• You will advance your knowledge, clinical expertise, and ability to use applied research methods.
• Internships will help you become familiar with new professional fields.
• Distinguished Swiss and international lecturers will provide you with different perspectives and new ways of thinking.
• You will become well-equipped to meet new healthcare challenges.
• A variety of professional opportunities will open up for you, including the opportunity to study for a doctorate (PhD).

This Master’s degree programme has a modular structure and is composed of five competence areas: clinical or non-clinical specialisation, advanced practice, research methodology, transfer modules, and a Master’s thesis. It is a part-time course of study consisting of six semesters worth 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. Professional employment of between 30 to 60 percent is recommended for an ideal combination of theory and practice. The Master's degree programme is carried out together with other specialist disciplines such as nursing or midwifery, thereby enhancing communication skills and understanding of the profession.

There are four clinical focus areas: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Physical Activity, Sports, and Paediatrics. These modules provide knowledge and practical skills in diagnostics, therapy, and the prevention of disease-related problems relevant to physiotherapy. The modules of the non-clinical focus area of professional development teach students how to develop and implement evidence-based physiotherapeutic treatment concepts, assessments, and interventions.

The advanced practice modules prepare students for their future role as advanced physiotherapy practitioners. You will also extend your knowledge and skills in communications, public relations, and counselling in various roles and settings.

The modules in this focus area provide in-depth knowledge of clinical research methods in a physiotherapeutic, medical, interdisciplinary, and professional context. You will work with our practice partners on research projects in the Research Ethics and Internship modules and complete a course on Good Clinical Practice.

The Transfer Module will allow you to choose between research, professional development, advanced practice and a clinical setting.

The Master’s thesis is an independent piece of scientific work which students complete either within an ongoing project or on a chosen topic. Based on a physiotherapy-related topic, they apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies. These Master’s theses should be presented at a conference and published in professional journals whenever possible.

The MSc combined with a focus on clinical practice is an important component for future advanced physiotherapy practitioners (APPs). All focus areas provide graduates with a broad range of prospects for new activities.

• In their capacity as physiotherapy experts (APPs), graduates can independently assess and treat complex clinical problems in a broad theoretical context and continue to work on them according to needs and requirements.
• As specialists, they make new, clinically relevant knowledge available to other practitioners by developing and implementing evidence-based clinical treatment concepts.
• Graduates can teach in undergraduate and continuing education programmes.
• They can do research and collaborate in the planning, acquisition, implementation, and publication of research projects.
• Finally, they can advance their academic career by earning a doctorate (PhD).

Students graduating from the MSc programme in Physiotherapy at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences earn the federally recognised title of “Master of Science UAS Zurich in Physiotherapy.” **Because the program is based on the Bologna Process, the MSc degree is recognised throughout Europe and promotes mobility on the job international market.

UAS = University of Applied Sciences and Arts

By completing the MSc programme, graduates are able to pursue an academic career: They can enrol in a PhD programme which opens up many opportunities for research and teaching. Many universities abroad offer PhDs; each country has its own entry criteria for applicants. In Switzerland, physiotherapists with an MSc are accepted in the PhD programmes of several universities, including the “Care and Rehabilitation Sciences” programme offered at the University of Zurich. This particular programme, which was created in 2008 and is offered in cooperation with ZHAW is open to all health studies graduates with a degree from a Swiss university of applied sciences. In this PhD programme, students hone and develop their research skills while conducting a comprehensive research project, during which they are supervised.