Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

AUT offers one of the largest physiotherapy programmes in the Southern Hemisphere. Our physiotherapy graduates are recognised throughout the world for their knowledge and leadership in healthcare.

Physiotherapists help people improve their quality of life. As a physiotherapist you work with a wide range of people, helping them overcome physical problems due to ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Most New Zealand physiotherapists work privately, treating acute sport and accidental injuries, chronic pain, back and neck problems. You also find physiotherapists in most hospitals and general practices.

If you ever wondered how to become a physiotherapist, start with AUT's Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy). The programme has a strong focus on clinical practice, and you complete about 1,000 hours of clinical experience as part of your studies.

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Minimum entry requirements

If you have 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. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest level of academic achievement and/or evidence of accomplishments in the relevant field.

If you have qualifications from another country

See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.

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

English language requirements

Year 1

Semester 1 courses

In the first semester all students study the same four courses (HEAL504, HEAL505, HEAL506 and HEAL507) to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students. You can study these four courses at the North Campus, South Campus or online.

Instead of the course HEAL507 Health and Environment you can also study MAOH501 Hauora Māori and Environment, but do note that this is an on-campus course at the North or South Campus, and you’ll have to attend your classes in person.

Semester 2 courses

Year 2

You’re introduced to the management of abnormal function and physiotherapy assessment, including clinical reasoning principles, evidence-based practice and a range of physiotherapeutic techniques. You develop an understanding of the rehabilitation of disorders of movement and function, exercise-based rehabilitation and clinical science reasoning and research methods.

You could also spend one week observing physiotherapy in practice.

Semester 1 courses

Semester 2 courses

Year 3

You develop more specific assessment and treatment skills, and become familiar with a wider range of complex health issues. This requires more detailed assessment and advanced treatment strategies, together with an understanding of reflective, professional and ethical practice.

You’ll also be provided with a two-week student assistantship.

Semester 1 courses

Semester 2 courses

And one of

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 you complete the approximately 1,000 hours of supervised physiotherapy practice experience required for registration. You also complete the Research Project course.

Complete the following courses

Workplace experience in the physiotherapy degree

There is a strong focus on clinical practice, and you complete about 1,000 hours of clinical experience as part of your studies.

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

Study planner for this programme

Download our study planner to see what your studies could look like in the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy).

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) study planner

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Physiotherapists specialise in:

  • 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
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Physiotherapy Careers

David Lalor
David Cooper
Neil Tucker
Lakshmi Nambiar
Brett Crossan
Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3313
Level:
7
Points:
480
Duration:
4 years full-time
Campus:
North Campus
Starts:
3 Mar 2025

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$8,918 - $9,250 (for 120 points)
($7,726 - $8,058 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
International
$43,392 (for 120 points)
($42,200 tuition fees + $1,192 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.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.