Physiotherapy

Gain an integrated approach to physiotherapy education and clinical practice. This programme has a strong focus on professional and lifelong learning skills, physiotherapy process and practice, as well as relevant basic scientific disciplines. Successful completion confers eligibility for state registration to practice physiotherapy and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

• Europe’s largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education and the only university to host six Medical Research Council centres.
• Internationally renowned scientists and clinical practitioners.
• Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and clinicians from major London teaching hospitals.
• Ranked highest for teaching quality of all London university physiotherapy courses by NHS London.

Physiotherapy is the largest allied health profession. Physiotherapists work with people with a variety of disabilities and their families/carers and use physical means to promote health, optimal rehabilitation and, where possible, recovery. The wide scope of physiotherapy is one of its assets, making it an exciting and varied career. Physiotherapists practice as autonomous professionals, when acting as the first point of contact for clients/patients, or as part of a health or social care team.

The aim of the Physiotherapy BSc programme is to produce physiotherapists who are scientifically-oriented clinicians with transferable intellectual and practical skills. This will allow them to be lifelong learners in response to the dynamic nature of the healthcare professions. The programme confers eligibility for state registration to practice physiotherapy and full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

The curriculum has been redeveloped recently with the aim of making more explicit NHS priorities and the professional skills required to address them in contemporary physiotherapy practice.

The Physiotherapy Division has a strong research profile, gaining the highest research rating in the UK for physiotherapy in all the Research Assessment Exercises (RAE) undertaken so far. The role of research in physiotherapy and the importance of evidence-based practice is emphasised throughout the programme and students gain experience of a wide range of research methods.

In order to receive a licence to practice, students have to complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Therefore at the end of each of the first two years, and during the third year, the theoretical content is consolidated by practice-based education at placement sites. These placements are within a variety of environments, ranging from large teaching hospitals to small special schools within the community. The majority of placements are in Greater London, but students may be placed throughout south-east England.

The BSc programme normally has approximately 36 NHS sponsored places available for UK and EU residents. For UK/EU students, the tuition fees for this programme are covered by the Department of Health. UK students can apply for a means-tested NHS bursary towards living expenses, and are also eligible to apply for a reduced student loan through their local education authority. Other EU nationals will have their tuition fees paid by the NHS, but will not normally be eligible for NHS bursaries or student loans. We have a limited number of places for overseas applicants. For more information on fee classification, please contact us.

Re-sit policy
AS/A level results must be achieved over the normal two year period (eg year 12 and 13). Re-sit applicants (ie those who take longer to achieve the appropriate grades) will be at a disadvantage. This policy is flexible if extenuating circumstances are reported.

Qualification lifespan
We generally consider qualifications to have a lifespan of five years. We recommend that applicants with qualifications that meet the entry criteria but which were achieved more than five years ago provide evidence of recent study. This is typically an A-level grade A in a related subject such as Human Biology. These criteria may be relaxed for applicants with work-related qualifications or who work in a science-related field.


Currently, students study this programme structure. King's reviews its programmes on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting learning opportunities and this information is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/Department for further advice.

A key module focuses on provision of client-centred, responsive services where client choice is paramount. Communication skills are developed progressively both in physiotherapy and interprofessional learning activities.

A further two modules introduce concepts of decision making in practice, encourage the development of a variety of professional skills, and emphasise profession-specific knowledge and skill in the science of human movement.

Three modules introduce client problems of musculo-skeletal, neurological and cardio-respiratory origin and the scientific knowledge needed to understand them.

Providing Client-Focussed Care
Preparation for Practice
Movement & Exercise
Understanding Musculo-skeletal Problems
Understanding Cardio-respiratory Problems
Understanding Neurological Problems

Issues of effective and needs-related service are addressed in a module that draws upon knowledge of lifespan development and the full range of methods of investigation. Professional skills are developed further and applied in reflective practice activities. Knowledge and understanding of human movement is developed in a module devoted to neuroscience.

All these concepts are applied in modules that advance understanding of the rehabilitation needs of clients in various rehabilitation contexts spinal care, cardio-respiratory care and pulmonary rehabilitation, and neuro-rehabilitation.

Providing Effective & Needs-Related Service
Preparation for Practice 2
Spinal Pain
Cardio-respiratory Care & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Neuroscience & Rehabilitation

A key module considers development of service provision in the NHS of today and the rights and needs of various client groups. Understanding of psychosocial, ethical and legal issues pertaining to practice is extended in student directed activities.

Development of practical, reflective, evaluative and interpersonal skills at an advanced level is encouraged and the process of integrating theory with practice extended further.

The challenge of working with clients with complex problems, who are encountered in the full range of acute and community services, is explored in depth. In addition, students evaluate their own performance and the outcome of treatment through an examination of research processes.

Preparation for Practice 3A
Preparation for Practice 3B
Research in Physiotherapy Practice
Working Optimally in the NHS of Today
Research in Practice
Physiotherapy & Integrated Care