My Journey Into MSc Physiotherapy

Hello, my name is Mariah and I am currently nearing the end of my gap year. In September I am going to study MSc Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham. During my gap year, I have started a You Tube channel called 'ArrayRay'. On my channel, I share my experiences in life and university to inform and entertain. I can not wait for this next chapter to finally becoming a physiotherapy student.

Where It all began. I had been interested in healthcare for many years, just unsure of which profession to pursue. Until the summer before my GCSE results day, when I shadowed in a physiotherapy department for two days. Although the experience was short, it was from then on I knew that I wanted to become a physiotherapist.

Unfortunately, my GCSE grades were not good enough to study my original A-level choices. Instead, I went on to study level 3 BTEC Sports. Whilst in sixth form, I gained more work experience, spending two weeks shadowing cardiologists. Despite not working directly with physiotherapists, those two weeks gave me further insight into the NHS.

I left sixth form with a triple distinction star! However, due to my GCSEs and lack of A-levels, I was unable to apply to study physiotherapy at the time. Therefore, I decided to continue learning about sports at university. In 2020, I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a 2.1 in BSc Sport and Exercise Science with a year abroad.

While at university, I joined the St Johns Ambulance society and even volunteered throughout my year abroad to help with my postgraduate applications. I enjoyed my degree. I gained a lot of knowledge and skills that will assist me in studying physiotherapy.

My advice:

• Ensure you research into what physiotherapy entails, to be sure it is the right degree for you.

• When looking at which universities to apply for, double-check that the course structure suits your learning style.

• A range of work/ volunteering experience settings is great because it can help you understand different aspects of the profession.

• Tailor your personal statement for each university, I wrote five different statements.

Application/ entry requirement checklist:

• A 2.1 from a relevant degree, but some universities will accept a 2.2

• Personal statement (Some lengths may vary).

• Evidence of physiotherapy work experience and understanding of the profession (The university may say what they find sufficient).

• References (typically two).

• Proof of research (dissertation).

• Degree transcripts.

• Pass the interview, DBS, health and immunisation checks.