Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Overview

• How does this course compare to that in other states?
  • Whilst all courses differ from each other slightly, all graduates who are registered for practice in the State in which they attended their university course are eligible to apply for registration in other States around Australia and in New Zealand. Our course is nationally accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).
• How long is the course?
  • 4 years, full-time. 
• Is the course offered on a part-time basis?
  • No
• Can I study parts of this program off-campus?
  • No.  The mode of delivery for this course is entirely on-campus except for physiotherapy practicums which are undertaken off-campus.
• How many contact hours per week?
  • Approximately 20 hours per week.  Classes are normally scheduled between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Individual timetables will vary but students must be prepared to have some classes starting as early as 8:00 and some finishing as late as 6:00 pm.
• How many hours of study are expected outside of contact hours?
  • Students should expect to spend at least 20 hours per week on self-directed study.
• How tough is the course?
  • This is a difficult but intellectually stimulating course which will require a different approach from high school. The emphasis is on problem solving, but there is a whole new language to learn and a great amount of detailed factual knowledge to acquire.

Course Entry and Enrolment Requirements

• What is the ATAR cut-off?
  • In 2009 the UAI cut-off was 96.75 (this equates to an ATAR of 97.00). In 2008 and 2007 the UAI cut-off was 96.25
• Are there any pre-requisites for course admission?
  • No. However, assumed knowledge includes studies at HSC or tertiary level in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Successful applicants to the course who have not studied these subjects at HSC level are strongly encouraged to complete relevant bridging courses.
• I have already undertaken some tertiary study. What are the admission criteria for Non Year 12 Applicants?
  • If you have completed at least one full-time year (or part-time equivalent) or more in a qualification of a Bachelor degree or higher at a recognised provider, you are eligible to apply via UAC as a Non Year 12 Applicant. You must apply online using Apply-by-Web on UAC's website. Both your ATAR (or its equivalent) and your tertiary record are taken into account.
  A full-time year is 48 credit points at the University of Sydney, or its equivalent at another tertiary institution.
• I started a tertiary course but did not complete one full-time year of study (or the part-time equivalent).  How do I apply?
  • You apply via UAC as a Year 12 applicant on the basis of your ATAR only.
• I have completed a tertiary qualification. Do I have to complete any other requirements in addition to my UAC application?
  • No.  There is no requirement to complete a questionnaire or to undertake observational experience.
• My tertiary study is at a level lower than a Bachelor degree.  Am I eligible to apply as a non Year 12 applicant?
  • Yes.  Results in tertiary qualifications below the level of a Bachelor degree will also be considered for entry provided that the qualification is completed at a diploma or advanced diploma level and was accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at the time of completion.
• What should I do if my ATAR does not meet the cut-off for entry to physiotherapy?
  • If you enrol in another course, it is possible to apply for physiotherapy via UAC as a tertiary record holder (non Year 12 applicant). We would always recommend that you pick a course that you would be happy to remain with as a career choice.  If applying with a tertiary record a very good grade point average (GPA) is expected and entry is highly competitive.
    
  • You could also consider the graduate entry pathway i.e. the Master of Physiotherapy. To be eligible for admission to this program, you will first need to complete an undergraduate course in exercise science or human movement science. For example, at the University of Sydney these two course are deemed relevant: the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sports Science) and the Bachelor of Health Sciences with a Movement Science second major.
• Can you tell me the selection criteria for the Rural Student Entry Scheme?
  • The Faculty of Health Sciences has set aside places in each of its 2010 courses for prospective rural students who completed an Australian Year 12 examination in either 2008 or 2009 and who meet the selection criteria outlined below:
  • Your ATAR is not more than 5 points below the main round cut off mark for the year of application. Additionally all 2008 New South Wales HSC students (or equivalent) are eligible to apply if they:
    • have not completed one full-time year (or part-time equivalent) of tertiary study (Tertiary study refers to Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelors Degree or higher qualification recognised by the University of Sydney)
    • have completed at least the last four years of secondary education at a rural school (the definition of "rural" is detailed in the brochure)
    • have lived in a rural area for four of the last six years.
    • Rural Student Entry Scheme Brochure
• Are bridging programs available to assist students with meeting the required level of assumed knowledge?
  • Yes.  Bridging Courses, held in February each year, are recommended for undergraduate and postgraduate students who feel they have not attained the assumed knowledge for the course they are entering, or those who need to refresh their memory. Courses may be taken at the Cumberland campus and/or Camperdown campus.
  • Information on Bridging Courses
• Can I transfer from another undergraduate physiotherapy program into the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at the University of Sydney?
  • There is no such thing as a "transfer". If you are currently enrolled in a physiotherapy program in another institution, you must apply via UAC to be considered for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) as a non Year 12 applicant.
    
• If I have undertaken other relevant tertiary study, will I get recognition of prior learning?
  • At the University of Sydney, this is known as credit transfer. Assessment of your prior studies with a view to credit transfer, takes place after you have been admitted to the program at enrolment time. Unless the unit of study is exactly the same as one offered in our program, you will need to prepare a portfolio detailing the content of the units of study you have attained.
  • If your prior study was completed at a university institution, the maximum amount of credit that can be awarded in a four-year program is 75% of the total number of credit points. Even if you are coming from another physiotherapy program, it is not normal for a student to move from another program without having to pick up units from the previous year of study. This may mean that your course will be a year longer than you expected
  • If your prior study was completed at an institution other than a university, credit granted normally would not exceed one third of the overall award course.
  • You can review our program on-line in Chapter 15 of the Faculty of Health Sciences Handbook and compare the units of study you have completed with those in our program.
    
