Known for its world-leading undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, the Physiotherapy department is part of health sciences at AUT. The department is one of the largest in the world, and is supported by internationally recognised academic staff and world-renowned research centres.
Our physiotherapy qualifications range from bachelor’s to master’s and doctoral level, and include options for postgraduate study in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, acupuncture, rehabilitation, mental health, older adults health and wellness, child health, health professional education, and leadership and management.
Undergraduate courses
Undergraduate study in physiotherapy will give you a solid grounding in this area.
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
- Graduate Certificate in Health Science
- Graduate Diploma in Health Science
Postgraduate courses
AUT offers a range of postgraduate qualifications you can study to advance your career or help start a new one. Your postgraduate study can be research focused, course-work based, or a combination of both with opportunity to pursue research in your chosen area of specialisation.
We offer postgraduate study options accommodating both full-time and part-time students, with papers featuring flexible learning options which may include online, block course or distance learning.
The Physiotherapy department offers a range of study options in the following areas:
Acupuncture programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Acupuncture
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Acupuncture
- Master of Health Practice in Acupuncture
- Master of Health Science
Child health programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Child Health
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Child Health
- Master of Health Practice in Child Health
- Master of Health Science
Health professional education programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Health Professional Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Health Professional Education
- Master of Health Science
Leadership and management programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Leadership and Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Leadership and Management
Mental health and addictions programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions
- Master of Health Practice in Mental Health and Addictions
- Master of Health Science
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
- Master of Health Practice
- Master of Health Science
Older adult: health and wellness programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Older Adult Health and Wellness
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Older Adult Health and Wellness
- Master of Health Science
Rehabilitation programmes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Rehabilitation
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Rehabilitation
- Master of Health Practice
- Master of Health Science
Other postgraduate programmes
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Health Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
AUT offers one of the largest physiotherapy programmes in the Southern Hemisphere. Our physiotherapy graduates are recognised throughout the world for their knowledge and leadership in healthcare.
Physiotherapists help people improve their quality of life. 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. Most New Zealand physiotherapists work privately, treating acute sport and accidental injuries, chronic pain, back and neck problems. You also find physiotherapists in most hospitals and general practices.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) has a strong focus on clinical practice, and you complete about 1,000 hours of clinical experience as part of your studies.
Minimum entry requirements
- University Entrance or equivalent
- Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) requirements and Children’s Act 2014, including police clearance
Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
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.
International student entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher