Master of Physiotherapy Practice (MPhysioPrac)
Master of Physiotherapy Practice concentrates on the New Zealand context and is viewed through Māori and Pacific health models. It explores health equity, health systems, and the social determinants of health.
Applications for the 2025 MPhysioPrac intake are currently closed.
Information on the next intake should be available in March 2024
Subject overview
Master of Physiotherapy Practice is anchored within the Department of Exercise Sciences and has connections to the Faculty of Medical Health Sciences. This unique positioning offers students a multidisciplinary approach to theory, practice, and research, and broad scope for specialisation. Students gain real-world experience and develop the skills to be healthcare leaders in New Zealand.
Learning and teaching is case-based and practical-oriented. Students work with internationally recognised academics to contribute to world-leading research and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies for research in human movement.
Students apply theory to real-world practice during 5, 5-week clinical practicums placed in Te Whatu Ora or private practice clinical settings, under supervision of registered physiotherapists. Students must pass academic courses prior to undertaking an associated clinical practicum.
By the end of the programme, students will have completed 900-1000 hours of clinical practice, and have a sound understanding of indigenous and ethnic models of health with cultural competency. They will have the skills to design and implement evidence-based interventions for their communities. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand with reciprocal agreement from the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
The programme maintains well-established partnerships for clinical experience, research, and employment opportunities. Some include:
- Auckland, Waitematā, Counties Manukau and Waikato Te Whatu Ora
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute
- Liggins Institute
- Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that applicants have an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. However, the programme is open to students with a relevant undergraduate degree in functional and structural anatomy, exercise physiology, and neuroanatomy.
The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately, with excellent interpersonal skills, will be critical to success. You can find more information about prerequisites by reading the information for applicants.
The MPhysioPrac is not recommended for people who hold an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy that enables them to apply to the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand for registration in the Scope of Practice – Physiotherapist (General Scope).
Where can Master of Physiotherapy Practice take you?
This is an alternative path to practising as a physiotherapist in New Zealand and Australia, and opens the door for stimulating research opportunities.