  • Information about the credit transfer process is available on the Faculty of Health Sciences website. 
• Can I defer my enrolment following an offer of admission?
  • If you are granted admission to our undergraduate course and you undertook the NSW Higher School Certificate, or its equivalent, in the preceding year, you will be permitted to defer enrolment for a maximum period of one year. You will need to make a written application to the Admissions Officer, University of Sydney by the specified date.
  • Deferment of enrolment will not normally be granted to enable an applicant to undertake another tertiary course.
  • Deferment of enrolment will not normally be granted to other students unless there have been extreme and unpredictable changes in circumstances since applying for the course. A request together with documentary evidence for special circumstances may be lodged in writing to the Manager, Student Central, Faculty of Health Sciences.
  • If you are an international student, you may be permitted to defer enrolment upon written application to the University of Sydney International Office and the approval of the course coordinator.
• If I am granted a deferment, do I have to apply again through UAC the following year?
  • Yes. Deferred applicants must reapply through UAC to take up their offers.

You may find related information here:

Information for Future International Students
Information for Future Domestic Students
Faculty of Health Sciences Handbook
Credit Transfer Process

Information about Classes and participation

•   Will I be required to remove my clothing for practical classes?
  • Yes.  Both male and female students alternate as models.  The model is often required to partially disrobe (down to swimwear/aerobic gear) for the purpose of carrying out examination and treatment procedures used by physiotherapists.
• What will science laboratory work involve?
  • The first half of the course involves a high proportion of biomedical sciences subjects including anatomy, which is centred on dissected human specimens.
• As a student, how do I practise physiotherapy techniques?
  • Physiotherapy is a physically demanding profession that requires the development of a range of precise observational and physical skills. Prospective students should be aware that they will be expected to carry out, and have carried out upon themselves as simulated patients, most of the examination and treatment procedures used by physiotherapists. Students practise these skills on each other in tutorial sessions under the supervision of a tutor who is a qualified physiotherapist.
• I am concerned about a condition I have which may interfere with my development of skills. Who can I discuss this with?
  • Prospective students who think they may have a condition (e.g. a chronic illness) or disability that may interfere with the development or practice of observational or physical skills should consult the Course Coordinator.
• What does clinical education involve and in what type of setting is it conducted?
  • Clinical education offers the undergraduate the chance to integrate academic subjects and clinical skills in a practical setting (eg: community, hospital, private practice). These units may be situated in public or private health care settings anywhere within NSW and may coincide with the inter-semester break periods.  At least one clinical practicum will be in a rural area and students are required to find their own accommodation. Students will spend between 35 and 40 hours per week whilst on clinical practicum.
• Will I need a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate? 
  • Yes. You must provide proof that you hold a current CPR certificate prior to your first clinical placement which is the Mentored Clinical Placement in Semester 1, Year 2.  You must maintain currency of your CPR certificate for the entirety of your program.
• Where can I find out more about Clinical Education?
  • Read the Discipline of Physiotherapy website and the information on Clinical Education in the Faculty of Health Sciences Handbook (Discipline of Physiotherapy chapter and the Clinical Education chapter.)
• I have to work to support myself through University, therefore, can I be exempt from rural clinical placements and can I alter my academic timetable schedule to suit work commitments?
  • No. Approval is rarely given for special consideration on the basis of work commitments.
• How much part-time work is considered reasonable while studying?
  • Many students manage a small amount of part-time work. However, this is a full time course and work commitments should not compromise your academic responsibilities.
• Are leave of absence requests granted automatically?
  • No. You would have to apply to the Course Coordinator stating reasons for requesting leave of absence.
• How much should I allow for textbooks?
  • $500 - $700.00 per year  Generally the Year 1 text books are the most expensive, there may be some second hand books posted for sale on notices boards.
• I have questions about Austudy?
  • Contact the Department of Social Security and the Commonwealth Employment Service.  Student Services would also have some information.  Centrelink-Student Services contact number is: 13 2490
• Is accommodation available?
  • There is limited on-campus accommodation. Yannadah offers rooms for 39 students.  Priority is given to Year 1 students living outside the greater metropolitan area.

  Career opportunities

  • What are some of the career opportunities and are jobs easy to get?
    • Examples include physiotherapy clinical practice, academia, administration, research and consultancy within the public and private health care sectors.
      
    • Generally a high percent of our graduating students find employment - you need to look around. Factors such as the state of the economy will affect job prospects.
  • What is the starting salary for a new graduate?
    • The full-time salary for 1st year physiotherapy graduates in NSW public hospitals is approximately $49,574 (plus superannuation) per annum (July 2009 rate).
  • Can I practise physiotherapy overseas once I have graduated?
    • In most cases yes - provided you register to practise physiotherapy in the country where you intend working. In some places you may be restricted to working for a limited amount of time and/or you may need to do an exam before commencing work. Language proficiency may also be a requirement in non-English speaking countries.
  •  What are the trends and future directions for physiotherapy?
    • Community based rehabilitation, need for specialisation.
  • Is there scope for specialisation (e.g. sports physiotherapy) at an undergraduate level?
    • No. All undergraduate students will complete the sequence of subjects for the undergraduate programs (pass and honours).
  • How do I become a Sports Physiotherapist and do I have to be good at sports?
    • You can specialise in sports physiotherapy at the postgraduate level or by experience.  You don't have to be good at sports to specialise in sports physiotherapy.
    
    Thinking about Further Studies in Physiotherapy?
    Postgraduate Courses on the Future Students Page