Physiotherapy (Physiotherapist Degree Apprenticeship)
Part-time
Four year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a 'whole person' approach to health and wellbeing. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, and/or disability to maximize their potential to return to or maintain function(s). To do this, we use approaches such as movement/exercise, manual therapy/handling, technologies, education, and behaviour change techniques.
This degree, accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, equips you with the knowledge and skills required by physiotherapists to provide evidence-based healthcare. Our physiotherapy graduates have excellent problem-solving skills. They are technically proficient, professionally aware, and, as such, move seamlessly into graduate practice. In short, they are very employable. The course benefits from dedicated and innovative teaching staff operating from purpose-built, state-of-the-art technical and learning facilities. Upon graduation, you are eligible to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and apply to be placed on the Health and Care Professions Council's (HCPC) Register of Physiotherapists.
Don't just take our word for it, The Complete University Guide, the Guardian and The Times ranked the UK's universities based on everything from graduate prospects to student satisfaction, and found that our Physiotherapy courses ranked:
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1st in the North West and 6th in the UK for 'Overall Score' (The Guardian, 2025)
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1st in the North West and 4th in the UK for 'Student Satisfaction' (The Complete University Guide, 2025)
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1st in England for 'Teaching' (The Times, 2025)
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1st in England for 'Student Experience' (The Times, 2025)
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2nd in the UK for 'Feedback' (The Guardian, 2025)
At an Open Day, you'll talk to Programme Leaders, tour our facilities and attend one-to-one sessions with our team who will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
You will:
- Study alongside paid work within the physiotherapy field and will be supported by a work-based mentor and personal tutor
- Have placement opportunities in a range of diverse settings to allow you to reflect on different physiotherapy provision
- Study alongside students on the part-time physiotherapy degree on a creative programme with a range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies and integration of theoretical and practice components of the curriculum to promote practice
- Explore individual areas of interest within clinical practice in the level six negotiated practice-based learning placement
- Develop digital fluency using the extensive electronic resources to support your learning
- Have an opportunity to participate in peer support sessions for confidence building in communication and public speaking; provides opportunities as mentors and learners across all cohorts
options available
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You enjoy solving problems and helping people
You enjoy working as part of a team
You are hard working and dedicated to developing your knowledge and skills in the university and the workplace
You are interested in how the body moves and heals
You want to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds
You have excellent communication skills
All about the course
You will study alongside students on the part-time route of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme. The programme will last 4 years over each trimester, consisting of 80 credits in years 1 and 4 and 100 credits in years 2 and 3. University-based off-the-job training will be delivered on Monday and Thursday from 2-7.30 pm. Apprentices will be released from their employers to complete the taught requirements and placements. Four full-time clinical placements will be required during the four years of the course, alongside your work-based ‘on-the-job’ training.
Apprenticeship route:
- Year one: 80 credits
In year one, the course lays down the foundation skills of working as a communication practitioner, focusing on practice-based reasoning, problem-solving, and the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and management of lower limb conditions. Additionally, designing exercise programs is covered.
- Year two: 100 credits
Year two covers the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and management of the upper limb and cardio-respiratory systems. It also includes research methods in the context of health promotion activities and behavior change.
- Year three: 100 credits
Moving on to year three, you will delve into the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and management of the spinal and neurological systems. Building upon research methods, you will have the opportunity to specialize in an area of your choice.
- Year four: 80 credits
In your final year, there are greater opportunities for you to take charge of your own learning and develop independence in managing your professional development. This is achieved through a deeper understanding and application of research methods, as well as exploring the transition to becoming a qualified physiotherapist and critically analyzing the complexities of practice-based reasoning.
Throughout the course, you will also undertake placements. Please refer to the information below for further details.
Assessment and Management Peripheral 1
You will use lectures, practicals and tutorials to learn the anatomy, physiology, pathology and management of lower limb conditions to prepare you for your three week placement. You will be introduced to the concept of evidence based practice by using skills to identify appropriate evidence.
Principles of Exercise and Activity
Principles of Exercise and Activity introduces you to the role of exercise and physical activity for people's health and how Physiotherapists use exercise to support people with health conditions. You will develop the skills required to plan and implement exercise interventions working on case studies with your peers, building a portfolio of exercise plans through the module which will be used within the assessment.
Fundamentals of Professional Practice
Communication is the fundamental skill that underpins effective professional practice in healthcare. This module allows learners to recognise the knowledge and skills required, analyse their own communication, and develop new skills through a range of simulated and practice-based activities.
