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

• Professionally accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements throughout the programme.
• Learn in modern physiotherapy laboratories and simulation facilities.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based clinical practice.
• Interprofessional learning alongside other health science students.
• Taught by experienced physiotherapists, clinicians and researchers.
• Excellent graduate employment opportunities in New Zealand and internationally.
• Opportunity to progress into postgraduate and research qualifications.
• Develop skills in rehabilitation, injury prevention, movement analysis and health promotion.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of 480 points completed over four years and integrates classroom learning with extensive clinical education.

Year 1

• Foundations of Health Science
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Movement
• Communication in Healthcare
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Practice

Year 2

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
• Exercise Science
• Clinical Skills
• Initial Clinical Placement

Year 3

• Advanced Physiotherapy Assessment
• Rehabilitation
• Research Methods
• Clinical Decision Making
• Professional Practice
• Extended Clinical Placements

Year 4

• Advanced Physiotherapy Practice
• Leadership in Healthcare
• Research Project
• Integrated Clinical Practice
• Final Professional Clinical Placements

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study topics including:

• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Human Movement
• Exercise Physiology
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Paediatric Physiotherapy
• Older Adult Rehabilitation
• Clinical Assessment
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Manual Therapy
• Research Methods
• Professional Ethics
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Promotion

Clinical Education

Clinical placements are a compulsory component of the programme.

Students gain practical experience in:

• Public hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Private physiotherapy clinics
• Community health services
• Sports medicine facilities
• Aged care settings
• Specialist rehabilitation services

Disciplines / Areas of Practice

Graduates develop expertise in:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
• Rehabilitation
• Community Physiotherapy
• Older Adult Care
• Paediatric Physiotherapy
• Health Promotion
• Clinical Exercise Therapy

Programme Highlights

• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Four-year, 480-point professional degree.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements.
• Modern physiotherapy laboratories and simulation facilities.
• Strong focus on evidence-based healthcare.
• Interprofessional education with other health disciplines.
• Excellent graduate employability.
• Eligible graduates can apply for professional registration in New Zealand and, subject to local registration requirements, may also meet preparatory education requirements for Australia.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Physiotherapist*
• Sports Physiotherapist
• Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
• Community Physiotherapist
• Hospital Physiotherapist
• Neurological Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
• Aged Care Physiotherapist
• Occupational Health Physiotherapist
• Private Practice Physiotherapist

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before commencing studies.

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

• Applications for the February 2026 intake are closed. The next advertised intake begins on 22 February 2027.
• The programme is accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Students must successfully complete all required clinical placements and meet academic and professional competency standards.
• Before clinical placements, students are typically required to complete compliance requirements such as police vetting, immunisation records, health screening, CPR certification and other placement-specific checks.
• Entry to the programme is competitive because of limited places and strong demand.