IELTS Academic, IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 5.5). IELTS Online is also accepted.
Internet-based TOEFL, Score of 80 (writing 20) TOEFL iBT Home Edition is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes. The University of Otago TOEFL institution code is: 9483 (Please note we do not accept MyBest TOEFL scores).
Paper-based TOEFL, Score of 550 (TWE 4.5) The University of Otago TOEFL institution code is: 9483
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
Physiotherapists are health professionals essential to the rehabilitation and maintenance of optimal physical ability and healthy lifestyles.
They treat people of all ages and from all sorts of backgrounds – they might have a painful back, occupational work- related injury, cystic fibrosis, asthma, stroke, or have recently given birth or suffer from osteoarthritis or diabetes.
Patients could be recovering from an accident, a sporting injury, or may have undergone heart surgery.
Physiotherapists are educated to assess, treat, and prevent a wide range of physical limitations and dysfunction.
What is a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are educated to assess, treat, prevent and minimise risk for a wide range of physical limitations and bodily dysfunction. They use therapies such as exercises, manual and electrotherapeutic techniques to assist their patients to lead active and productive lives.
Applying new technologies, physiotherapists also empower their patients to take a more active role in their own rehabilitation and personal healthcare. This makes physiotherapy a very rewarding career.
The best physiotherapists are those with exceptional communication skills and a genuine desire to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of others.
What will I study?
The University of Otago Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) is a prestigious four-year programme. It is internationally renowned for excellence because its graduates are among the best, and because it ensures its clinical teaching and research programmes are continually refined and improved, to keep in step with leading edge physiotherapy practice and informed by the latest research.
The first year comprises the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) programme. This is a prescribed set of papers designed to provide a broad understanding of the scientific principles and communication skills which will underpin your further studies.
In the second year, the programme focuses on the scientific knowledge you will need as a physiotherapist, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and an introduction to physiotherapy science and clinical practice.
The third year builds on your understanding of the human body and introduces pathology and some of the broader issues encountered in practice, including management skills, and engagement with the community. Clinical practice is also a key element of the third year programme.
In the fourth (final) year, you will be based at one of the School’s clinical centres in Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington. You will spend the majority of the year undertaking supervised clinical practice around New Zealand. This means you will be able to sample many different fields of physiotherapy practice, and be better prepared to make decisions about your future career. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project.
More info: Click here
Fourth year
PHTY 468 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice for Honours
PHTY 469 Physiotherapy Research for Honours
Qualified physiotherapists help patients of all ages to lead independent, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The more we learn about how the human body operates, the greater the opportunities there are for qualified physiotherapists to practice and undertake research – throughout New Zealand and across the globe.
Physiotherapists are valued for their work in hospitals, aged care facilities, and rehabilitation centres and private practices. They are responsible for helping people maintain peak physical condition, as integral members of sports teams, fitness centres, and sports clinics.
Others find employment with schools or community care organisations, and many establish their own private practices.
A growing awareness of the importance of keeping workers healthy and productive in today’s workplaces has also created employment opportunities within large companies as occupational health and safety professionals and in the areas of health management and policy.
Health Insurance: 600 per year
