Degree Programme in Physiotherapy

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Physiotherapist, EQF 6

Contact Information

Head of Competence Area
Kirsi Mansikkamäki

Head of Degree Programme
Hannu Järvinen

Student Counsellor
Ina Grönlund

Special Admission Requirements

General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognised.
See TAMK’s credit transfer guidelines

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Completion of curriculum studies and achievement of related competence objectives.
Further information:
TAMK Degree Regulations
Ammattikorkeakoululaki ja asetus ammattikorkeakouluista

Profile of the Programme

The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.
Ammattikorkeakouluja koskevaa lainsäädäntöä

Key Learning Outcomes

During the first academic year, the physiotherapist degree programme focuses on the anatomy, movement, mobility and functional ability of a healthy person. Student will become familiar with the professional ethical principles and values of the health and social care sector and learn to act in accordance with them. During the academic year, student will gain experience in client encounter, client service and become familiar with the work of a physiotherapist. Student will acquire skills such as analysing and guiding basic movement, therapeutic exercise and the use of various other guidance and teaching methods. They will also learn the English language needed in the profession of physiotherapist.

During the second semester, student will be trained in the implementation of physiotherapy to adults. The course will include musculoskeletal, respiratory and circulatory diseases, neurological diseases and mental health challenges. Student will be introduced to a variety of health and rehabilitation settings during their professional development placements. In addition, the student will become familiar with the Swedish language required for the profession of physiotherapist. By the end of the academic year, the student will be able to use scientific evidence-based knowledge in the planning and implementation of physiotherapy in a guided manner. He/she will also be familiar with the social and health care system.

In the third year, student will study the specific issues of health and functional capacity of children and adolescents, as well as older people. By the end of the academic year, he/she will be able to plan and implement physiotherapy and assess its impact. Clinical reasoning will focus on the client and his/her reference groups. In addition, during the third semester, the student will learn about work-life skills and well-being at work. Students will complete two clinical practices. Physiotherapy students have the opportunity to go on a student exchange during the third or fourth year. In-house students will have opportunities for home internationalisation as exchange student tutors.

By the end of the studies, the student will have acquired the skills to carry out projects, for example by participating in projects. He/she has deepened his/her professional knowledge in his/her chosen specialised areas of physiotherapy, in particular through the thesis and optional studies. Student also acquired a wide range of language skills as an integral part of her professional identity. He/She has also become familiar with multidisciplinary management and development in the social and health care sector. In the fourth year, the student will also be equipped to work as a physiotherapy entrepreneur.

The courses are designed and implemented in cooperation with other degree programmes in the Tampere University community. Physiotherapy students also study in multidisciplinary groups. In addition, it is possible to choose rehabilitation studies from the joint course offerings of other universities of applied sciences.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

The graduating students have the skills needed for expert tasks in promoting health, functional ability and wellbeing of individuals and groups. Physiotherapy is evidence-based and physiotherapists work within legislation and the profession’s ethical principles. Physiotherapists work with different aged people in hospitals, health centres, research and rehabilitation centres, spas, private physiotherapy clinics as well as in different organisations, schools, as private practitioners as well as in different projects and marketing. They can operate in different professional situations also in English. Physiotherapists often work as a team member but are responsible for planning, acting, evaluating and developing their work.

Access to Further Studies

The degree gives eligibility for master’s degrees.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of study performances is based on TAMK’s assessment criteria
The detailed assessment criteria can be found in course implementation plans. The teaching and assessment methods are agreed on with students at the beginning of each course.
TAMK’s assessment criteria

Graduation Requirements

Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum.

Mode of Study

Physiotherapy has it’s basis in physiotherapy science. Studies in the degree programme consist of professional studies, Bachelor’s thesis and elective studies. Larger modules are divided into smaller study units. The knowledge of different subjects is integrated to develop student´s individual knowing. The programme contains 45 ects gredits worth of practical training in different clinics or other practice surroundings. The graduating student will be familiar with the principles of sustainable development in the work of a physiotherapist.

The professional growth process of each student is essential in physiotherapy education. It is based on the know-how the student already has before the education begins. The process varies individually depending on the learning environment and the social and cultural situation. The physiotherapy education is implemented according to the problem based learning (PBL) approach. The PBL pedagogy supports students´ information acquisition skills, personal knowledge creating skills, lifelong learning skills and skills for studying in a group.

Development of the Programme

The Ministry of Education and Culture’ definitions of policy and TAMK’s strategy have been considered in the curriculum.