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Physiotherapy access course?

I got shut out of college a couple years back because when I tried to come back they said I was A: too old to do it for free, and B: couldnt start level 4 without finishing level 3 (which I couldnt do for reasons). I realised that I didn't like the subject and I quit.

Basically, my last experience in education was in college, I have no idea what university is like, how to navigate the sites so I know what im looking for, I'm not even sure what access course would count towards what degree.

If anyone could help me on this, maybe with advice from personal experience it'd be greatly appreciated. I passed all my GCSEs with 4s and 5s, and I'm trying to figure out what access course I can do to get my shoe in the door with doing physio at a university level.

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

The best tool to search for healthcare courses is the NHS course finder as you can narrow the search down by region, degree type (undergrad or postgrad), etc.:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/course-finder

Once you find unis that you would consider applying to, then look at the Entry Requirements section on the physio course page. You will need to meet both the GCSE and level 3 entry requirements. It is usually an immediate rejection if you don't meet the GCSE requirements. All unis have different requirements, so check them carefully and if it is not clear what Access courses they accept, email the admissions department and ask.

For example, Herts phyio course states:

Access Diploma to HE in a science* or a related sport or healthcare related subject. Pass Access Diploma to include at least 36x level 3 credits at Distinction and 9x level 3 credits at Merit. As many science based credits as possible is preferable.
*Appropriate Science subjects for Physiotherapy include: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Sports Science. We DO NOT accept Social Care Access diplomas.

For healthcare courses, unis also want to see that you have shadowing experience (to show that you understand the role) and public-facing work/volunteering experience (to show that you can communicate with the general public). Contact you local NHS trust to ask for a day of shadowing experience (you don't need more than this and requests for longer-term work experience are often turned down). Your public-facing work/vol experience can be in anything, such as bar/cafe work, retail, charity shops, care homes, etc.

Access courses can be intense so to give yourself the best chance of success take a year to complete it. Realistically you need to look at applying for a physio degree in the 2025-26 cycle to start in September 2026. UCAS applications will open in September 2025 and you would need to submit your application by the January 2026 deadline.

https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/about-access

https://www.ucas.com/applying

:smile: