Masters (Coursework)
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.
International student entry requirements
English language requirementsApplicants 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).
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:
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 1Semester 1 coursesYou 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:
*Integrated clinical experience
Semester 2 coursesYou 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:
*Integrated clinical experience
Year 2Semester 1 coursesYou 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:
OR
*Integrated clinical experience
Semester 2 coursesYou 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:
*Integrated clinical experience