Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Physiotherapy

About the Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Physiotherapy double degree

Physiotherapy is a highly regarded profession and UWS has made it even more so by introducing a combined Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy degree. The UWS Physiotherapy program focuses strongly on the relationship between the therapist and the client.

UWS graduates not only know how to do their jobs technically, but also understand how to work with colleagues and patients, and have been prepared to take on responsibilities.

The first three years of the program result in a Bachelor of Health Science qualification. You will study core common subjects with other Health Science students and allied health students. Building a solid, broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields in this way will give you a deeper understanding of physiotherapy, help you to work in interdisciplinary teams and centres, and assist you in advising clients on treatment options. You will share your new knowledge and experiences with other students, and together gain professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high quality care. In these core subjects and in your studies of physiotherapy you will also develop a client focus, which is as much about the questions you ask as the way you interpret what you see, hear and read. The skills you will gain in communication and working with people will be valuable throughout your entire career and in your wider life.

Meanwhile, from the first semester of Year 1 you will start to take physiotherapy units. You will find the progression to the Masters component of the combined degree is seamless. The final year of the Bachelors program plus the Masters component of the program contains the majority of physiotherapy studies, developing students’ analytical and clinical skills. In addition, an extensive clinical education program provides practical experience in general and specialised areas of physiotherapy practice, giving you extensive hands on experience before graduating.

UWS is a leader in taking an evidence based approach to health sciences teaching, learning and research, to produce professionals who can truly help clients and communities to lead healthier, more productive lives. Independent learning, self-direction and experience in analysing and resolving problems will also help you to develop the skills and ability to pick up activities and run with them, an outcome that employers particularly appreciate in UWS graduates.

UWS has developed a highly flexible suite of health science courses. For example, if you find that you want to change to a different course, you can do this at the end of Year 1, provided you meet the set criteria. Also, if you enrol for the combined Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy but decide to leave at the end of the third year, assuming you have successfully completed all of the first three years, you can be awarded a Bachelor of Health Science (but be aware that you would have to re-apply to then re-enter the Masters program if you wish to do so at a later date).

Practical Experience

Practical and clinical experience commences in first and second years. In addition, students undertake five weeks of external clinical placements in third year and four placements of five weeks each during fourth year. They then return to the University for a final module that explores the lessons of the clinical experience for a professional career, focusing on professional, technical, industrial and legal topics and complex cases. Students may also gain experience at UWS’s onsite clinical training facility, the UniClinic.

All clinical placements will occur during normal working hours of the various clinical facilities. Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and related expenses during clinical placements.

A Career in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists have considerable autonomy within medical and healthcare professions, and having a Masters degree in this professional field will increase your standing and potential opportunities.

Physiotherapists work in private practices, aged care, private and public hospitals, workplaces, women’s health, schools, rehabilitation and chronic health management. Settings also include community based agencies, rural and regional healthcare providers, and working with athletes and sporting organisations. Patients range across the life-span, from birth to old age.

Graduates may also choose careers in research and teaching, or as consultants to industry and/or government bodies. Demand for physiotherapists is strong and the profession is highly rewarding.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.