Physiotherapy is a complementary healthcare profession that aims to restore or promote the normal physical functioning of the individual, as well as to rehabilitate individuals with injuries and those living with disabilities. Training is outcomes-based and problem-oriented. Physiotherapy students are exposed to a wide variety of patients, where they can use their examination and problem-solving skills to make a significant contribution to the health status of any patient. Physiotherapists who have qualified at the University of Pretoria are in demand in all sectors of healthcare worldwide.
The BPhysio programme requires four years of full-time study. Students are trained in exercise therapy, electrotherapy, massage therapy, musculoskeletal therapy and the education of patients to restore or promote their normal physical functioning.
Exercise therapy includes specialised techniques to strengthen muscles, mobilise stiff joints and facilitate normal movement patterns. Patients are taught coordinated and skilled movement patterns to render them as functional and independent as possible. Principles of treatment are applied to ptients with neurological problems and spinal cord injuries, as well as to sportsmen.
Electrotherapy modalities are used mainly to alleviate pain and swelling and to increase the blood supply in order to influence the pathological processes in the body. Soft tissue, such as muscle, skin and scar tissue, is mobilised during myofascial and trigger-point release to alleviate pain and muscular spasm, reduce swelling, improve circulation and soften scar tissue.
Musculoskeletal therapy is used to treat joint-related problems in the vertebral and peripheral joints. Pulmonary physiotherapy improves lung function. Rehabilitation is essential for returning function in neurologically impaired and sports patients.
Programme content
The first four years of study consist of theoretical, practical and clinical training in basic medical sciences and physiotherapy. An additional community service year, which does not form part of the university training, is compulsory.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Physiotherapists, academics and researchers
10138103
Transferring students (university experience)
Qualifications from countries other than South Africa
University of Pretoria website click here
Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
4 | D | 4 | D | 4 | D | 30 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
4 years, full-time.
As an international role-player focusing on healthcare in Africa, the vision of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria is to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service. Since its inception, it has grown to be one of the largest health training institutions in the country and boasts an undergraduate and postgraduate student corps of over 6 000.
Students who join this Faculty will be part of a new generation of health professionals. The Faculty’s training is outcomes-based and problem-orientated – a unique way of looking at patients and their health.
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