Personal statement

Personal statements will be assessed against the application criteria.  Please read the course details before completing your application.  

Your statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm, and personality.  

Here's what we want to see in your personal statement: 

• Your interest in physiotherapy: tell us why you are interested in pursuing physiotherapy as a career. Take time to learn about some of the big conversations happening in healthcare. We like to see that you are engaging in the world physiotherapy and health care.  

• Understanding the role: demonstrate your comprehension of the specialist responsibilities and the fulfilling aspects of being a physiotherapist. 

• Transferable skills: highlight transferable skills gained from work experience, volunteering, or hobbies. These can include care environments or non-clinical interactions (for example, working in a shop/café, volunteering, or school leadership positions). 

• Work experience: explain how your past work experiences have equipped you with the necessary skills to progress as a physiotherapist. 

Work experience

We recommend that you undertake as much work experience as possible.  A physiotherapy environment is preferred and desirable. Work experience should give you a feel for the personal and professional attributes necessary for your chosen career, highlighting the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills required. 

Any experience in the below settings will strengthen your application: 

• NHS hospitals 

• community setting e.g.: working with vulnerable groups, community groups, dementia care 

• special schools 

• private practice 

• sports clinics 

• centres for the elderly  

• Working in a shop/café, volunteering, or school leadership positions (where you can demonstrate transferable skills such as communicating with people in a non-clinical environment) 

Interview selection

It is our policy to interview for all places for Physiotherapy BSc. Interviews are formal and are usually scheduled to take place in December, January, and February each year. 

You will be invited to an individual, online interview with two interviewers. The interview will last approximately 25 to 30 minutes during which you will be asked several questions. Your responses will be assessed against our criteria, and the interviewers will not have seen your personal statement which allows for consistency and fairness across all interviews. 

We’ll ask you to reflect on your observations during your work experience. We’ll also be evaluating if you are applying with a clear understanding and commitment to the course and the profession. 

To prepare for the BSc Physiotherapy interview: 

• Research the field of Physiotherapy: research the course and profession thoroughly Be familiar with the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with Physiotherapy.  

• Practice self-reflection: be ready to talk about yourself reflect on your work experience in the field and your personal qualities and values. 

• Showcase teamwork skills: Physiotherapy involves collaborating with various healthcare professionals. Give evidence of your ability to work effectively in a team, emphasising your adaptability, cooperation, and respect for others' contributions.  

• Your communication skills: practice expressing yourself clearly and confidently. Focus on active listening and empathy. practice answering common interview questions. 

• Display professionalism: demonstrate a professional attitude throughout the interview. 

• Stay informed on health issues: be knowledgeable about current health issues and their impact.  

Before the interview: 

• Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Microsoft Teams application. 

• Test sound and microphone settings. 

• Find a quiet room free from distractions. 

• Log in at least 10 minutes before the interview and take care of any last-minute issues. 

Receiving an offer 

All offers for Physiotherapy BSc are subject to: 

• Achieving the academic and non-academic offer requirements 

• Occupational health clearance 

• Enhanced clearance with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

In accordance with the university's policy relating to equal opportunities, there will be no discrimination based on race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and religious belief.  

As part of your course, you will undertake supervised clinical practice placements.

Find out more about placements