The module emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach and includes varied modes of communication (including verbal, written and digital) with a range of people. Learners will be supported to build a portfolio record of their experiences and development gained through simulation activity and a 3-week practice-based placement or work-based learning.
Assessment and Management Peripheral 2
This module introduces you to the role of the physiotherapist in helping a wide range of people upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. You will develop the skills to subjectively and objectively assess signs, symptoms and problems and devise, implement and evaluate appropriate treatment techniques. You will do this by working on case studies, practising on peers and utilising low-infidelity simulation-based learning.
Cardo Respiratory Assessment and Management
Develops problem solving skills in the assessment and management of patients with cardio-respiratory disorders, through the integration of knowledge concerning anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Discovering and Evaluating Health and Wellbeing Interventions
This module covers the crucial skills of health and wellbeing promotion and team working areas of Physiotherapy and how to apply research critical appraisal skills to these areas of practice.
The module culminates in a group project around the discovery and evaluation of rationalised health and wellbeing intervention using a team approach, as well as a written assignment that discusses a team working skills topic.
Practice Based Learning 1 (PBL1)
This is a practice based learning module.
Spinal Assessment and Management
You will use evidence-based practice skills to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills of assessment, analysis and management of acute and chronic spinal conditions and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Neurological Assessment and Management
You will use evidence-based practice skills to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills of assessment, analysis and management of neurological disorders.
Research in Physiotherapy Practice
You will develop skills in evaluating current literature in the context of practice-based practice. You will be taught how to produce either a research protocol, or completed study, via a poster or assignment option.
Practice Based Learning 2 (PBL2)
This is a practice based learning module.
Practice Based Learning 3 (PBL3)
This is a practice based learning module.
Assessment and Management in Complex Physiotherapy Practice
Facilitates your development of higher level reasoning skills in dealing with assessment and management of clients in challenging and unpredictable rehabilitation situations.
Transition to Autonomous Physiotherapy Practice
You will critically evaluate Health and Social Care Services in the context of current government policy, reflect on professional development and prepare for transition to autonomous practice. This will involve reflecting on the expectations of the Institutions of Apprenticeship’s expected Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours for physiotherapists to allow you to recognise your developmental needs.
Preparation and Completion of the End Point Assessment
You will prepare and complete for the End Point Assessment (EPA) by discussing the criteria and Institute for Apprenticeships standards. This will allow you to demonstrate and communicate them within EPA for the Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
We are focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, service users and athletes and our commitment to public involvement help us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.
Clinical Skills Rooms
In our clinical skills rooms you’ll be able to practice new skills in a safe environment under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The Mary Seacole Building is home to a number of plinth rooms used by physiotherapy and sports students with multi-purpose couches for in-house clinical sessions.
Human Performance Laboratory
Our world-class human performance laboratory is one of the best equipped in the country and contains almost every type of physiological and biomechanical testing equipment, including a 30-metre sprint track with in-built force platforms, motion cameras, blood and gas analysis equipment and speed guns.
The University is also home to three gait labs, which, together with the human performance lab, are used to conduct groundbreaking research by the Centre for Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences Research that underpins your learning.
What about after uni?
Through the programme, you will have developed key employability skills e.g skills of enquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. You will leave the programme with an extensive portfolio to demonstrate these skills and your CPD. You will be well prepared for the transition into autonomous practice as a qualified physiotherapist.
Our graduates have gone onto work in a variety of health and wellbeing related fields. Some examples include the NHS, private sector, social services, industry, the armed forces and sporting organisations. We have seen the return of graduates working in advanced clinical roles to our postgraduate study programmes to further enhance their career development. Some of our graduates work at the highest levels of a professional sport such as rugby (Sale Sharks), football (Manchester City), cricket (Derbyshire CCC) and basketball (New York Knicks). Some have taken the skills they have developed and now work overseas or in physiotherapy-related research and education.
Career Links
We have very strong links with industry which you can take advantage of. You will gain wide-ranging experience from placements in NHS hospitals and community-based Trusts, private hospitals, sporting organisations and private practices both locally and beyond the north-west region. On each clinical placement, you will be supported by experienced clinicians and work as part of health care teams.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
We are looking for bright, motivated and dedicated applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to becoming a physiotherapist. Having an awareness of the broad range of physiotherapy practice is essential. Coming to see us at one of our Open Day presentations and some work-based shadowing of a physiotherapist will help you to demonstrate this.
