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GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

 

Overview

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Scotland, offers a two-year Master of Science in Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) program. This full-time accelerated degree is designed for students with a background in health or life sciences who are looking to become qualified physiotherapists. GCU’s program blends academic learning with extensive clinical placements, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the profession.

GCU has a growing reputation among Canadian students pursuing physiotherapy abroad. The university provides a supportive, inclusive learning environment, and its curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and person-centered care. Many Canadian graduates from this program successfully return home to complete the credentialing process and begin working as licensed physiotherapists across Canada.

Upon successfully completing this accelerated degree, you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This qualification will allow you to practice physiotherapy in the UK, should you decide to remain and work in the UK.

Highlights

  • Learn in industry-standard facilities with access to advanced physiotherapy equipment and resources.
  • Canadian students are well-represented in the program, with many successfully returning to Canada to complete credentialing and begin practice.
  • Gain practical experience across a wide range of settings including hospitals, rehab centres, and community clinics throughout Scotland—with an optional final placement abroad (e.g., in Canada). We assist our Physio Abroad applicants in sourcing clinical placements in Canada through our large network of practicing physiotherapists.
  • Strong focus on employability and global mobility, with a final MSc dissertation that promotes critical thinking and professional development.
  • Glasgow is ranked as one of the UK’s top student cities, with world-class museums, music, and nightlife, all set against a backdrop of beautiful parks and historic architecture.

Program Information

Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Biomedical studies) that contained a substantial element of human anatomy or physiology within the program.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale, or equivalent
  • Canadian High-School Grade 12 Math and English.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Applicants must demonstrate experience in the research process.
  • Volunteering or work experience in healthcare or physiotherapy settings where the impact of disability is experience is highly recommended.
  • Academic reference.
  • Applicants who satisfy the initial eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for a group interview as part of the admissions process.
  • Admission decisions are based on your academic background, reference letters, health clearance, and performance during the interview.
    Students must be physically capable of performing the duties required of a physiotherapist. Upon starting the course, all students are required to complete an occupational health screening.
  • Students who are given offers must complete a police record check (Canadian equivalent to Disclosure and Barring Services background clearing check) and provide satisfactory immunization records (Canadian equivalent of the Fitness to practise and health requirements).
Admission Timeline

Applications are processed and evaluated as they are received, rather than waiting until a specific deadline to review all applications. As acceptances are granted, spaces in the program will fill up. It is advised to apply as soon as possible in the admission cycle in order to have the best opportunity to potentially secure a spot in the program.

Program Structure

Assessment Methods

This program includes a diverse blend of evaluations, combining coursework with formal examinations. Each module adopts a tailored assessment approach aligned with its learning goals. Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, case analyses, in-class tests, project reports, group presentations, and unseen exams. This variety ensures you not only grasp the core concepts but also develop key professional and analytical skills throughout the course.

 

Guest Speakers and Professional Networking

Students benefit from talks and insights delivered by experienced guest speakers from the field of physiotherapy and healthcare. These sessions offer valuable perspectives on real-world practice and emerging trends, while also providing opportunities to network with professionals and potential employers.

Teaching Approach

The program is designed to be engaging, practical, and aligned with the demands of modern physiotherapy practice. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the course encourages active learning through problem-solving, collaboration, and clinical application. Emphasis is placed on independent thinking and reflective practice, helping students build confidence and develop the critical reasoning skills needed in both clinical and academic settings.

Fees & Funding

Fees

2025-2026 International Tuition Fees: £19,300 

Please note: Tuition fees are determined on an annual basis and are subject to annual revisions. Consequently, the University may increase tuition fees in the second year or subsequent years of a program, aligning with inflation and/or adhering to the maximum limits allowed by legal or governmental regulations. Any modifications will be promptly communicated to students.


Funding

Canadian students may be eligible for student loans provided by the federal government through the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP). Students may also be eligible for additional loans from their provincial or territorial student loan programs.

Canadian financial institutions offer student lines of credit for Canadians pursuing education abroad. Typically, a co-signer is necessary, so students should anticipate seeking a family member to serve as a guarantor.

International students with a student visa in the physiotherapy program are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Exceeding the permitted work hours on a student visa constitutes a violation of your student visa and can result in serious repercussions.

Accommodations

Glasgow Caledonian University offers several convenient on-campus accommodation options, all located within walking distance of the main campus. GCU’s university-managed residences feature a variety of room types to fit different budgets, including en-suite rooms and shared flats. Prices will vary depending on the type of room and lease length. You can explore GCU’s official accommodation options here.

Alternatively, students can choose to live off-campus in privately rented housing across Glasgow. The city has a wide selection of student-friendly rentals, with many options situated close to public transport and within easy commuting distance of GCU. For support with finding private accommodation, GCU provides helpful guidance and resources on their accommodation pages.

Physio Abroad will be hosting a pre-departure webinar featuring current Canadian students in GCU’s physiotherapy program. This session will offer insights and first-hand advice on securing housing and adjusting to life in Aberdeen. The webinar is exclusive to students who apply through Physio Abroad’s free application support services.

