links with NHS trusts.University of Birmingham
Offers comprehensive practical training and high graduate employability.University of Nottingham
Great balance of academic teaching and hands-on placements.University of Glasgow
Affordable living with strong student satisfaction and support services.King’s College London
Strong research base and access to London healthcare facilities.University of Manchester
Known for innovative teaching methods and diverse clinical experiences.University of Essex
Small class sizes and excellent student support.University of Leeds
High student satisfaction and great career prospects.University of Exeter
Good balance of theory, practice, and wellbeing support.University of Sheffield
Strong focus on evidence-based practice and research.Career Prospects After a Physiotherapy Degree
Graduates often work in hospitals, private clinics, sports therapy, and rehabilitation. Related courses include Occupational Therapy and Sports Science.
Physiotherapy Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points range from 120 to 150. Biology and Chemistry A-levels are often required or recommended.
Cheapest Cities to Study Physiotherapy in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Leeds offer affordable living combined with strong physiotherapy programs.
Best Physiotherapy Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham rank high for student nightlife and social opportunities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like Birmingham, Exeter, and Sheffield provide strong mental health services and study support.
Not Sure About Physiotherapy? Consider These Alternatives
Try Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or Sports Science.
Summary: Which Physiotherapy Uni is Right for You?
Look for universities offering strong clinical placements, supportive communities, and a good balance of academic and practical learning to succeed in physiotherapy.
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, renowned for excellent teaching and clinical placements.
The University of Southampton frequently ranks top for Physiotherapy due to its strong research, NHS partnerships, and student satisfaction scores.
A Physiotherapy degree offers rewarding career opportunities in healthcare, strong job security, and the chance to make a real difference to patients' lives.
Typical requirements include Biology and Chemistry A-levels. Some courses may also ask for Physics or Mathematics. Always check individual university requirements.
Physiotherapy graduates often work as registered physiotherapists in hospitals, private clinics, sports therapy, rehabilitation centres, and community health settings.
There is strong demand for physiotherapists across the UK NHS and private sectors, driven by an ageing population and increased focus on rehabilitation.
Starting salaries for physiotherapists in the UK typically range from £25,000 to £32,000, with potential to earn more as you gain experience and specialisation.
Physiotherapy courses can be demanding due to clinical placements, anatomy, and patient care skills. Programs with integrated research components may be more challenging.
Most graduates work in the NHS, private clinics, sports teams, rehabilitation centres, and community health services.
Physiotherapy is highly respected in healthcare, valued for its practical skills and patient impact, especially from top UK universities.
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
