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Physiotherapist working with client with mobility issues

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

HS1901

Course details

  • Feb 2025
  • Four years
  • Full-time
  • $8,508* per year + Additional Costs
  • Level 7
  • Hamilton City Campus
Please note that places on this programme are limited. Applications for our 2025 intake close Monday 19 August 2024.

Summary

Physiotherapists help restore movement, function and quality of life to people of all ages affected by injury, disability or health conditions.

The physiotherapy degree has been designed for those who are engaged with their community and have a commitment and interest in Māori and/or Pacific health. The programme provides students with the skills and knowledge to be work-ready physiotherapists who are culturally responsive and well-equipped to meet the needs of communities across the Midland region, in particular rural and remote communities.

How you will learn 

This physiotherapy programme is delivered through a blended learning approach that includes:

  • Face-to-face block courses,
  • a noho marae (overnight stay at the Wintec marae),
  • work-integrated learning and clinical placements,
  • support from online learning activities which can be completed off-campus.

This mode of delivery supports students to be able to continue to live in their own community without the requirement to relocate to study.

As a guide, students will need to complete at least 36 hours of study per week during both on-campus and off-campus weeks. Students will need reliable internet access and a device with a camera to enable them to participate in online learning activities during the off-campus weeks.

Compulsory block courses of face-to-face teaching at the Hamilton City Campus are a part of each year of study in this programme. Each on-campus block course runs for one or two weeks, and students are required to attend and participate for the full duration of these blocks. During off-campus weeks, students are required to attend scheduled online Zoom sessions, complete online learning activities and apply self-directed learning.

During this four-year programme, students also undertake five clinical practice modules where they will work full-time in a clinical setting under the supervision of practising physiotherapists. Some of these placements will take place near the student’s place of residence, while others will be completed outside of the student’s home area.

What you will learn

In Year 1, students will be introduced to biomedicine and social science, important cultural and professional concepts, and elementary physiotherapy knowledge and skills. Students will also be introduced to professional practice with embedded work-integrated learning experiences.  

Year 2 focuses on essential knowledge and skills across the three core clinical focus areas of physiotherapy practice (cardiorespiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal). There is an emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, and students are introduced to primary care physiotherapy in rural and Māori health settings, as well as to the clinical setting and the clinical role of a physiotherapist. Cultural and professional concepts are integrated with clinical knowledge using case-based learning.

Year 3 advances physiotherapy knowledge and skills in the core clinical focus areas for patients throughout the lifespan and across clinical settings such as community, acute care, rehabilitation and private practice. Clinical cases are more complex to develop higher-level reasoning, reflection and critical thinking, and students are introduced to rangahau and research methodologies. Students will undertake two clinical placements to apply their learnings into practice. 

In Year 4, students will either continue in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Level 7) programme or, if they have achieved a B+ average in Years 1–3, will have the option to complete the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (Level 8). Year 4 (for both the bachelor and honours option), consists of two rangahau or research modules, advanced and specialised areas of physiotherapy practice, and a transition to a new graduate practice module. Students will also complete two longer clinical placements that enable them to achieve the level of clinical practice competency required by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. 

View programme modules

Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.

Year 1 - Level 5 modules

Module codeModule nameLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
HSPT501Te Hīhiri515
 
HSPT502Movement Science I515
 
HSPT503Applied Musculoskeletal Anatomy515
 
HSPT504Human Anatomy and Physiology A515
 
HSPT505Professional and Interprofessional Practice515
 
HSPT506Human Anatomy and Physiology B515HSPT504
 
HSPT507Promoting Health and Wellness515  
HSPT508Movement Science II515  

Year 2 - Level 6 modules

Module codeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
HSPT601Te Mahara615HSPT501 
HSPT602Human Pathophysiology615HSPT504 & HSPT506 
HSPT603Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy615HSPT503 
HSPT604Exercise-based Physiotherapy615HSPT504 & HSPT506
 
HSPT605Neurological Physiotherapy615HSPT502 & HSPT508 
HSPT606Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy615HSPT502 & HSPT508 
HSPT607Primary Care for Rural and Hauora Practice615HSPT507 
HSPT608Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 1615HSPT603HSPT605 & HSPT606

Year 3 - Level 7 modules

Module codeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
HSPT701Te Wānanga715HSPT601 
HSPT702Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation715HSPT605 
HSPT703Advanced Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy715HSPT606 
HSPT704Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 2715HSPT608
 
HSPT705Physiotherapy Across Life Stages715HSPT607 & HSPT608
 
HSPT706Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy715HSPT603
 
HSPT707Rangahau and Research Methodology & Design715
 
HSPT708Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 3715HSPT702 & HSPT703 & HSPT704
 

Year 4 - Level 7 modules

Module codeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
HSPT741Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 4730HSPT706 & HSPT708 
HSPT742Specialist Physiotherapy Practice715HSPT702 & HSPT703 & HSPT706 
HSPT743Rangahau or Research Project A715HSPT707 
HSPT744Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 5730HSPT741
 
