Bachelor of Science

Physiotherapy

to the study programmes

Always in motion

More and more people are finding it difficult to move for a variety of reasons. Physiotherapists use manual techniques, individualised training, exercises and the use of aids to help restore or improve mobility. A huge relief for patients!

With this degree programme, you can combine vocational training as a physiotherapist with an academic bachelor's degree – twice as good!

  • ECTS: 210 ECTS
  • Programme duration: 7 semesters
  • Campus: Furtwangen, Freiburg Study Center
  • Faculty: Faculty III: Health, Medical & Life Sciences
  • Programme begins: winter semester (October), summer semester (March)
  • Application deadline: 15 July (winter semester), 15 January (summer semester)
  • Entry requirements: university entrance qualification, medical certificate, extended certificate of good conduct, proof of complete vaccination against the measles virus and proof of legally required vaccinations
  • Teaching language: German
  • Accreditation: yes
  • Really know what to do Physios examine, make a physiotherapeutic diagnosis, plan and implement individualised treatments and evaluate their results. Our graduates can do all of this on the basis of academic findings and their own professional experience.
  • Theory and practice Your courses will take place at the Freiburg Study Center and on the Furtwangen Campus. You will also work in practices and rehabilitation centers during the practical phases, which last several months.
  • Double qualification In seven semesters, you'll obtain the professional qualification, i.e. the license to work as a physio through the state examination, and a Bachelor of Science. Apart from the semester fees, this is free of charge for students from the EU!
  • Top prospects Your career prospects are excellent! Most physiotherapists have already secured a job before graduating. For example, in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics or physiotherapy practices. Get started right away!

Details of the programme

Programme content and structure

Abitur, and you're set!

The physiotherapy degree programme we offer belongs to the first group of "primary qualifying" bachelor's degree programmes. This means that you can obtain a professional license as a physiotherapist and a Bachelor of Science degree without prior vocational training. You study full-time and 1600 hours of practical training are integrated into the course.

By the way – we also offer the Internal link opens in the same window:"Physiotherapy Plus" programme for physiotherapists who already have a vocational qualification and want to gain an academic qualification!

Foundation courses

Your studies begin with the basics of anatomy and physiology as well as the first pathophysiological processes from the field of pathology. You'll learn your first physiotherapy techniques and practise them. In addition, we will familiarise you with the basics of scientific methods in your foundation courses.

Advanced courses

We deepen your knowledge – physiotherapy techniques are refined in practice and adapted to various clinical pictures. You'll learn about treatment from the assessment of findings to therapy planning and implementation through to evaluation. From the 3rd semester onwards, lessons alternate between HFU and various practice facilities.

Examination & graduation

In the sixth semester, you'll take the state examination to become a physiotherapist. This allows you to work in this profession in Germany. You complete your studies after the 7th semester with an academic paper, your bachelor's thesis. This gives you various choices – work? continue your studies? a path into research?

What's covered

Special features

university degree vs vocational training

You may be wondering how this relatively new degree programme differs from the previous vocational training. You study with us for 3.5 years (instead of three as in the vocational training), but in addition to the professional license, you also achieve the academic bachelor's degree. The only costs incurred are semester fees. The number of practical hours - 1600 - is the same for both paths.  During the course, we take a scientific look at the methods, techniques and skills of physios and also scrutinise them. We also offer you the exciting opportunity to do internships abroad. And once you have completed your bachelor's degree, the academic path is open to you,  i.e. to a master's degree or doctorate.

Your career prospects

Our graduates' success stories

You can see what you can achieve with a physiotherapy degree from the careers of our alumni.

 

 

“I chose to study physiotherapy because it offers me an ideal combination of a social profession, medical knowledge and practical work. I particularly appreciate working in a great team and the variety of activities that make my day-to-day work varied.”

Janna, graduated in 2024
Member of academic staff at HFU, active member of the professional association and physiotherapist in pediatrics

“I have a strong connection to movement and my own body through sport based on my own experiences with physios in competitive tennis. This is the reason I decided to study physiotherapy. I also find it enriching to accompany people for a little while on their journey through life to bring them closer to their goals.”

Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years' time?
“I see myself with the same passion as a physiotherapist, but with 10 years more experience. ;)”

Dennis, graduated 2022
Physiotherapist at SC Freiburg

“I decided to study physiotherapy because of my interest in how the human body works and in empowering people to help themselves.”

Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years' time?
“In 10 years, I see myself at the interface between science and practice, transferring patient-centered findings from research into practical application.”

Alexa, graduated 2021
Research assistant at HFU and doctoral student in the field of neurology

“I've always been fascinated by how the body works. I also wanted to pursue a profession where I work with people.”

Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years' time?
“My goal is to develop my therapeutic and professional skills so that I can help patients even better. I could also imagine expanding the practice and working with colleagues as part of a team.”

David, graduated 2020
Self-employed physiotherapist in Freiburg

“I love the diversity of the profession and the endless possibilities where you can pursue your interests.”

Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years' time?
“I can't yet say what I'll be doing in 10 years' time. I really like the variety between practical and scientific work. I would like to continue combining these two fields in the future.”

Julia, graduated 2020
Physiotherapist in orthopaedics, master's student in sports physiotherapy and cartilage specialist

Faculty III: Health, Medical & Life Sciences

Here you’ll be part of a future-oriented field of study that combines health, life sciences and social responsibility. The broad range of courses, from healthcare professions, medical research, natural sciences and health and risk management, provide you with a multitude of options! With your specialist knowledge, you will improve people's lives – our practice-oriented degree programmes will prepare you to actively contribute to a healthy and sustainable future.

Internal link opens in the same window:More about the Faculty III

HFU is one of the strongest research universities in the country. We have a dedicated research areas in the area of health, society and sustainability. Here you can find our Internal link opens in the same window:current research projects in this area.

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