Frequently Asked Questions
1.) What qualifications do I need in order to be considered for entry into the postgraduate physiotherapy programme?
The minimum academic requirement to be considered for any of the physiotherapy postgraduate courses is a four year degree in Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy. Whilst individuals with a recognized three year Bachelor degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy/ Physical Therapy may be eligible for entry into the programme they may also be required to undertake additional papers depending on the qualification being sought.
In the case of international students only those individuals who achieved an overall grade of 65% or higher in their undergraduate Physiotherapy qualification are eligible for entry into our postgraduate programmes.
2.) Can I undertake postgraduate study if I am a recent Physiotherapy graduate?
As a physiotherapist, you are required to have a minimum of one year (full time equivalent) of post-qualification clinical experience to be considered eligible for entry into the postgraduate programmes endorsed in an area of clinical specialty (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Manipulative Physiotherapy, Neurorehabilitation, Sports Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Occupational Health Physiotherapy).
The only postgraduate qualification which does not have the requirement for a stipulated period of clinical experience is the Master of Physiotherapy (MPhty) thesis option.
3.) Do I have to be fully registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand to undertake any of your postgraduate courses?
Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) before they can commence study as a postgraduate student at the School of Physiotherapy.
International applicants who are Physiotherapists and seeking to undertake postgraduate study at the School of Physiotherapy are required to be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand under the Special Purpose Scope of Practice category. If the course is longer than one year you will need to apply to the Board for renewal of your practicing certificate. This will only allow you to undertake study in physiotherapy at a New Zealand School of Physiotherapy; it will not allow you to practice as a physiotherapist. You require registration with a General Scope of Practice in order to practice in New Zealand.
Applications for the Special Purpose Scope of Practice should be made to the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand on gaining written acceptance into the programme. Details can be obtained from the website (http://www.physioboard.org.nz/) Please note that students who do not meet the appropriate registration requirements by the time the academic semester begins will be prevented from commencing their programme.
4.) Can I enrol in a Postgraduate Certificate and then progress to a Diploma or Masters if I want to do more study.
Yes this is the preferred method of progressing from a Postgraduate Certificate to a Diploma and/or Masters level qualification. Each progression is subject to achieving adequate grades and meeting academic criteria and prerequisites for each programme of study. In this way it is possible for appropriately qualified physiotherapists to gradually work towards a Master of Physiotherapy.
5.) How do I find a research topic or supervisor if I want to complete a Masters by thesis or a PhD?
In the first instance please contact our Research Administrator (details below) with a copy of your C.V. and your area of interest.
For more information regarding postgraduate study, please email:
Nicola Clarke,
Student Administrator or
Dr Steve Tumilty,
Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies
For more information regarding postgraduate research study,
please email:
Emma Tumilty,
Research Administrator
