Robert Gordon University

Doctorate of Physiotherapy DPT

Robert Gordon University

Course overview

The Doctor of Physiotherapy course at Robert Gordon University is a 3-year 5 5-month accelerated full-time course designed to prepare graduates for professional practice as physiotherapists. It combines theoretical learning, clinical placements, and research training to develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions.

For the first two years, students follow the same module format as those enrolled in the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) course. Afterwards, they become eligible to register with the HCPC, having been awarded the PG Diploma in Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), and then embark on a doctoral thesis component. Modules to be covered will include Physiotherapy practice, Enhancing Services and practice, Physiotherapy pathway, and thesis module.

Learning and assessment involve lectures, practical workshops, projects, and simulation labs, and supervised clinical placements with volunteer patients, group and individual project work, and independent study. The programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Entry requirements

Applicants must have prior experience in the research process, as this is a key requirement for the course, and work experience in physiotherapy or healthcare is also desirable. International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University. All applicants who pass the application screening stage must attend a mandatory interview.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants typically need at least a first-class in a science subject like biological science, sports science, and those that include human anatomy and physiology.
  • Alternatively, applicants who have a 2:1 honours may be considered on an individual basis, provided they have relevant work or research experience in physiotherapy or healthcare.

English Language requirements:

  • All international students, for whom English is not their first language, are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7.0 in all aspects of the test.
  • TOEFL iBT: Reading 18, Writing 17, Speaking 20, Listening 17, Overall 88.
  • PTE: Reading 59, Writing 59, Speaking 59, Listening 59, Overall 65.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    A 20% discount is provided exclusively on tuition fees and not to any associated course costs.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Chevening Scholarship

  • International Students Emergency Fund

    The fund aims to help students with basic living costs such as food, utilities and rent.

  • RGU Early Deposit Payment Discount

    Self-funding students paying an international fee joining in the September 2026 intake who pay their deposit will receive an additional £500 discount.

    Up to £500

  • RGU Financial Award for MBA Students

    10% discount towards tuition fees.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • RGU Golf Scholarship

    Up to £8,500 per year

  • RGU International Merit Based Scholarship for Masters Students

    Value - £5,000 discount on postgraduate fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • RGU International Student Discount for Master's Students

    Students from Kenya, Indonesia and Nepal will receive a £4,000 discount. All other countries listed will receive a £3,000 discount.

  • RGU International Student Discount for Research Students

    £3,000 discount towards postgraduate research tuition fees.

    Up to £3,000

  • RGU International Student Discount for Undergraduate Students

    £2,000 discount on each year of study of undergraduate tuition fees.

    Up to £2,000

  • RGU SPORT Scholarship

    Financial assistance is awarded to support travel, training, equipment and competition expenses accrued during the academic year.

  • Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) from Robert Gordon University can pursue roles such as:

  • Chartered Physiotherapist
  • Specialist Physiotherapy Practitioner
  • Research Physiotherapist in academic or clinical research environments
  • Consultant Physiotherapist
  • Health-service manager

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee for full-time international students on the DPT programme at Robert Gordon University is £21,730. This fee is subject to yearly change.

Admission

To apply for the course, you can apply directly to the university through its online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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