You should possess good social and communication skills, have a caring disposition and be team-minded. An ability to be flexible, open-minded and a willingness to take part in interactive, lively sessions will help you to get the most out of your studies with us. Physiotherapy is a ‘hands-on’, skills-based profession, consequently, our practical classes reflect this. Practising techniques on each other in supervised mixed groups is the norm. This does involve some level of undressing to allow a safe practice to occur. There are facilities and systems in place which preserve modesty.
As part of the application process, you may be invited to a half-day interview session. During this, you will have an introduction by the admissions tutor, an opportunity to meet current students, and have group and individual interviews with lecturers, current students, physiotherapy clinicians and service users.
Have a look at our top ten tips for preparing for your interview. If you are offered an interview following your application, you will be sent further information about what to expect and what you need to bring with you on the day.
Acceptance on the programme is subject to satisfactory Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
The list of qualifications below is not exhaustive. We consider other relevant qualifications of equivalent merit. Further information in this regard can be obtained by talking with representatives of the Physiotherapy team at one of our Open Days or contacting the Apprenticeship Services Unit
Tel: +44(0)161 295 3063
Email: apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, is proof of this.
GCSE
Five at grade 5 or above including English Language, Maths and Science (Dual Award)/Biology
UCAS tariff points
128 UCAS Tariff points
A level
ABB (UCAS Tariff points – 128) At least one science preferably Biology
BTEC National Diploma
DDM (Science based)
Access to HE
60 credits with 45 credits @ level 3, Distinction profile
Scottish Highers
128 points
Irish Leaving Certificate
128 UCAS points required, points from H1-H3 grades (A/B grades in the old system) considered only. H4 grade (C grade in the old system) and below will not contribute towards tariff requirement. Must include English, Mathematics and a Science at Higher H6 grade or above (D3 grade in the old system) or Ordinary O4 grade or above (C2 grade in the old system). At least one science subject, preferably biology/human biology, at grade H3 (or B3 in the old system) is required. Applicants without biology/human biology but with other science subjects (physics, chemistry, psychology or PE) will be considered.
International Baccalaureate
32 Points
International applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no component below 6.0.
If English is not your first language, an IELTS of 6.5 is required with no component below 6
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 65% to include at least 75% in Biology
Full Degree
Achieved within 5 years
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Applications are welcomed from apprentices who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. The Accreditation of Prior learning (APL) process is available to enable students to make their work and life experience count.
We have a history of accepting people with a wide range of qualifications and the list above is not exhaustive. For apprentices whose qualification is not on the list or where more information/clarification is required regarding this or issues relating to APL, they are advised to contact either the Central Admissions Unit or visit one of our Open Days and discuss with one of our Admissions Tutors.
How Much?
The apprenticeship levy was introduced in April 2017 and requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill of over £3 million each year to invest in apprenticeships.
The funding policy supports the changes to the way apprenticeships in England are paid for, underpinned by the apprenticeship levy of 0.5% of the annual pay bill for companies paying over £3 million per year.
There is also a co-investment model for companies who will not be paying into the levy. The government will cover 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship and the employer will only have to contribute the remaining 5%. Once payments have been declared to HMRC, employers will now have access to a digital apprenticeship account from which they will be able to access funding to pay for apprenticeship training.
The maximum amount of money allocated to each standard falls into a specific funding band, ranging from £1,500 to £27,000. The Physiotherapist standard has been allocated the following funding band:
Funding band maximum: £24000
Find out more about apprenticeship funding
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Please note: One resit (module exam resit) will be funded within the funding band. Anything further than one resit or a whole module retake will not be included in the cost of the apprenticeship and will need to be covered by the employer. This is stated in the employer / provider contract under non-funded items. If the employer is unable to cover the cost of a second resit or a module retake, the apprentice will need to move to the traditional programme and self-fund.
All Set? Let's Apply?
Not in Employment
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must first be employed with a company willing to enrol you on the apprenticeship programme.
The government national apprenticeship website has further information on this. The website also advertises vacancies for apprentices.
Unfortunately, the University does not hold details of employer vacancies.
In Employment
Speak with the apprentice lead in your organisation in the first instance as they will provide the funding and will make initial contact with the Apprenticeship Services Unit. Your employer will need to confirm that they'll fund and support your enrolment with the University.
If you are currently in employment with a company that is willing to support you through an apprenticeship, then they will need to contact us in the first instance to express their interest in the apprenticeship programme and this will trigger the application process.
For general apprenticeship enquiries email apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk phone: +44 (0)161 295 3063 or complete the contact us form