Free Access to HE Physiotherapy Course in Manchester

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Physiotherapy Course in Manchester. Classes run at Citylabs, full-time over one year.

The course covers biology, psychology, and physics. You'll also build academic writing, research, and study skills. It's designed for adults who want to move into physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or sports rehabilitation. The course is equivalent to three A Levels and prepares you for university entry. You'll need GCSE grade C or above in English and maths to apply.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Health and Physiotherapy, awarded by Open Awards.

Who this course is for

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to be a physiotherapist? Would you like to aid someone’s recovery and perhaps even help them to walk again? If this is something you’re passionate about, but you don’t currently have the qualifications necessary, then our Access to Higher Education Diploma Health and Physiotherapy is the perfect place to begin.

You’ll develop an excellent understanding of the medical and health care industries, with a focus on physiotherapy and its associated roles. Throughout the year, you’ll study three core modules: Human Biology, Psychology and Maths and Physics. This will give you the foundations you need to study a physiotherapy-related degree.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the biological principles that underpin health and the human body.
  • You'll explore psychology and how it applies to health and patient care.
  • You'll cover physics concepts relevant to physiotherapy and sport science.
  • You'll develop academic writing skills for university-level study.
  • You'll practise research and critical thinking skills.
  • You'll prepare a UCAS personal statement with guidance from staff.
  • You'll gain subject knowledge relevant to physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Citylabs. A range of assessment methods will be used throughout the year to track your progress. These may include written assignments, research tasks, and other coursework. Staff will also support your UCAS application and provide an academic reference.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Citylabs will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Physiotherapist, works in the NHS or private practice after a degree.
  • Occupational therapist, supports patients to regain independence.
  • Sports rehabilitator, helps athletes recover from injury.
  • Exercise scientist, designs fitness and health programmes.
  • Sports coach, leads training in community or professional settings.
  • Health sciences graduate, opens roles across the NHS and beyond.

What you could study next

  • BSc Physiotherapy, the degree most graduates of this Level 3 access to he physiotherapy qualification go on to study.
  • BSc Sports Science or Exercise Science, a related degree for those interested in sport and performance.
  • BSc Occupational Therapy, for those drawn to rehabilitation and patient support.
  • BSc Health Sciences, a broader route into NHS and health sector careers.