Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) is a four-year full-time program designed for students who want to advance their skills and be involved in research related to physiotherapy. This honours degree prepares students for a research-based physiotherapy career, with a growing demand for physiotherapy clinical services and physiotherapists with advanced skills in clinical research.

Program Details

• Programme Code: AK4662
• Level: 8
• Points: 480
• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Campus: North Campus
• Start Dates: 13 Jul 2026, 12 Jul 2027

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Must have completed 180 points at level 6 and 60 points at level 7 from the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) with a B+ grade average or higher.
• A student who has already graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) may not be admitted to the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours).
• Admission is subject to the approval of the dean (or representative).

Selection Criteria

• Interview may be required

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

Program Structure

Year 1 & 2 and Semester 1 of Year 3

Students are enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) and need to complete courses to the required academic standard to be invited into the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours).

Year 3, Semester 2

Students study three courses to further their understanding of physiotherapy practice, as well as one research methods course to prepare them for their dissertation next year.

• PHTY705 Managing Complexity in the Acute Care Environment
• PHTY708 Managing Complexity in the Community Environment
• PHTY812 Physiotherapy Professional Practice and Research
• And one of:
  • HEAL811 Research Design and Methods
  • HEAL865 Health Research Design & Planning
  • MAOH801 Māori Health Research Practice – Te Rangahau Hauora Māori
  • PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design

Year 4

The year is arranged in four teaching blocks, with the first three blocks spent completing final-year clinical practice courses. In the last teaching block, students research a topic of their interest in their honours degree dissertation, working closely with their academic supervisor.

• PHTY701 Physiotherapy Practice I
• PHTY813 Physiotherapy Practice II (Honours)
• PHTY814 Physiotherapy Practice III (Honours)
• PHTY995 Physiotherapy Honours Research Project

Skills Developed

The outcomes for graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) are outlined in the Graduate Profile. This program develops advanced research skills, preparing students well for doctoral level study and a research-based career pathway.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this program, students will meet the preparatory education requirements for registration as a physiotherapist in Australia and New Zealand. They will also have the research and critical thinking skills for further postgraduate study at master's degree or doctoral level, and to begin a clinical research career.

Fees

• Domestic: $11,851.60 (for 120 points) ($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
• International: $46,521.60 (for 120 points) ($45,300 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
• Master of Physiotherapy Practice
• Master of Health Science
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Philosophy