Important Information About AAC Grades
AAC grades (128 UCAS points) are below the standard entry requirements for most UK physiotherapy programs. Most universities require a minimum of ABB (128 points) to AAB (136 points) with at least one science subject.
However, you have several options:
- Apply to universities with contextual offers (BCC - 104 points)
- Consider foundation year programs that accept BBC grades
- Look into degree apprenticeship routes with lower entry requirements
- Apply through Clearing where requirements may be more flexible
Best Options for AAC Grades
Based on your predicted AAC grades, here are the most suitable pathways:
Oxford Brookes University
Ranked 5th in Guardian 2025. Offers contextual admissions for students from underrepresented backgrounds. With AAC, you may qualify for the BCC contextual offer if you meet specific criteria.
University of Leicester
Foundation year program designed for students who do not meet standard entry requirements. Provides additional preparation before entering the main BSc program.
University of Huddersfield
Degree apprenticeship route where you work and study simultaneously. Requires employer sponsorship but offers BBC entry requirements.
University of Northampton
Accepts BBC grades with Biology requirement. Your AAC may be considered if one of your A grades is in Biology.
Complete List of UK Physiotherapy Universities
All UK universities offering BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programs with entry requirements and fees for 2025/2026.
| University | Entry Requirements | UK Fees (per year) | International Fees (per year) | Suitability for AAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Brookes University | ABB (128) / BCC Contextual (104) | £9,535 | £17,200 | BEST MATCH |
| University of Leicester (Foundation) | BBC (112) + one science | £9,535 | £25,900 | GOOD MATCH |
| University of Huddersfield (Apprenticeship) | BBC (112) | Employer-funded | N/A | GOOD MATCH |
| University of Northampton | BBC (Biology at B) | £9,535 | £16,500 | POSSIBLE |
| Brunel University London | ABB-BBB (120-128) | £9,535 | £21,795 | POSSIBLE |
| University of Brighton | AAB (136) + Biology/PE | £9,535 | £20,500 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Southampton | AAB (136) + one science | £9,535 | £32,000 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Birmingham | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £29,000 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Nottingham | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £28,000 | UNLIKELY |
| King's College London | AAB (136) + two sciences | £9,535 | £33,450 | UNLIKELY |
| Cardiff University | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £28,200 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Leeds | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £29,750 | UNLIKELY |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £17,950 | UNLIKELY |
| Robert Gordon University | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £18,000 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Salford | ABB (128) + one science | £9,535 | £19,500 | UNLIKELY |
| Keele University | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £19,800 | UNLIKELY |
| University of East Anglia | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £26,500 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Liverpool | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £32,000 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Bradford | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £19,494 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Worcester | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £17,200 | POSSIBLE |
| York St John University | ABB (128) | £9,535 | £14,900 | UNLIKELY |
| University of Hull | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £19,500 | POSSIBLE |
| University of East London | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £16,740 | POSSIBLE |
| University College Birmingham | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £16,000 | POSSIBLE |
| University of Greenwich | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £18,500 | POSSIBLE |
| Coventry University | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £19,850 | POSSIBLE |
| Plymouth University | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £18,000 | POSSIBLE |
| University of Hertfordshire | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £16,035 | POSSIBLE |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £19,500 | POSSIBLE |
| Leeds Beckett University | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £17,500 | POSSIBLE |
| Teesside University | BBB (120) | £9,535 | £15,000 | POSSIBLE |
Detailed Recommendations for AAC Students
Option 1: Contextual Offers
Oxford Brookes University offers contextual admissions (BCC - 104 points) for students from underrepresented backgrounds. You may qualify if you meet criteria such as being from a low-income household, attending a school with below-average performance, or being a care leaver. This is your best direct entry option.
Option 2: Foundation Year Programs
University of Leicester offers a 4-year BSc Physiotherapy with Foundation Year accepting BBC grades. This adds an extra year but provides solid preparation and guaranteed progression to the main degree if you pass the foundation year.
Option 3: Degree Apprenticeships
University of Huddersfield offers a degree apprenticeship route with BBC entry requirements. You will need to secure employment with an NHS trust or private healthcare provider who will sponsor your studies. No tuition fees for students.
Option 4: Clearing
Universities with BBB requirements (120 points) may accept AAC through Clearing if they have unfilled places. Universities like Brunel, Worcester, Hull, East London, and Coventry are worth contacting during Clearing (July-September 2026).
Option 5: Improve Your Grades
Consider retaking one A-level to achieve ABB or BBB. Even improving one grade from C to B would open up significantly more options, including universities like Brunel (ABB-BBB), Worcester (BBB), and Hull (BBB).
Option 6: Alternative Routes
Consider studying a related degree (Sports Science, Human Biology, Exercise Science) with your AAC grades, then apply for a 2-year accelerated MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) after graduation. This pathway is increasingly popular.
Key Points to Remember
NHS Learning Support Fund: All UK students on physiotherapy courses receive at least £5,000 per year as a non-repayable grant, in addition to standard student loans.
UCAS Points: AAC = 128 points (A=48, A=48, C=32). Most physiotherapy programs require 120-136 points.
Science Requirement: Most universities require at least one science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or PE). Check if your subjects meet this requirement.
Application Deadline: UCAS equal consideration deadline is 14 January 2026. Apply early for best chances.
Work Experience: Most universities expect evidence of relevant work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings. This can strengthen your application significantly.
Personal Statement: A strong personal statement demonstrating commitment to physiotherapy can help compensate for grades slightly below standard requirements.
Your Action Plan
Apply to Oxford Brookes
Check if you qualify for contextual admissions. Contact their admissions team to discuss your circumstances and eligibility for the BCC offer.
Consider Foundation Year
Apply to University of Leicester's Foundation Year program. This provides an excellent pathway with BBC entry requirements.
Contact BBB Universities
Reach out to Brunel, Worcester, Hull, East London, and Coventry to ask if they would consider AAC grades, especially if you have strong work experience.
Prepare for Clearing
Have a backup plan for Clearing (July-September 2026). Universities may be more flexible with entry requirements if they have unfilled places.
Strengthen Your Application
Gain relevant work experience, write an exceptional personal statement, and obtain strong references to compensate for grades.
Consider Alternatives
Look into degree apprenticeships (Huddersfield) or alternative pathways through related degrees followed by MSc Physiotherapy.