University of Essex

PhD Physiotherapy

University of EssexColchester Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

The PhD Physiotherapy at the University of Essex involves independent, original research under the guidance of academic supervisors within the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences. Students begin as PhD candidates and, having met set requirements, transfer to the full PhD, with a typical full-time duration of around three to four years.

Assessment is by the submission and defence of a thesis that makes a distinct contribution to knowledge in physiotherapy, supported by seminars, writing workshops, and research training. The programme offers full-time and part-time modes, covering research in areas such as health promotion, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation.

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Physiotherapy from the University of Essex emerge with advanced research capabilities and are well placed for a range of professional roles. Typical career paths include:

  • Clinical Researcher
  • Rehabilitation Consultant
  • Policy Adviser or Health Service Manager
  • Physiotherapy Practice Lead or Director
  • Specialist Therapist

Cost of study

For international students, the tuition fee for the PhD Physiotherapy in the University of Essex is £19,650 per year. Please note: the tuition fee is subject to annual increases.

Admission

Take the next step towards your research ambitions by submitting an application to the University of Essex application portal.  To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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