What IGCSEs Do I Need to Be a Physiotherapist?

Are you interested in helping people recover from injuries, to improve their mobility and quality of life? A future career in physiotherapy might be a good fit for you. Physiotherapy is an exciting career that combines science, healthcare, and hands-on patient care. But getting there starts with making smart choices at IGCSE level.

Your IGCSE subject choices matter more than you might think. In this article, we’ll discuss the specific IGCSEs that will lay foundations that lead to A Levels, then university, and eventually your desired career in physiotherapy.

Why Your IGCSE Choices Matter for a Career in Physiotherapy

For an aspiring physiotherapist, laying strong foundations in science subjects is crucial. You'll need to understand how the human body works, from muscles and bones to the nervous system. Picking the right IGCSE subjects will give you a strong start in these areas and prepare you for your A Levels.

Your IGCSE subjects are like building blocks for your future. They shape which A Levels you can take and which universities will admit you. A Level studies are likely to be the next step in your education after IGCSE, and you need at least five IGCSEs grades A-C, including English language and maths to study them.

You can’t become a physiotherapist without a degree, so university is the next step after A level study. Universities offering physiotherapy degrees have specific requirements, and entry requirements will vary for different universities. So, if you have a specific university in mind, it’s worth checking their entry rules. According to the UK National Career Service, (opens in a new tab)most undergraduate physiotherapy courses need at least 2 or 3 A Levels (opens in a new tab), including A Level Biology.

Recommended IGCSE Subjects for Aspiring Physiotherapists

Choosing your IGCSE subjects (opens in a new tab)may seem tough, but the right choices at this stage will open pathways to your physiotherapy career. Biology, PE (physical education), Maths, and English language are highly recommended IGCSE subjects for an aspiring physiotherapist.

Biology

Biology is the most valuable IGCSE for aspiring physiotherapists. It's your key to understanding anatomy, physiology, and how the body's systems work together. Studying IGCSE Biology is the most direct way to learn about the human body and its functions. You'll learn about muscles, bones, and joints, and see how injuries affect movement. This will form the core of your physiotherapy knowledge.

Most A Level courses expect you to have IGCSE Biology at grade B. Without A Level Biology, you'll find it harder to access the best physiotherapy courses later.

Physical Education (PE)

If you’ve set your sights on a career in physiotherapy, IGCSE PE will help you understand how the body moves and what happens when things go wrong. You'll gain important insights into sports science and injury prevention.

While PE isn't always essential, it provides brilliant background knowledge that complements

your science studies. It’s a great introduction to sports science, giving you an opportunity to apply your knowledge of biology in a practical context.

Mathematics

Maths may seem unrelated to physiotherapy, but it’s more important than you might think. Physiotherapists need problem-solving skills and the ability to understand scientific data.. Remember, most A level courses require IGCSE Maths with at least a grade C or higher.

Statistics and data analysis become crucial when evaluating treatment effectiveness and patient progress. Strong maths skills also help with A Level physics concepts.

English Language

Communication is at the heart of physiotherapy. You'll write patient reports, explain treatment plans, and provide emotional support to people recovering from injuries. English language is consistently required by physiotherapy programmes across the UK.

Physiotherapists need to be able to translate concepts from your scientific knowledge into simple and accessible language so that their patients can understand their treatments. Strong English language skills also build trust with patients, and will help you work effectively in healthcare teams and communicate clearly and effectively.

Attaining at least grade C in IGCSE English Language is often a minimum requirement for you to study A Levels.

Other Useful IGCSE Subjects

• Chemistry helps you understand biomechanical processes in the human body, teaching you how medications work and how tissues heal. It's particularly useful for understanding metabolism and cellular processes.

• Physics connects directly to biomechanics; how forces, levers, and movement principles affect the human body. Physics is crucial for comprehending how forces and mechanics affect the human body.

• Psychology provides insight into how people think and feel, which is valuable when supporting patients through recovery and rehabilitation. Studying IGCSE Psychology will introduce you to research methods, and ethics. Familiarising yourself with these concepts at IGCSE will give you a head start for your A Level and university studies.

