UCAS Points for Physiotherapy 2026

Quick answer: Most UK physiotherapy degrees ask for 112–128 UCAS points (typically BBC–ABB at A-level), usually including a science such as biology or PE.

Physiotherapy is a popular, competitive course — so it makes sense to want a clear number before you apply. The good news is that the typical range sits between 112 and 128 points, which is well within reach for most students on a strong A-level, BTEC, or equivalent path. On this page we will break down the typical offers, show you which qualifications and subjects count, and give you the honest caveat about how physiotherapy courses really use the UCAS Tariff.

How many UCAS points you need for physiotherapy

Most UK physiotherapy degrees ask for 112–128 UCAS points (typically BBC–ABB at A-level), usually including a science such as biology or PE. Many universities state grades, not points, and most want a relevant science subject, so always check each course.

That range is the realistic middle of the market. Some highly competitive courses push up to 136 points (AAB), and a few foundation-year or Clearing routes accept a little less. The number is a useful guide, but it is not the whole story for physiotherapy — the subject mix and the interview matter just as much. You can work out your exact total with the calculator, and if you want the bigger picture, our guide to how many points you need overall puts physiotherapy in context with other degrees.

Typical physiotherapy entry requirements by points

Here is how the common offer levels break down. Use this to see where your predicted grades land and which courses are realistic for you.

Remember that BBC is worth 112 points (B=40, B=40, C=32), BBB is 120, and ABB is 128 (A=48, B=40, B=40). A small number of the most selective courses ask for AAB, which comes to 136 points. If you fall just below a band — say you are sitting on BCC (104) — adding an EPQ (up to 28 points at A*) or an AS-level can top you up into the 112 range.

Which qualifications and subjects count for physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is open to several qualification routes, but almost every course expects at least one relevant science. The most commonly accepted and preferred subjects are biology, PE or sport science, chemistry, and sometimes psychology. Biology is the safest bet — it is the science most often named as a firm condition.

Here is how the main routes reach the typical 112–128 range:

• A-levels — the most common route. BBC–ABB with a science. See how each grade converts on our A-level points page.
• BTEC — a BTEC Extended Diploma in applied science or sport can meet many offers. DMM = 112 points and DDM = 128 points. Check our BTEC points breakdown for the full grade-to-points table.
• Scottish Highers — typically five Highers around AABBB (147) or ABBBB (141), with a science. See Scottish Highers points for the detail.
• International Baccalaureate — often 26–30 points with a Higher Level science. Our IB points page shows the Tariff conversion.

One important rule: you cannot count the same subject twice. An A-level in biology and a BTEC in applied science covering similar content may not both be accepted toward the same offer, so check each course's subject rules carefully.

Points vs grades: the honest caveat for physiotherapy

This is the part it would be unfair to skip. Many physiotherapy courses make offers in specific grades, not Tariff points — for example, "BBC including biology" rather than simply "112 points." On top of that, most courses require certain GCSEs (commonly English, maths, and science at grade 4/C or above), a face-to-face or online interview, and values-based screening that checks you understand the profession.

So treat your UCAS points total as an estimate of where you stand, not a guarantee of a place. Use the calculator to see if you are in range, then read the exact entry requirements on each university's course page. Our guide on whether all universities use UCAS points explains why this varies so much for healthcare degrees.

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What to do if you're short of points for physiotherapy

If your predicted or final grades fall below the 112 mark, you still have realistic options — and plenty of people start their physiotherapy journey this way.

• Add an EPQ or AS-level to top up your total before results day. An EPQ is worth up to 28 points at A*.
• Consider a foundation year — many universities offer a four-year physiotherapy degree with an integrated foundation year and lower entry points.
• Look at Clearing if results day does not go to plan; some accredited courses release places each year.
• Retake a key subject, especially your science, if you narrowly missed a named grade.

Explore what you can study with your points to see realistic matches, read our advice for when you don't have enough points, and check the practical steps in how to get more points.

Related healthcare degrees and their points

If you are weighing physiotherapy against similar careers, these sibling subjects sit in a comparable points range and share the healthcare values focus:

• UCAS points for nursing — usually 112–120 points
• UCAS points for midwifery — often 112–128 points and very competitive
• UCAS points for paramedic science — typically 96–120 points

Frequently asked questions

How many UCAS points do you need for physiotherapy?

Most physiotherapy degrees ask for 112–128 UCAS points, usually BBC to ABB at A-level. A handful of higher-ranked courses want 136 (AAB), and some Clearing or foundation routes accept fewer. Always check the specific course.

Do you need biology for a physiotherapy degree?

Most physiotherapy courses want at least one science from biology, PE, sport science, or chemistry, and biology is the most commonly preferred. Some accept psychology. Check each course, because a named science is often a firm condition, not a preference.

Does physiotherapy use UCAS points or specific grades?

Many physiotherapy courses make offers in specific grades, not Tariff points, and most also require certain GCSEs, an interview, and values screening. Use UCAS points to estimate where you stand, then confirm the exact grades each university asks for.

Can you study physiotherapy with BTEC?

Yes. A BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant area like applied science or sport can meet many physiotherapy offers — DMM gives 112 points and DDM gives 128. Some courses prefer a BTEC alongside an A-level science, so check the subject rules.

Work out your exact UCAS points