Key Information

Program Location Glasgow, Scotland
Program Duration 2 years
Program Start January
International Tuition £19,300
Apply Now
Key Information
Program Location Glasgow, Scotland
Program Duration 2 years
Program Start January
International Tuition £19,300
APPLY NOW

Overview

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Scotland, offers a two-year Master of Science in Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) program. This full-time accelerated degree is designed for students with a background in health or life sciences who are looking to become qualified physiotherapists. GCU’s program blends academic learning with extensive clinical placements, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the profession.

GCU has a growing reputation among Canadian students pursuing physiotherapy abroad. The university provides a supportive, inclusive learning environment, and its curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and person-centered care. Many Canadian graduates from this program successfully return home to complete the credentialing process and begin working as licensed physiotherapists across Canada.

Upon successfully completing this accelerated degree, you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This qualification will allow you to practice physiotherapy in the UK, should you decide to remain and work in the UK.

Highlights

  • Learn in industry-standard facilities with access to advanced physiotherapy equipment and resources.
  • Canadian students are well-represented in the program, with many successfully returning to Canada to complete credentialing and begin practice.
  • Gain practical experience across a wide range of settings including hospitals, rehab centres, and community clinics throughout Scotland—with an optional final placement abroad (e.g., in Canada). We assist our Physio Abroad applicants in sourcing clinical placements in Canada through our large network of practicing physiotherapists.
  • Strong focus on employability and global mobility, with a final MSc dissertation that promotes critical thinking and professional development.
  • Glasgow is ranked as one of the UK’s top student cities, with world-class museums, music, and nightlife, all set against a backdrop of beautiful parks and historic architecture.

Program Information

Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Biomedical studies) that contained a substantial element of human anatomy or physiology within the program.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale, or equivalent
  • Canadian High-School Grade 12 Math and English.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Applicants must demonstrate experience in the research process.
  • Volunteering or work experience in healthcare or physiotherapy settings where the impact of disability is experience is highly recommended.
  • Academic reference.
  • Applicants who satisfy the initial eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for a group interview as part of the admissions process.
  • Admission decisions are based on your academic background, reference letters, health clearance, and performance during the interview.
    Students must be physically capable of performing the duties required of a physiotherapist. Upon starting the course, all students are required to complete an occupational health screening.
  • Students who are given offers must complete a police record check (Canadian equivalent to Disclosure and Barring Services background clearing check) and provide satisfactory immunization records (Canadian equivalent of the Fitness to practise and health requirements).
Admission Timeline

Applications are processed and evaluated as they are received, rather than waiting until a specific deadline to review all applications. As acceptances are granted, spaces in the program will fill up. It is advised to apply as soon as possible in the admission cycle in order to have the best opportunity to potentially secure a spot in the program.

Program Structure

Assessment Methods

This program includes a diverse blend of evaluations, combining coursework with formal examinations. Each module adopts a tailored assessment approach aligned with its learning goals. Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, case analyses, in-class tests, project reports, group presentations, and unseen exams. This variety ensures you not only grasp the core concepts but also develop key professional and analytical skills throughout the course.

 

Guest Speakers and Professional Networking

Students benefit from talks and insights delivered by experienced guest speakers from the field of physiotherapy and healthcare. These sessions offer valuable perspectives on real-world practice and emerging trends, while also providing opportunities to network with professionals and potential employers.

Teaching Approach

The program is designed to be engaging, practical, and aligned with the demands of modern physiotherapy practice. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the course encourages active learning through problem-solving, collaboration, and clinical application. Emphasis is placed on independent thinking and reflective practice, helping students build confidence and develop the critical reasoning skills needed in both clinical and academic settings.

Fees & Funding

Fees

2025-2026 International Tuition Fees: £19,300 

Please note: Tuition fees are determined on an annual basis and are subject to annual revisions. Consequently, the University may increase tuition fees in the second year or subsequent years of a program, aligning with inflation and/or adhering to the maximum limits allowed by legal or governmental regulations. Any modifications will be promptly communicated to students.


Funding

Canadian students may be eligible for student loans provided by the federal government through the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP). Students may also be eligible for additional loans from their provincial or territorial student loan programs.

Canadian financial institutions offer student lines of credit for Canadians pursuing education abroad. Typically, a co-signer is necessary, so students should anticipate seeking a family member to serve as a guarantor.

International students with a student visa in the physiotherapy program are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Exceeding the permitted work hours on a student visa constitutes a violation of your student visa and can result in serious repercussions.

Accommodations

Glasgow Caledonian University offers several convenient on-campus accommodation options, all located within walking distance of the main campus. GCU’s university-managed residences feature a variety of room types to fit different budgets, including en-suite rooms and shared flats. Prices will vary depending on the type of room and lease length. You can explore GCU’s official accommodation options here.

Alternatively, students can choose to live off-campus in privately rented housing across Glasgow. The city has a wide selection of student-friendly rentals, with many options situated close to public transport and within easy commuting distance of GCU. For support with finding private accommodation, GCU provides helpful guidance and resources on their accommodation pages.

Physio Abroad will be hosting a pre-departure webinar featuring current Canadian students in GCU’s physiotherapy program. This session will offer insights and first-hand advice on securing housing and adjusting to life in Aberdeen. The webinar is exclusive to students who apply through Physio Abroad’s free application support services.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

 

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