Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) at Robert Gordon University

Programme overview

The DPT Physiotherapy course from Robert Gordon University is an accelerated programme providing a unique opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Physiotherapist, develop clinically applied research skills, and achieve a Doctorate. It is the first course of its kind in the UK, and the only physical therapy programme outside North America to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The first two years are run in parallel with the MSc Physiotherapy - Pre-registration course with integrated research degree training and work placements.

Faculty: School of Health | Duration: 3 years 5 months full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: January | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

There is a firm emphasis on the development of doctorate-level research skills in conjunction with the clinical reasoning and practical skills required of a Physiotherapist. Academic modules have been developed to allow you to develop strong core assessment, treatment and research skills, and a deeper knowledge of core areas such as exercise prescription and health improvement theory. Integrating the core practice areas of cardiovascular respiratory, neurology and musculoskeletal encourages you to think holistically about your patients and to embed this in your practice.

Career pathways

The university’s MSc Physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants typically possess a Bachelor's undergraduate degree in a science subject, such as biological, or sports science, and should contain human anatomy and physiology with a 1 st Class honours classification, or a minimum GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 Scale, or equivalent. Those with a 2.1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.3-3.5 will be considered on an individual basis. Experience of the research process is an essential requirement for the course. Relevant work experience in the field of Physiotherapy and healthcare would be desirable. Applicants from the USA Applicants from the USA will also be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken all the prerequisite subjects in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Educational Section of the American Physical therapy Association. Applicants from the USA must normally hold a bachelors degree in a science subject with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.6 out of a scale of 4 (a cGPA of 3.5 will be considered on an individual basis), plus the following prerequisites: Knowledge of human behaviour from an individual and societal perspective: 2-3 courses(6-9 semester hours) Biology: 2 courses (8 semester hours) or 1 course (not botany) (4 semester hours) Chemistry: 2 courses (8 semester hours) Physics: 2 courses (8 semester hours) Anatomy/Physiology: 2 courses (8 semester hours) Statistics: 1 course (3 semester hours) Total: 10-12 courses (37-44 semester hours). This is in accordance with recommendations adopted by the Education Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Applicants from other countries Applicants from other countries should hold an equivalent award in a relevant subject.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,750 a year (2025/2026). Scottish students, full time on campus, over 3 years (same fee each year) Source

International applicants: GBP 21,730 a year (2025/2026). International students, full time on campus, over 3 years (same fee each year) Source

Intake: January

Duration: 3 years 5 months full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/dpt-doctorate-of-physiotherapy#apply

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