The Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) is an NZQF Level 8 honours qualification integrated into AUT's undergraduate physiotherapy programme. It enables academically outstanding students to graduate with an honours degree while completing the professional physiotherapy qualification.

Students undertake advanced physiotherapy coursework, extensive clinical education, research methodology training, and an independent honours research project under academic supervision.

The programme is accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand until 31 May 2031, and graduates meet the preparatory educational requirements for registration as physiotherapists in New Zealand and Australia (subject to registration requirements).

Why Study the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) at AUT?

• Gain both a professional physiotherapy qualification and an honours degree.
• Develop advanced clinical research and evidence-based practice skills.
• Learn from internationally recognised physiotherapy researchers.
• Complete an independent honours research project.
• Around 1,000 hours of supervised clinical education across the programme.
• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Excellent preparation for Master's, PhD and clinical research careers.
• Graduate with enhanced research, leadership and critical thinking skills valued by employers.

Programme Structure

Years 1 and 2

Students complete the standard Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) curriculum, including foundational health science and physiotherapy courses.

Year 3 – Semester 1

Students continue standard physiotherapy studies. Eligible high-achieving students are invited into the honours pathway.

Year 3 – Semester 2

Compulsory courses include:

• PHTY705 – Managing Complexity in the Acute Care Environment
• PHTY708 – Managing Complexity in the Community Environment
• PHTY812 – Physiotherapy Professional Practice and Research

Students also complete one research methods course:

• HEAL811 – Research Design and Methods, or
• HEAL865 – Health Research Design & Planning, or
• MAOH801 – M?ori Health Research Practice – Te Rangahau Hauora M?ori, or
• PUBH810 – Pacific Health Research and Design.

Year 4

Students complete:

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

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students develop advanced knowledge in:

• Acute Care Physiotherapy
• Community Physiotherapy
• Clinical Decision Making
• Professional Practice
• Evidence-Based Physiotherapy
• Research Design
• Health Research Methods
• M?ori Health Research
• Pacific Health Research
• Clinical Leadership
• Research Ethics
• Advanced Rehabilitation
• Independent Research Dissertation.

Disciplines / Areas of Focus

The honours programme focuses on advanced physiotherapy practice, including:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
• Community Rehabilitation
• Acute Care Physiotherapy
• Clinical Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Research
• Professional Leadership.

Programme Highlights

• Integrated honours qualification within the professional physiotherapy degree.
• Accredited until 31 May 2031 by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Around 1,000 hours of clinical education.
• Advanced physiotherapy research training.
• Dedicated honours dissertation.
• Small honours cohort with personalised supervision.
• Excellent preparation for postgraduate research degrees.
• Graduates satisfy the educational requirements for physiotherapy registration in New Zealand and Australia (subject to registration processes).

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers as:

• Registered Physiotherapist*
• Clinical Physiotherapist
• Sports Physiotherapist
• Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
• Community Physiotherapist
• Clinical Research Physiotherapist
• Hospital Physiotherapist
• Academic or Research Assistant
• Research Coordinator

The honours qualification also provides a strong pathway to:

• Master of Health Science
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Visa Requirements

International students must generally obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before beginning full-time study.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK4662.
• Starts: 12 July 2027.
• Entry is by invitation only after Semester 1 of Year 3 of the Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy).
• Applicants require a minimum B+ average across specified Level 6 and Level 7 physiotherapy courses.
• The programme includes the compulsory PHTY995 Physiotherapy Honours Research Project.
• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand until 31 May 2031.