HSPT745Te Mātātupu715HSPT701 & HSPT741
 
HSPT746Rangahau or Research Project B715HSPT743
 

Year 4 - Level 8 modules

Module codeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
HSPT801Advanced Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 4830HSPT706 & HSPT708 
HSPT802Advanced and Specialist Physiotherapy Practice815HSPT702 & HSPT703 & HSPT706 
HSPT803Independent Rangahau or Research Project A815HSPT707 
HSPT804Advanced Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 5830HSPT801 
HSPT805Te Puawaitanga815HSPT701 & HSPT801 
HSPT806Independent Rangahau or Research Project B815HSPT803 

 

Career and further study opportunities

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. This will qualify graduates to work as physiotherapists in a range of physiotherapy-related roles in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Physiotherapists work across a range of clinical settings, from private practice to hospital environments, working alongside elite sports teams, and within organisations. Physiotherapists can specialise in areas such as:

  • Cardiorespiratory
  • Hand therapy
  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Health promotion 
  • Manipulative physiotherapy 
  • Mental health
  • Rehabilitation
  • Occupational health
  • Aged care or paediatrics
  • Research and academia
  • Animal Physiotherapy 

Graduates of this programme will be eligible to enter a postgraduate programme at Wintec or another educational institution.

Are you interested in other similar fields of study? 

Wintec offers programmes of study in many related fields, including occupational therapy, sport science, nursing, and midwifery.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) and clinical placements

Placements start in Semester 2 of Year 1, and continue throughout the duration of the programme.

Year 1, Semester 2: 30 hours part-time work-integrated learning clinical observation.
Year 2, Semester 1: 30 hours part-time work-integrated learning clinical observation.
Year 2, Semester 2: 3 weeks full-time clinical placement.
Year 3, Semester 1: 5 weeks full-time clinical placement.
Year 3, Semester 2: 5 weeks full-time clinical placement.
Year 4, Semester 1: 8 weeks full-time clinical placement.
Year 4, Semester 2: 8 weeks full-time clinical placement.

Health screening and vaccinations
At the start of the programme, you will be required to provide evidence of your immunity and vaccination status. Your own doctor/general practitioner will need to assess this. The doctor will need to complete the Wintec Immunisation Form, you can find this here. It is important that you bring the completed Immunisation Form with you on the first day.
Vaccinations are available from Wintec Health Services, phone 834 8869 or your Medical Practitioner/Medical Centre.

Cost: Up to $300 depending on provider and screening/vaccinations required. In addition, you may require follow-up screening or vaccinations. Annual flu vaccinations during the declared influenza season are also a requirement for undertaking clinical placement in the Waikato DHB (unless using an approved face mask). If you have any questions, please email us.   

Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placement outside of your home area
You will be required to pay for your own travel, parking, and accommodation when undertaking clinical placements. You will be required to undertake at least one clinical placement outside of your home area. You will need reliable transportation to and from your clinical placement. There may be scholarships available to support Māori and Pacific students with travel and accommodation expenses. Further details regarding scholarships will be made available once you have been offered a place in the programme.

Please note, that while you are on placement, you will need access to a computer and the internet so you can undertake assessment and communicate with your tutor. Refer here for information about parking on campus.

 

Frequently asked questions

What can I do to improve my chances of being selected for this programme?

Preference will be given to applicants who provide evidence in their application documentation that they meet key criteria.  Applicants should ensure the self-disclosure form has as much information as possible.

Include in your community engagement statement evidence of participation in activities that contribute to the hauora (health and wellbeing) of your community. Examples could include (but are not limited to):

  • The organisation of initiatives that encourage community participation in hauora activities,
  • beautification projects, for example, community gardens and/or murals,
  • marae, school and/or sporting club improvements and/or maintenance projects,
  • sport team coaching and/or club committee involvement
  • environmental projects and activities, for example, waterway clean-ups and native vegetation restoration,
  • involvement in the community such as teams, events, activities, groups, Kapa Haka or youth groups, and
  • volunteer work in your community.

I have been accepted into the programme, what happens next?

If you have been accepted, you will be sent an enrolment offer letter and will need to accept this offer within a given timeframe to confirm your place on the programme. If you do not accept the offer by the due date advised in your offer letter, your place will be offered to another applicant.

Click here to find out more about enrolment and accepting your offer. 

You will need a current First Aid Certificate (NZQA units 6400, 6401 and 6402); if you don’t have one, you’ll need to complete this within the first six months of the programme.

At the start of the programme, you’ll need to provide evidence of your immunity and vaccination status. Please have your doctor complete the Wintec Immunisation Form.

During your induction, you will be required to complete safety checks to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. You can find out more about the safety check process and the Vulnerable Children Act here. 

For further information and to help prepare for your first day of study, check out the Your first day tab.

Are transfers of credit available on the programme?

Yes, transfers of credit can be applied for. Applications for a formal transfer of credit are only considered after a student has been accepted to the programme. Once accepted onto the programme, students should refer to the programme regulations for information and the forms page for the Application for Transfer of Credit - External or Application for Transfer of Credit - Internal forms. Applications for transfer of credit must be submitted to the Student Enrolment and Information Centre before the start date of the programme.

