Physiotherapy

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 30.3 k / Year(s) Deadline: Aug 15, 2025
51 place StudyQA ranking:13787 Duration:4 years

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The Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare as licensed physiotherapists. This degree combines rigorous academic coursework, practical clinical training, and research opportunities to equip graduates with the essential knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Throughout the program, students engage in both theoretical studies and hands-on clinical placements, enabling them to develop competency in patient management, rehabilitation techniques, and evidence-based practices. The curriculum covers core subjects in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, and pharmacology, providing a solid foundation for understanding the human body's structure and function. Specialized courses focus on physiotherapeutic methods for injury prevention, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and pediatric physiotherapy, among others. Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication skills, ethical practice, and professional responsibility to ensure graduates are well-prepared to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The program also encourages critical thinking and research literacy, allowing students to critically appraise the current evidence and contribute to advancing physiotherapy practice. Clinical placements are integrated throughout the course, offering real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations. Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and pursue careers as registered physiotherapists in hospitals, private practices, sports organizations, aged care facilities, and community health programs. The University of Sydney’s physiotherapy program is renowned for its academic excellence, strong industry connections, and commitment to fostering innovative and compassionate healthcare professionals. Students benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing health sciences and improving patient outcomes. By completing this degree, graduates are equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with the leadership skills essential for contributing to healthcare policy, education, and research in physiotherapy.

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session
Course BPHEASCI-02: Pass course; full-time, 3 years

Year 1

Semester 1

BIOL1003
Human Biology
6    A HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February).
N BIOL1500 or BIOL1903 or BIOL1993 or EDUH1016 


Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (in February) 
Semester 1
Summer Main
Or select any Junior Biology unit of study [6] from the Faculty of Science, Table 1.
HSBH1006
Foundations of Health Science
6      Semester 1
HSBH1008
Health Determinants and Interventions
6      Semester 1
PSYC1001
Psychology 1001
6      Semester 1
Summer Main
Or
PSYC1002
Psychology 1002
6   

This unit is also offered in the Sydney Summer School. For more information consult the web site: http://sydney.edu.au/summer/ 
Semester 2
Summer Main
SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS

Semester 2

HSBH1009
Health Care Resources and Systems
6      Semester 2
Select 18 credit points of electives.
Note: Students should refer to the requirements of their chosen second major, and the suggested study patterns available at Second Majors in the Bachelor of Health Sciences when selecting electives for the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS

Year 2

Semester 1

HSBH2007
Research Methods in Health
6    P HSBH1006 and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009 
N BACH2140 or HSBH1007 
Semester 1

Year 2 and 3

Students must complete the following units in Years 2 & 3 to complete first major in Health Sciences. In addition, students must complete the requirements of a chosen second major related to Health.

At least three of the following BHlthSci Senior units of study:

HSBH3001
Health and Indigenous Populations
6    P (HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009) or (BACH1161 or HSBH1003) OR (NURS1003)  Semester 1
Semester 2
HSBH3003
Health Service Strategy and Policy
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 2
HSBH3004
Health, Ethics and the Law
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 1
HSBH3009
International Health
6    P (HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009) or (BACH1161 or HSBH1003) 
N BACH3128 
Semester 2
HSBH3010
Health and Lifelong Disability
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 2
HSBH3011
Rural Health
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 1
HSBH3012
FHS Abroad
6    P Successful completion of all 1st year units in an undergraduate FHS degree 

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students interested in participating must obtain permission from their course director before enrolling in FHS Abroad. Some degrees require participants have a minimum credit average.
Semester 1
Semester 2
HSBH3015
Mental Health Rehabilitation
6    P (HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009) or (48 credit points of previous study with a miminum of 24 from Intermediate units of study) 
N OCCP2084 


Students must have completed at least 48 credit points to enrol in this UoS 
Semester 1
HSBH3022
Health Promotion: Principles and Practice
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 1
REHB3064
Alcohol and Drug Misuse Rehabilitation
6    P (HSBH1006, (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007), HSBH1008, HSBH1009) or 48 credit points of previous study.
N REHB3061 


Students must have completed 48 credit points to enrol in this unit 
Semester 1

At least one of the following BHlthSci Senior Research units of study:

