Physiotherapy University Interview Questions

There are many different questions you may be asked at your Physiotherapy university interview, so we've provided a comprehensive list of those commonly asked by Physiotherapy admissions tutors at UK universities.

As well as the example questions below, you can find further help in our University Interviews Guide.

Background & motivation

  1. Tell us about yourself.
  2. Talk us through your personal statement.
  3. Why do you want to become a Physiotherapist?
  4. Why did you apply to this university?
  5. What have you done to prepare yourself for a career in Physiotherapy?
  6. What strengths do you have that will help you deal with all the work involved?
  7. What do you think are the most challenging aspects of a Physiotherapist's job?
  8. Why do you want to be a Physiotherapist, rather than another profession that is caring such as a nurse or doctor?
  9. What does a Physiotherapist do?
  10. What interests you most about Physiotherapy and why?
  11. What are you looking forward to most about becoming a Physiotherapist?
  12. What contribution do you hope to make to the field?
  13. How do you think Physiotherapy differs from other health professions?
  14. If you were to become an Physiotherpaist, how would you like your patients to describe you and why?
  15. How do you know whether you really do want to become a Physiotherapist?
  16. Do you have any life experiences that you think may help your career in Physiotherapy?
  17. What do you feel are the 3 most important skills to become a Physiotherapist?
  18. Do you possess all of these? If so, what examples can you give to demonstrate this?
  19. What qualities do you think make a good Physiotherapist?
  20. Discuss a time when you had to convey an important message to someone - describe how you did this and what the end result was.
  21. How do you cope with stress?
  22. How do you manage your time?
  23. Give us an example of the time when you had to overcome a difficult situation?

Knowledge & work experience

  1. What do you know about the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and what is its role?
  2. What is the role of a Physiotherapist?
  3. What is the most demanding aspect of the study programme, and how would you overcome this?
  4. If you had £1 million to spend on Physiotherapy, what would you spend it on and why?
  5. Where does Physiotherapy take place?
  6. What do you know about current Physiotherapy topics in the media?
  7. What challenges affect Physiotherapy in the UK?
  8. What might a typical day involve for a Physiotherapist?
  9. What work experience do you have that is relevant to Physiotherapy?
  10. What did you like about it and what skills did you learn?
  11. Were there any aspects of your work experience you didn't enjoy?
  12. What are the negatives of working in the NHS?

Empathy & patient care

  1. Give an example of a situation where you have supported a friend in a difficult social circumstance. What issues did they face and how did you help them?
  2. What does the word empathy mean to you. How do you differentiate empathy from sympathy?
  3. Is it right for Physiotherapists to 'feel for their patients'?
  4. How do Physiotherapists sometimes react negatively to stress?
  5. How would you deal with a patient who refuses treatment?
  6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of home physiotherapy?

Teamwork & communication

  1. Why is communication vital in Physiotherapy?
  2. Give us an example of when you worked as part of a team?
  3. Can you think of a team situation where your communication skills have been essential? Tell us more about the situation and how you contributed.
  4. Tell us about a group activity you have organised. What went well and what went badly? What did you learn from it?
  5. What have you learned about yourself and successful team-working?
  6. Who do you think will be the most important people you will work with as a Physiotherapist?
  7. Describe a time when you had to lead a team of people?
  8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being in a team? Do you believe teams need leaders?
  9. Do you think humour can help a team? Give an example.

Career plans & your future

  1. Do you have any career aspirations?
  2. How will university benefit your future?
  3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
  4. If you had to take a gap year, what would you do?

Further information

For more tips and advice on university interviews, please see: