The Institute of Physiotherapy offers an internationally recognised, scientifically sound and practice-oriented bachelor degree programme as well as a postgraduate master degree programme.

Physiotherapists are specialists in the musculoskeletal system of the human body, its disorders and pain management. The three-year study programme in physiotherapy provides the necessary theoretical background and practical skills.

The MSc in Physiotherapy is a science-oriented postgraduate degree programme (following completion of the BSc). During the course, students expand their clinical expertise during their studies, deepen their knowledge of evidence-based physiotherapy and are trained in the application of research methods. They work in research teams and with our practice partners during their clinical placements, which enables them to network during their studies and to learn new approaches and perspectives from renowned lecturers from home and abroad.

Switzerland has a high demand for recognised, academic continuing education programmes. Our continuing education programmes are designed as part-time courses, which allow participants to continue to work in their profession and to implement their newly acquired know-how directly into practice so that clinical work is combined with up-to-date knowledge and scientifically tested methods and techniques.

Our continuing education courses are modular, which gives students more freedom to plan.

• A Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) corresponds to a total of 1800 study hours. It requires students to complete three Certificate of Advanced Studies courses (CAS) and to write a master thesis.
• A CAS is equivalent to 450 study hours and consists of three modules that can be attended individually and are later credited towards a CAS or MAS when enrolling in the programme.

The great advantage of this modular system is that it offers candidates maximum freedom of choice.

Physiotherapy focuses on physiotherapeutic diagnostics and treatment as well as physiotherapy in the context of healthcare. Our research priorities are physical activity, supply and implementation research, analysis in our movement laboratory, new technologies as well as research and educational research. The team consists of specialists in Physiotherapy, Movement Science and Sports Science, Psychology and Social Science, who have broad experience in practice and research at home and abroad to the benefit of our students in Physiotherapy and Movement Science, who are involved in projects while working on their master thesis or as student apprentices in a research team. Our clients and partners include public institutions, hospitals, practices and companies. We maintain cooperation with various ZHAW institutes, other Swiss universities of applied sciences as well as national and international universities.

The Institute of Physiotherapy offers a wide range of services for companies, public institutions and individuals.

• Statistical consulting service
  Support for researchers in research projects, from planning and implementation through evaluation and interpretation to the presentation of findings.
  Contact person: Jürgen Degenfellner
• Ergonomics at the workplace
  Analysis of the workplace, targeted ergonomic advice, optimisation of working behaviour and working conditions: tailored or standardised offers to meet your requirements.
  Contact person:Carolin Heitz
• Physiotherapy continuing education on-site
  We come to you in your practice!
  Continuing education opportunities for physiotherapists on-site.
  Contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Benz
• Mobile movement laboratory
  We come to you!
  Professional service in the fields of assessment, measurement and counselling of healthy and sick people of all age groups, directly on-site.
  Contact person: Dr. Eveline Graf

The Institute of Physiotherapy of the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is Switzerland’s largest physiotherapy institution for teaching, research and continuing education. We are committed to sustainable professionalization with our bachelor's and master's degree programs, research and development, and through academic continuing education.

The Institute of Physiotherapy applies the basic premise of a "Research and Teaching University"  to its 4-fold mission of bachelor and master of science teaching, research and development as well as continuing education and service provision. By optimally linking teaching and research, students are prepared for roles in clinical, research and teaching settings. Our goal is to develop and position physiotherapy in the healthcare and educational communities.

At the Institute of Physiotherapy, we have been working in a flexible self-organization based on holocracy since 2022. Responsibilities and accountabilities are transparently distributed along roles within subject areas. This promotes an agile working environment with flat hierarchies and enables each employee at the Institute to experience a high level of self-responsibility and decision-making authority with regard to his/her roles, while simultaneously helping to shape and change the organization. The spirit and purpose of the organization stands in the foreground.

The professionals trained at the Institute are in demand in the professional world. They are able to apply their broad clinical and scientifically-based expertise to the areas of rehabilitation, prevention, health promotion and research. Thanks to their high level of professional specialist capabilities, they assume responsibility as well as professional leadership. This directly benefits the well-being of patients and other interest groups.

Excellence in teaching, national and European harmonization as well as interprofessionalism and internationality are standard practice for us. The high level of networking with national and international organizations, such as associations, colleges, universities, research institutions, industry partners, practice institutions as well as health, education and professional policy bodies contributes to this.