Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) is a four-year full-time program that focuses on clinical practice, providing students with approximately 1,000 hours of supervised physiotherapy practice experience. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent physiotherapists, capable of working in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and community health organizations.

Program Details

• Program Code: AK3313
• Level: 7
• Points: 480
• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Campus: North Campus
• Start Dates: 22 Feb 2027, 12 Jul 2027

Fees

• Domestic: $9,411.60 - $9,762.60 (for 120 points), which includes $8,190 - $8,541 tuition fees and a $1,221.60 student services levy.
• International: $44,221.60 (for 120 points), which includes $43,000 tuition fees and a $1,221.60 student services levy.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition, while domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion being funded by the New Zealand Government.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students.

Entry Requirements

For New Zealand Qualifications

• University Entrance or equivalent
• Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance
• Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
• Ranking of applicants will occur, with preference given to those with the highest level of academic achievement and/or evidence of accomplishments in the relevant field.

For Qualifications from Another Country

• See entry requirements for students from other countries.

Useful New Zealand School Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Health
• Physical Education
• Psychology
• Science
• Art History
• Classical Studies
• Drama
• English
• Geography
• Health Education
• History
• Media Studies
• Social Studies
• Statistics
• Te Reo Māori
• Te Reo Rangatira

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher

Program Structure

Year 1

• Semester 1:
  • HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
  • HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
  • HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
  • HEAL514 Understanding Human Body Systems (15 points)
• Semester 2:
  • PHTY611 Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice (30 points)
  • PHTY612 Human Structure & Function for Physiotherapy I (15 points)
  • PHTY613 Human Structure & Function for Physiotherapy II (15 points)

Year 2

• Students are introduced to the management of abnormal function and physiotherapy assessment, including clinical reasoning principles, evidence-based practice, and a range of physiotherapeutic techniques.
• Semester 1:
  • PHTY601 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics (15 points)
  • PHTY607 Health Conditions in Physiotherapy Practice (15 points)
  • PHTY608 Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation (15 points)
  • PHTY614 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice I (15 points)
• Semester 2:
  • PHTY610 Analysing Health Needs (15 points)
  • PHTY615 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice II (15 points)
  • PHTY616 Fundamentals of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Practice (15 points)
  • PHTY617 Introduction to Neurological Rehabilitation (15 points)

Year 3

• Students develop more specific assessment and treatment skills and become familiar with a wider range of complex health issues.
• Semester 1:
  • PHTY704 Exercise-Based Rehabilitation (15 points)
  • PHTY706 Acute Care (15 points)
  • PHTY707 Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis & Rehabilitation (15 points)
  • PHTY710 Managing Neuromuscular Disorders (15 points)
• Semester 2:
  • PHTY705 Managing Complexity in the Acute Care Environment (15 points)
  • PHTY708 Managing Complexity in the Community Environment (15 points)
  • HEAL719 Health Research Project (15 points)
  • And one of:
    • HEAL708 Professional Practice & Ethics (15 points)
    • HEAL723 Health Coaching (15 points)
    • HLAW701 Health Law & Policy (15 points)
    • MAOH701 Māori Health Promotion (15 points)
    • MAOH702 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health (15 points)
    • PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice (15 points)
    • Or any other bachelor's degree course with approval of programme leader

Year 4

• The majority of the year is spent in a clinical centre, where students complete approximately 1,000 hours of supervised physiotherapy practice experience required for registration.
• Courses:
  • PHTY712 Physiotherapy Professional Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (30 points - Full year)
  • PHTY701 Physiotherapy Practice I (30 points)
  • PHTY702 Physiotherapy Practice II (30 points)
  • PHTY703 Physiotherapy Practice III (30 points)

Career Opportunities

Physiotherapists can specialize in various areas, including:

• Acupuncture
• Cardiothoracic illness
• Hand therapy
• Health promotion and primary healthcare
• Manual therapy (including acute and chronic pain, injury, back and neck problems)
• Mental health
• Neurology (for spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis)
• Occupational health
• Older adults
• Paediatrics
• Sports

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Health Science
• Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational therapy)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology conjoint programs
• Postgraduate study options, including Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) and Master of Physiotherapy Practice.