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.
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.
International students
For detailed information on remote study options for international students in 2021 please read the section below titled 'Options for international students commencing remotely in 2021.'
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.
Key course details for 2021
In the first year of your candidature, the units of study BIOS1168, BIOS1170, HSBH1003 can be completed remotely in Semester 1, 2021 and the units of study BIOS1169 and BIOS1171 can be completed remotely in Semester 2, 2021.
All other units of study in the first year of your candidature include practical components that require you to undertake face to face learning either on campus in Sydney or at placement locations in Australia. Under the course rules, you must complete these units before you can start your second year of candidature.
Detailed information about your options for studying in 2021
Remote learning in 2022 is not possible due to the face to face learning requirements of your course. To continue with your studies in 2022, you would need to travel to Sydney by the beginning of Semester 1, 2022 to undertake part-time study in 2022. Due to the structure of your degree and required pre-requisites, you will need to undertake part-time study in Sydney in 2022 and Semester 1, 2023 to progress through your degree.
This means that your total course duration will be extended from four years to five years.
Alternatively, you may choose to commence your course remotely in 2021 by enrolling in the units listed above, and also enrolling in the remote unit of study EXSS3062 in Semester 2, 2021.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health intends to offer an opportunity to complete unit of study PHTY1023 in intensive mode starting in January 2022. You would need to be ready to start classes on campus on 10 January 2022 to complete this intensive unit of study that includes required face to face learning. You would then be able to proceed with full-time face to face study throughout 2022.
In order to progress to year three of your candidature on schedule in 2023, you would also need to complete unit of study PHTY2063 in the intensive November session (2022) or intensive February session (2023). These additional intensive study periods in 2022-2023 would enable you to catch up all face to face study requirements and so your total course duration will be four years.
If you are not able to enter Australia and be ready to start classes on campus on 10 January 2022, you would need to travel to Sydney by the beginning of Semester 1, 2022 to undertake part-time study in 2022 and in Semester 1, 2023 to progress through your degree. This means that your total course duration would be extended from four years to five years.
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.