Please note, transfers of credit are not available for placement modules and not normally available for Level 7 and 8 modules.

Can I contact my tutors on off-campus weeks?

Yes. Tutors, the programme kaiāwhina, and all of the Wintec support services are available to assist you throughout your study.

Tutors are in contact with students throughout each module, for on-campus and off-campus weeks. Students can also contact tutors to arrange appointments, as required.

How does online delivery work?

In the weeks between block courses, there are timetabled sessions where students are expected to log-on and join in for online lessons via Zoom, or complete online activities via Moodle or KuraCloud.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

General academic admission

a) Candidates are required to have:
  i. University Entrance (UE) or equivalent is the minimum requirement to enter the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme. To qualify for University Entrance candidates need NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:
    (1) 14 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects, and
    (2) Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
    (3) Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above); or
  ii. A relevant level 4 qualification; or
  iii. Equivalent.

b) Candidates who have studied on a Physiotherapy Degree programme at another institution will need to meet the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme entry requirements or equivalent.

c) Applicants who have completed an approved foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme in Health at Level 4, with 65% or higher in all modules will be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme.

UE 2020

Applicants who achieved University Entrance through NCEA in 2020 will be assessed under separate NZQA entry requirements that take into account the impacts of COVID-19. Candidates are required to have:

  • University Entrance (UE) or equivalent is the minimum requirement to enter the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme.  To qualify for University Entrance candidates NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:
    • 12 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and
    • UE Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
    • UE Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above).

Special admission

Domestic applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the General Admission or entry requirements for a programme but whose skills, education or work experience indicate that they have a reasonable chance of success may be eligible for Special Admission. Special Admission will be granted at the discretion of the Head of Physiotherapy/Center Director or designated nominee. Such applicants may be required to successfully complete a foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme as a condition of entry into higher-level programmes.

Selection criteria

a) Candidates will be required to provide a record of prior qualifications, employment history, work experience, and one written reference (forms provided) and may be required to attend a selection interview/hui.

b) Selection of students into the programme will be determined on the basis of:
  i. Academic ability, as demonstrated in previous education,
  ii. Community engagement (evidenced by support from their community), and
  iii. Commitment to Māori and Pacific health.

Candidates may also be required to provide additional information and/or attend an interview in order for their application to be assessed.

c) All candidates are required to:
  i. Complete the standard Wintec application form,
  ii. Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions,
  iii. Complete a self-declaration of mental and physical condition.

d) Candidates are required in their application to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence. Candidates should be aware that, under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act (2003)), some types of criminal conviction may result in the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand refusing to allow a person to register as a Physiotherapist. Similarly, some types of criminal conviction may result in difficulty to obtain a clinical practice placement and therefore meet the requirements to pass the programme.

e) Candidates are required in their application to indicate whether they have had a mental and/or physical condition that may prevent them entering the Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Candidates should be aware that, under the HPCA Act (2003), some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand being unable to register a person as a Physiotherapist.

Clinical practice requirements

a) Before undertaking clinical practice within the programme, candidates will be required to provide a written health and immunity status assessment from their health practitioner.

b) Candidates must hold a current First Aid Certificate prior to undertaking any clinical practice module in the programme.

Safety check requirements

In order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014 and Child Protection Policies for all ‘specified organisations’ providing a ‘regulated service’, all candidates/students will be subjected to safety checks. These will include, but are not limited to;
  (1) Referee Checks,
  (2) A Police Vet Check,
  (3) A Risk Assessment.

Any unsatisfactory result arising from the full safety checking process may result in the candidate/student being precluded/declined entry or withdrawn from the programme of study. Furthermore, students must declare any pending or new convictions arising during any stage throughout the entire enrolment period. A conviction or failure to declare a conviction may also result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the programme. Persons who are convicted of ‘specified offences’ will not be accepted onto any programme that requires that person to work in an organisation providing a regulated service.

English language requirements

a) Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with no individual band score lower than 6.5.

Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) programme is only available to students that have completed years 1-3 of the Wintec Bachelor of Physiotherapy and achieved a B+ average in years 1-3 of the programme.
Don't meet the entry criteria?

Pathways

To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

Your first day

Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.

Whakatauki | Proverb
Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu. Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly.

Semester 1 2024
Date: Monday 19 February 2024
Time: 8.30am
Venue: Events Room 1,  City Campus

Returning students
Your programme induction is included in your timetableClinical placement information will be provided closer to your start date by your clinical placement coordinator.

What you will need

Please bring a pen and paper with you on your first day.

You will also need to bring your Student ID Number, login, and password details.

If you have a laptop or smart device that you will be using during your study, please also bring this with you.

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - payment and permits may be required. The Gardens Campus has free parking available. Learn more about parking and find out about bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Find all course-related additional costs for physiotherapy here.

Additional information

Vulnerable Children Act Requirements

Please note, during your induction, you will be required to complete a safety check to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014. The safety check may include a referee check, a police vetting check, a risk assessment. Any unsatisfactory result arising from the safety check may result in you being withdrawn from the programme. 

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    Prospectus (course guide)

    The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

    Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

    The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

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