Course Comparison

Course
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy MPhysio (Hons) Physiotherapy
Award
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons) Master of Physiotherapy - MPhysio (Hons)
Duration
3 years 4 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Full-time
Placement
(with placements) (with placements)
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Health Professions School of Health Professions
Entry requirements
GCSEs
All applicants must have five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above to include maths and English prior to commencing the course. A GCSE (or equivalent) in a science related subject (including social sciences) is preferable.
PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A levels
112-128 points from a minimum of 2/3 A levels, to include grades B/C and preferably biology, science or social science (psychology/sociology).
IB
28-32 overall including 5 in a higher level subject preferably including biology/human biology, psychology or sociology.
IB English accepted if higher level = 4+ or 5 or standard level = 5+ or 6.
Overseas students not studying English within the IB must have IELTS (7.0 overall with min 6.5 in all elements).
Access
Pass Access to HE Diploma (preferably in Science, Health, Nursing) with at least 112 UCAS points from a combination of Merits and Distinctions which much include 15 Level 3 credits in Science/Social Science.
T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC
Standard offer is DDM and must contain science, health or social science. BTECs preferably in conjunction with a science or social science A level.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.

Extended entry requirements

  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
  • IELTS – overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • English language requirements
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site ( download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence ). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
UCAS tariff
136 points, usually with a minimum of 40 points in a biological science. These may be obtained from a range of qualifications, potentially in combination, to be assessed on individual applications. The below list of examples is not exhaustive:
GCSE profile
A strong GCSE profile is expected. This is normally at least 5 GCSEs grade B/5 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science and usually obtained in one sitting. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications may be considered, but usually if part of other qualifications/study.
A level
Typically AAB, which must include Biology, Human Biology, PE or Applied Science. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. AS levels are not normally accepted.
International Baccalaureate
34 overall with Higher Level Grade 6 in Biology or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
GCSE equivalence: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5 in Maths, English, and Science.
If overseas and not studying English within the IB, applicants must have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
Access courses
Pass Access (e.g. science, health, nursing, or combined science) with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at Distinction and to include 15 level 3 credits biological sciences. Remaining credits at level 3 must be at Merit.
T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/ QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC National Extended Diplomas and Extended Diplomas are considered on an individual basis, depending on the units that are studied. They may be considered on their own or alongside A level biology, human biology, PE, or applied science, subject to the biological content of the BTEC units studied, which will be assessed on application.
Other qualifications
Equivalent qualifications may be considered, such as relevant Open University courses (e.g. SK299 Human Biology) if other academic points requirements are met, but not in an appropriate biological science.
Applications from recent graduates
Applications are welcome from graduates who have successfully completed, a degree, or foundation degree, have normally studied within the last 5 years and hold (or will hold) a minimum of a 2:2 classification in a relevant area. A degree in an unrelated area would still be welcome if combined with an additional biological science-based qualification, such as an A level or OU SK299.
Applicants who have not completed their studies in the English language:
IELTS: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
Extended entry requirements
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated above.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Further information
Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.