Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Want a career in physiotherapy and already have an undergraduate degree? Study the Master of Physiotherapy Practice to develop the skills for registration as a New Zealand physiotherapist.
AUT’s Master of Physiotherapy Practice is a graduate-entry master's programme that covers real-life problems, clinical case scenarios, role plays, and simulations that incorporate e-learning and collaborative learning opportunities. Clinical placements will be embedded throughout the programme, giving you the chance to apply the theory you've learnt in practice.
The programme uses an active, student-centred approach to learning that helps students develop research skills, become life-long learners, and prepare them for work as a physiotherapist. After successfully completing the Master of Physiotherapy Practice, graduates will be able to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.
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Minimum entry requirements
- Must have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree with a B+ grade average (GPA 6) or higher in courses at level 7; or equivalent (relevant degrees may include one of the health sciences or exercise science or exercise physiology, human anatomy or human physiology, kinesiology, medical or biomedical sciences)
- Must be capable of meeting the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) requirements and Children's Act 2014, including police clearance
- Immunisations must be current as per the School of Clinical Sciences requirements schedule
- Must be able to travel to clinical placements
- 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
- Applicants may be required to attend a selection interview
- Admission is subject to the approval of the programme leader
International student entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher
Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in New Zealand will be required to meet IELTS requirements (see above).
The Master of Physiotherapy Practice is a full-time course of study that follows an extended academic calendar (end of January to the beginning of December). You are expected to be available 8am-5pm Monday to Friday and you should expect to study for an average of 40 hours per week. Timetabled classes are approximately 12-15 hours per week. Clinical experiences and placements will progress from one day a week to 5 days a week.
Most courses are taught at the AUT North Campus. Some courses or teaching opportunities are offered at the AUT South Campus or AUT Millennium. Clinical experiences can occur throughout Auckland or in regions outside of Auckland.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
You develop an understanding of general healthcare and health conditions in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You begin to learn clinical reasoning principles and evidence-based physiotherapeutic assessment and management techniques, and are introduced to the clinical environment with observational experiences.
Courses you take:
- HEAL863 Concepts of Altered Health (15 points)
- HEAL864 Contexts of Health Practice (15 points)
- PHTY802 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I* (15 points)
- PHTY803 Neurological Physiotherapy I* (15 points)
*Integrated clinical experience
Semester 2 courses
You develop an increasing range of assessment and management skills applicable to a wider range of patient populations, health needs and contexts. You’re introduced to research methodologies and approaches to interpret evidence and apply it to practice. Clinical experiences will now also include clinical practice opportunities.
Courses you take:
- PHTY804 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy I* (15 points)
- HEAL865 Health Research Design and Planning (15 points)
- PHTY805 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy II* (15 points)
- PHTY806 Neurological Physiotherapy II* (15 points)
*Integrated clinical experience
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
You develop a deeper understanding of the rehabilitation of disorders of respiration, movement and function, and learn how to undertake exercise-based rehabilitation. You also demonstrate and justify deeper clinical reasoning and research methods to your practice. You explore a topic and research area of interest with a supervisor, and expand your supervised clinical practice experience.
Courses you take:
- PHTY807 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy II* (15 points)
- PHTY808 Physiotherapy in Primary Care* (15 points)
- HEAL996 Dissertation (45 points) OR HEAL986 Research in Practice (45 points)
*Integrated clinical experience
Semester 2 courses
You refine your clinical practice skills in a wider range of clinical settings demonstrating more detailed assessment and advanced treatment strategies, together with an understanding of reflective, professional and ethical practice.
Courses you take:
- PHTY809 Physiotherapy across the continuum of care* (15 points)
- PHTY810 Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice (15 points)
- NURS844 Practical Leadership in Health Professional Practice (15 points)
*Integrated clinical experience
Master of Physiotherapy Practice career opportunities
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.
Many physiotherapists work privately, treating acute sport and accidental injuries, chronic pain, back and neck problems. They also work in rehabilitation for people after a stroke or head injury, improving fitness and quality of life for people with chronic heart and lung disease and working across the lifespan, from neonatal to the very elderly.
Some physiotherapists maintain a general practice. Other physiotherapists can focus their practice on:
- Acupuncture
- Cardiothoracic and respiratory health
- Hand therapy
- Health promotion and primary healthcare
- Leadership and management
- Musculoskeletal and manual therapy
- Mental health
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Occupational health
- Older adult health and wellness
- Paediatrics
- Pain management
- Pelvic health
- Sports
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Applications received after this date may not be considered.
This programme is not offered in 2024, and the next start date is likely to be 2025. The fees for 2025 haven't been set, but will be published here as soon as they're available.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.