Course details

Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours (BPhty(Hons))
NZQF Level 8

About the course

The Otago Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours (BPhty(Hons)) degree is the honours version of our well established four-year programme, which is internationally renowned for excellence, given that its graduates are recognised as among the best in the field.

The academic year is from late February to November. The programme is of four years' duration with Years 2 to 4 being undertaken at the School of Physiotherapy. In the first year students take the Health Sciences First Year course and in the majority of cases students are selected from this year. Students are offered the opportunity to undertake honours (4th) year, based upon academic performance in Year 3 of the course.

Students who complete all the competencies of the four years of study are eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board. In addition, honours graduates are eligible to enrol directly for PhD studies upon completion of their degree.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.

Domestic students

You need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.

International students

Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.

English language requirements

All students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.

The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.

For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:

About the provider

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation. 

Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves. 

The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents. 

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