Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
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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.
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.
We're moving to the Camperdown campus in 2021, and we've begun the transition. In some semesters, students may have classes at both the Cumberland and Camperdown campuses in 2019 and 2020. Classes will be timetabled to allow students with a standard enrolment pattern to come to a single campus each day, where possible.
For example, the following units of study will be taught at the Camperdown/ Darlington:
Year |
Units of study |
|
|---|---|---|
Year 1 |
BIOS1168 Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy A BIOS1170 Body Systems: Structure and Function HSBH1003 Health, Behaviour and Society |
Semester 1 |
BIOS1169 Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy B BIOS1171 Neuroscience |
Semester 2 |
|
Year 2 |
All units of study based at Cumberland campus |
Semester 1 and Semester 2 |
Year 3 |
Some elective units may be offered at Camperdown campus |
Semester 2 |
Year 4 |
Some elective units may be offered at Camperdown campus |
Semester 1 and Semester 2 |
For further information about unit of study teaching locations, please refer to the Health Sciences Handbook.
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.
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
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.
Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
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 so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. 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 a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
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 so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
