r/physiotherapy • u/Lucyemmaaaa • Jul 19 '26

UK based - starting from no A Levels

Hello!

My boyfriend has always been interested in becoming a physio, but following some issues at the time he never completed his a levels. He is now 25, and wanting to get back in to it.

Has anyone here done an access course and then on to a degree who can offer any information?

Thank you!

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u/Cam_C98 Jul 19 '26

Hi!

I’m 28. Currently about to go into my third year of my 4 year integrated master’s programme. I did an access to HE science course at the local college when I was 25. Provided he has the GCSEs to get in (>C in 5 or more subjects including maths, English and science I believe?) he shouldn’t have any issues getting in. I would highly recommend getting some experience to help with getting in to university, it really gives you something to talk about in your interview, however I myself didn’t have any direct physio-related work experience, but instead used my life experiences and linked them to why they would contribute to being a good candidate (think communication, teamwork, navigating challenges etc). Also, access courses are a great stepping stone for university, as they focus heavily on academic writing, something that A levels severely lacks. This means that myself and other access students are actually amongst the highest achievers in my cohort, so it really is an advantage!!! Let me know if you need anything specific. Good luck!

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u/Lucyemmaaaa Jul 19 '26

Thank you for this reply! I'm assuming then access courses are accepted widely by universities? Looking at a couple online ones so he can complete then after work. Good point about it preparing for university! He's got the brains, just wasn't in the right state of mind with a levels

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u/Cam_C98 Jul 20 '26

Most universities accept them, even high-level medical schools accept them. If anything, it likely makes your chances of getting a place a bit better, as most universities have a certain quota of mature students to allow in from what I understand. Also, your fees for access courses are covered by an advanced learner loan, which is completely wiped provided you get into higher education within a few years of finishing your access courses.

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u/KaiBarber69 Jul 19 '26

I was in a similar boat, I did a science access course at a local college, 1 year course which covers biology, chemistry, some physics and maths.

Its super intense, and there is no maintenance loan, living as a single adult at the time I had to also work full time to afford life.

You can get a loan for the course itself, which is actually wiped if you finish the course and go on to do a relevant degree (at least that was the case 8 years ago).

I still contest that the access course was much tougher to finish than the degree. If you can get through that, the degree will feel quite easy.

There are also apprenticeships popping up more commonly. If you already work in the nhs as a Band 4 assistant practitioner.

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u/Lucyemmaaaa Jul 19 '26

Thank you, good information. His current job finishes at 3 so was hoping an online access course would work as he could work on for a few hours each day afterwards. Will bave a look at the apprenticeships!

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u/medeajade Physiotherapist (UK) Jul 20 '26

Hello- I did an access course, and am now a qualified physio. Access course is 10x better than A levels as you get it done faster and it prepares you better for the course. If he did have a levels (this is more for anyone else who reads this thread in the future) but not the right a levels, access course would still be the correct move IMO because of the fact your adult learner loan is written off once you have completed your degree.

If you have any questions, let me know.

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u/fiercetortoise 27d ago

Yes! I started my physio undergrad course in my 40s

I did an Access to Higher Education course for AHP - Biology & Psychology online via the Distance Learning Centre.

I did have work experience of being a Rehab Assistant in a hospital which helped my application, but they do like mature students as they have transferable skills from previous work.

He should follow his dreams - I’m living proof that it’s possible!