HSBH3005
Evidence Based Health Care
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009  Semester 2
HSBH3018
Quantitative Research Methods in Health
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009 
N PSYC2012 or SCLG3603 


Bachelor of Health Sciences students must have completed 24 credit points of HSBH units for enrolment into this unit. All other students must have completed 48 credit points.
Semester 1
HSBH3019
Qualitative Research Methods in Health
6    P HSBH1006 and (HSBH1007 or HSBH2007) and HSBH1008 and HSBH1009 
N SCLG2602 or BACH4056 
Semester 2
HSBH3024
Designing a Research Project
6    P (HSBH1006 AND (HSBH1007 OR HSBH2007) AND HSBH1008 AND HSBH1009) OR ((BACH1161 OR HSBH1003) AND HSBH1007)  Semester 2

Second major related to Health

Units of study for the second major will be as required in the relevant table of units of study.
Note: For further information, including suggested study patterns for second majors please refer to Second Majors in the Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Elective units of study

Along with satisfying the requirements for the Health Sciences major, and a second major related to Health, students must complete enough electives to achieve 144 credit points for the award of the degree. Electives may be chosen from units of study available throughout the University, subject to approval, availability and minimum enrolment.
  • IELTS: A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 7.0 in each band
  • TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 592 overall including a minimum result of 5.0 in Writing TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 96 overall including a minimum result of 23 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 25 in Writing

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Sydney offers comprehensive information regarding the financing of its Physiotherapy program, although specific details are not always explicitly outlined on their official website. Typically, students enrolled in professional health programs such as Physiotherapy are advised to consider various funding options, including government loans, scholarships, and personal savings. Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for financial assistance through the Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which significantly reduces the tuition fees compared to full-fee paying students. Students benefiting from CSP are required to pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the unit of study and the level of the program. International students, on the other hand, pay full tuition fees, which are detailed on the university’s fee schedules and can be substantial, often necessitating individual financial planning or external scholarships.

The university offers a range of scholarships to support students financially, including those based on academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria such as Indigenous status or regional background. These scholarships can cover part or all of the tuition fees and may also provide additional financial support for living expenses or study materials. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government grants, private sponsorships, or education loans available from financial institutions.

The University of Sydney also provides guidance and resources for students seeking financial aid, including advice on applying for scholarships and managing study costs. Many students combine employment with their studies to support themselves financially during their degree. Additionally, some students may consider part-time work options facilitated by the university or the local community. International students are often advised to secure appropriate visas that may limit employment hours but still offer opportunities to work part-time within the legal restrictions.

Overall, financing the Physiotherapy program at the University of Sydney involves a combination of government support, scholarships, personal savings, and employment. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the university’s official website or contact the university’s student financial services for the most accurate and up-to-date information about fees, scholarships, and funding options to ensure they can adequately plan for their studies.

The University of Sydney offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy which provides students with comprehensive education and practical experience in the field of physiotherapy. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a rewarding career in healthcare, specializing in the assessment, treatment, and management of a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and other health conditions. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice, enabling students to develop skills in patient care, rehabilitation techniques, and injury prevention.

Students in the program undertake a series of coursework modules that cover anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pharmacology, and health sciences, alongside professional practice and ethics. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, encouraging students to critically evaluate research and integrate it into clinical decision-making. Throughout the course, students participate in numerous clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. These placements are designed to provide real-world experience, enhance clinical reasoning, and develop professional skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists.

The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as sports physiotherapy, pediatric physiotherapy, or neurological physiotherapy, depending on student interests and career goals. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including simulated clinical environments and access to modern equipment, to support practical training. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for accreditation with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which is necessary to practice as a registered physiotherapist in Australia.

In addition to coursework and clinical placements, the program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills, preparing students for the team-based nature of contemporary healthcare. The university fosters a research-active environment, encouraging students to engage in research projects and scholarly activities that contribute to advancements in physiotherapy practice.

The program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, with options for part-time study in some circumstances. Upon graduation, students will have a comprehensive understanding of human health, disease prevention, and treatment strategies in physiotherapy, positioning them for successful careers within the healthcare sector and opportunities for further postgraduate study. The University of Sydney's physiotherapy program is highly regarded nationally and internationally, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical service.

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