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Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems caused by a wide variety of joint, muscle and nerve disorders by using a range of drug-free techniques. The discipline includes joint mobilisation and manipulation; exercise for a variety of conditions including lung disorders, arthritis and stroke; electrophysical agents (such as hot packs, ice and interferential treatment); therapeutic exercises and stretches; breathing exercises and techniques. Physiotherapists also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.
People are usually drawn to the high profile sports side of physiotherapy. You, as a physiotherapist can also help people in the wider community. For instance, physiotherapy is applied in the management of a wide variety of conditions, including neurological illness such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, movement disorders in children, rehabilitation after major injury, and recovery following surgery and childbirth. It also plays a central role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as asthma.

Physiotherapists are trained to make a significant difference to the way people function in society. For example, they can assist people who have cystic fibrosis to breathe more easily and to manage their risk of lung disease, using exercise and lung clearance techniques.

Completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) enables you to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and practice as a physiotherapist.

Units of study

Units of Study overview

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total of 192 credit points to qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) degree. The profession of physiotherapy is physically demanding and requires the development of a range of precise physical skills for its practice. You will be expected to carry out and have carried out upon yourself as stimulated patients, examination and treatment procedures used by physiotherapists. You should be aware that such practical sessions may involve partial disrobing and that participation in these classes is a requirement of the course.

In addition to undertake physiotherapy units of study, you will study units in exercise and sport science, behavioural and community health sciences and biomedical sciences, particularly in first and second years. You are required to complete all first year units within two years and all first and second year units within four years. All candidates undertake at least one rural and/or regional placement. You will complete five practicum placements in three of the four five-week block placements in Semester 2 of third year, and two of the four five-week blocks in Semester 1 of fourth year.

Progression rules

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) requires the completion of 192 credit points. Attendance at all lectures and tutorials is expected for all units. Candidates of this course are required to complete all first year units within two years and all first and second year units within four years.

Course opportunities

Clinical education provides candidates with the opportunity to complement the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic segments of the course. This is achieved through the assessment and treatment of patients in clinical settings under the supervision and guidance of clinical educators. Candidates in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) undertake clinical placements in NSW Health facilities in the Sydney Metropolitan area, rural areas and or outer Sydney as well as private practices and community facilities. All candidates undertake at least one rural and/or regional placement. Candidates complete their five practicum placements in three of the four five-week block placements in Semester 2 of third year, and two of the four five-week blocks in Semester 1 of fourth year.

In addition, eligible candidates have the opportunity to take part in the FHS Abroad program which involves academic study and a four to six week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This 6 credit point elective unit of study is available to candidates in their senior years and offers a hands-on understanding of global health challenges in an overseas community through work with two well established Australian volunteer agencies.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) are qualified to work as physiotherapists. They can practice in a wide range of areas such as health care organisations, private practices, schools and community, sports and workplace settings. Some graduates work in health education and promotion to specific groups.

Course accreditation

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) are eligible to apply for registration as physiotherapists with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Further study

Outstanding candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the honours year after completion of the pass degree. Honours is your pathway to a higher degree by research in the health sciences. The groundbreaking research conducted by our faculty members has had, and continues to have, an enormous impact on the health and quality of life of local, national and global communities.

About honours

Eligible candidates can pursue their own research interests by undertaking honours study under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Admission to honours is by permission of the program coordinator after the completion of two and a half years, based on academic performance. You will complete core units of study in the first five semesters of the pass degree, followed by an alternative set of units of study in the remainder of the course to qualify for the award of the honours degree.

Honours study allows you to specialise in an area of personal interest, develop your research skills and make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge within the profession. For more information visit: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/future_students/undergraduate/honours

Admission

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

Assumed knowledge

Physics and chemistry. Recommended studies: mathematics. Bridging courses are available.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate/costs_scholarships/index.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.