Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
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In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
Some units of study and/or placements relating to this course cannot be delivered remotely or online for students commencing their study in Semester 1, 2021. You will be required to attend in-person on campus from Semester 2, 2021.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) will teach you how to assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems caused by a wide variety of joint, muscle and nerve disorders. You will also learn how to help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit and healthy body.
Learn through state-of-the-art simulations and practical experiences on how to employ a range of drug-free techniques to treat and prevent injuries. In addition to the high-profile sports side of physiotherapy, graduates also practice in roles that contribute significantly to the wider community, such as the management of neurological conditions, movement disorders, rehabilitation and recovery.
This course incorporates significant clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities, providing hands-on experience with real clients in a supervised environment.
There are no majors for this course.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate scholarship deadlines apply visit the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Application dates
Direct applicants:
Applications open - 15 March of the preceding year
Applications close - 31 January of the commencing year*
*Offers are made on a first come first serve basis. As places are limited, please note that we will close the online application early when the course is full.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships website for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (March)
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 simulated 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 will complete five practicum placements during the third and fourth year of the course. All candidates undertake at least one rural and/or regional placement.
Mandatory work component = 1,040 hours.
This translates to 40 hours per week.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Functional Musculoskeletal | Body Systems: Structure and Function | Health, Behaviour, and Society | Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice A |
| 2 | Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy B |
Neuroscience | Muscle Adaptations to Use and Disuse | Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice B | |
| 2 | 1 | Exercise Responses and Programming | Motor Control and Learning | PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions A | Preventative Health Care |
| 2 | PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions B | PT in Neurological Conditions A | PT in Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions A | Clinical Practicum A | |
| 3 | 1 | PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions C | PT in Neurological Conditions B | Paediatric Physiotherapy | PT in Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions B |
| 2 | Clinical Practicum B | Clinical Practicum C | Physiotherapy in Multisystem Problems | Elective | |
| 4 | 1 | Advanced Professional Practice A | Clinical Practicum D | Clinical Practicum E | Elective |
| 2 | Advanced Professional Practice B | Physiotherapy in Sports and Recreation | Clinical Practicum F | Elective | |
* Students enrolled in the honours program enrol in three specific honours units (A, B and C) in years three and four in lieu of the elective units.
Click Here to download a full copy of the sample study plan with electives.
Physics and chemistry. Mathematics is recommended and bridging courses are available.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) course does not have a guaranteed ATAR. The ATAR information provided is an indication only and the actual required ATAR for entry may be higher or lower depending on student demand and availability of places in the course each year.
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
The University of Sydney welcomes and encourages applications from students with disabilities, and from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Where there are physical, intellectual, cultural, religious or other factors that impact on a student’s ability to meet the inherent requirements, the University will make reasonable adjustments to assist the student to meet the requirements.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Students will 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. 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.
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.
This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as physiotherapists with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA), overseen by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
More information can be obtained from the Australian Physiotherapy Council.
Honours can broaden your career options and is your pathway to a higher degree by research in the health sciences. 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. You will study under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Honours is available in physiotherapy as an integrated pathway through the final three semesters of the degree. Students will receive an invitation from an academic coordinator to express their interest during the second semester of their second year.
Entry into honours is competitive and based on students' past academic performance. For more information about honours, see our honours website.