How IGCSE Choices Affect A Level and University Options

Your IGCSE choices directly impact which A Levels you can study. Most physiotherapy courses expect at least one science subject. Biology is the preferred choice at A Level.

Top universities, such as the University of Birmingham (opens in a new tab), ask for A level Biology or PE at grade A for their physiotherapy courses. Without strong IGCSE foundations, achieving these high grades will become much harder.

Many universities also look for two science subjects at A Level. Taking Chemistry or Physics with Biology gives you more options and a better application. Keep your options open with a balanced subject mix. This will help you adapt if your interests change or if specific universities have different requirements.

Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

Academic subjects only fulfil the essential requirements needed to progress to university and later into a physiotherapy career. Universities and employers value practical experience and broader skills. 

Developing extra-curricular skills and gaining relevant work experience throughout your education will give you an advantage when competing for university places and in job applications.

1. Participating in an organised sport such as football, basketball, or tennis helps you learn about movement, teamwork, and injury prevention. If you play sports competitively, you will probably meet physiotherapists. This can give you a direct insight into their profession. 

2. Work experience in physiotherapy clinics (opens in a new tab), sports centres, or healthcare facilities shows your interest in the field. It also helps you understand daily professional life.

3. Volunteering in healthcare settings gives you real-world exposure to patient care. If you want to volunteer in healthcare, contact local hospitals and care homes.

4. First aid courses demonstrate your commitment to helping others and provide practical emergency response skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Biology More Important Than PE for Physiotherapy?

Biology is more important than PE for physiotherapy, as the subject provides important insights into the human body and how it works. This knowledge is crucial for physiotherapy practice.

While PE offers valuable practical insights, Biology is required by virtually all A Level and university physiotherapy programmes. If you have to choose between them, always pick Biology.

Will Not Taking PE at IGCSE Stop Me From Becoming a Physiotherapist?

Not taking PE at IGCSE won't stop you from becoming a physiotherapist. Biology is far more important for meeting university entry requirements. Universities typically require at least one science rather than specifically demanding PE. Focus on Biology, Maths, and English as your core subjects.

Do I Need Chemistry or Physics for Physiotherapy?

You don’t need Chemistry or Physics A Levels for physiotherapy, but they're extremely helpful.

Both subjects are directly related to the human body and its functions in different ways. Chemistry helps you understand biochemical processes. Physics links to biomechanics and movement analysis. Having one or both strengthens your applications and academic preparation.

What Other Skills Are Important for a Physiotherapist?

Beyond academic subjects, (opens in a new tab)physiotherapists need excellent communication skills (opens in a new tab), empathy, physical fitness, and problem-solving abilities. A good understanding of psychology can help you manage and support patients through their recovery journey.

Having patience and being able to motivate others are equally valuable. These skills develop through experience, volunteering, and working with people in various settings.

Final Thoughts

Your journey to becoming a physiotherapist starts with smart IGCSE choices. IGCSE Biology, Mathematics, and English Language form the essential foundation you'll need for success.

While PE offers valuable insights into movement and sports science, it's not essential if you have strong science foundations. IGCSE Chemistry and Physics provide additional advantages, but aren't strictly necessary.

• Remember to choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and feel confident about. Academic success depends on engagement and interest, not just career relevance.

• Explore extracurricular activities that support your physiotherapy ambitions. Engaging in sports, volunteering in healthcare, and training in first aid shows your commitment to helping others and understanding movement.

• Your IGCSE choices are important, but they're just the beginning. Stay curious, work hard, and keep your passion for helping people at the centre of everything you do.

If you found this guide helpful, Save My Exams has got your back when you start studying your IGCSE subjects. With everything from flashcards to revision notes, to past papers and mock exams, we’ve got all of the resources you need to achieve the grades you want.

References

• Information on being a physiotherapist - Degrees and Courses - NHS Careers (opens in a new tab)

• Physiotherapy MSci - University of Birmingham (opens in a new tab) -

• Application tips and work experience | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE subjects (opens in a new tab)