Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Health Care
Become a physiotherapist with strong professional expertise and the ability to apply modern health and wellbeing technologies as part of evidence-based physiotherapy.
Develop hands-on skills to assess and enhance human movement, functional capacity and wellbeing through client-centred physiotherapy in modern learning environments.
Study in an international community and gain the competence to build a versatile career in physiotherapy, rehabilitation or entrepreneurship.
Next application periods
Rolling admission 15 November onwards
Joint application, 7 January –21 January 202.
Tuition fees & scholarships
Bachelor’s degrees 10 700 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
Full-time studies
Savonlinna
Degree titles
- Bachelor of Health Care
Shape Healthier Futures through Physiotherapy
After completing the degree, you will have the professional competence to work as a physiotherapist and rehabilitation professional in diverse healthcare, rehabilitation and wellbeing settings. You will be able to assess, examine and enhance human movement, work ability and functional capacity in a holistic, client-centred and safe manner.
You will be able to plan, implement and evaluate goal-oriented, evidence-based physiotherapy using appropriate physiotherapy methods and modern health and wellbeing technologies. You will support individuals and groups in taking an active role in their rehabilitation, health and everyday life, while considering their individual goals, resources and living environments.
As a physiotherapist, you will be prepared to work independently and as an expert in multidisciplinary teams and professional networks with people of different ages, backgrounds and functional abilities. You will also develop the competence to work in diverse and international environments, continuously develop your professional expertise and pursue different career paths, including entrepreneurship.
The language of instruction is English, but the degree also includes Finnish language studies. You will develop your Finnish language skills progressively throughout your studies and learn professional Finnish needed in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Finnish language skills will support you in client interactions and clinical training in Finnish physiotherapy and rehabilitation settings.
The programme is developed in cooperation with another Finnish university of applied sciences (LAB), further strengthening academic quality, applied research, and international career pathways in the field of health and wellbeing.
Combine clinical expertise, human-centred care and modern technologies to make a real difference in people’s lives.
- rehabilitation
- recovery
- functional capacity
- coaching
- exercise
- physical activity
- health promotion
- rehabilitation field
- anatomy, physiology and biomechanics
Why Study Physiotherapy at Xamk?
Explore Modern Wellbeing Technologies
Nature as a Learning Environment
Learn in Cooperation with Working Life
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Contents of the studies
At the beginning of your studies, you will learn about the structure and function of the human body and the fundamentals of human movement, health and functional capacity. You will learn to examine and assess movement, physical performance and functional capacity and to draw physiotherapeutic conclusions based on your observations and assessment results. You will also learn about pain and pain mechanisms and how pain can affect a person’s movement, functional capacity and everyday life.
Movement and therapeutic exercise are at the core of physiotherapy studies. You will learn to plan and guide goal-oriented exercise and to use a wide range of physiotherapy methods, including guidance and counselling, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques and physiotherapy methods for pain management. You will practise working with both individuals and groups and learn to utilise different environments, such as natural environments, as part of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. In addition, you will learn to utilise technology and digital solutions as part of the physiotherapy process.
As your studies progress, your clinical reasoning skills will strengthen and you will deepen your competence in physiotherapy with different client groups. You will study areas such as musculoskeletal, geriatric and neurological physiotherapy, physiotherapy with children and families, and physiotherapy in complex rehabilitation situations. You will learn to plan, implement and evaluate goal-oriented, client-centred and evidence-based physiotherapy while considering each client’s individual goals, resources and living environment.
Throughout your studies, you will also strengthen your competence in professional interaction, multidisciplinary collaboration, ethical practice, research and development, and entrepreneurship. You will learn to apply evidence-based knowledge and modern health and well-being technologies and to continuously develop your professional competence in evolving physiotherapy environments.
Complementary Competence
The degree includes 20 ECTS credits of complementary competence studies, allowing you to tailor your studies according to your interests and professional goals. Through complementary studies, you can deepen or broaden the core competence of the degree and build your individual professional competence profile.
You can choose studies, for example, from Xamk’s multidisciplinary study offering, studies within your own or other fields, and, where applicable, courses offered by other higher education institutions. Your choices are planned as part of your personal study plan.
In the English-taught Physiotherapy degree programme, you can also use complementary studies to further develop your Finnish language skills. Additional Finnish language studies can support you in client interactions and clinical training and strengthen your readiness to work as a physiotherapist in Finland.
Practical Training
The degree includes 75 ECTS credits of practical training:
- 35 ECTS credits take place on the Savonlinna campus in a variety of practical learning situations.
- 40 ECTS credits of clinical training in working-life settings outside the university. The clinical training periods are approximately six weeks in duration and take place during semesters 4–7. Training placements may be located in Savonlinna or elsewhere in Finland. Depending on the available opportunities, clinical training may also be undertaken in your home country, provided that a suitable placement meeting the learning objectives of the training is available.
Student stories and articles
We offer quality programmes and courses
Combine your studies and sports career at Xamk
The physiotherapy studies are full-time studies.
Implementation of studies
The studies are conducted in Savonlinna as full-time studies, with study days mainly from Monday to Friday.
Learning is practice-oriented, and theoretical knowledge is combined with hands-on learning from the very beginning of your studies.
You will study in diverse learning environments, including the Savonlinna campus, practical and simulated client situations, working-life settings, and the surrounding natural environment.
The studies utilise a wide range of teaching and learning methods, including practical exercises, demonstrations, simulations, collaborative learning, independent study, projects, and learning in authentic working-life environments.
Student-centred and interactive pedagogy encourages you to take an active role in developing your professional competence.
The duration of the studies is approximately 3.5 years.
Career opportunities for a physiotherapist
A degree in physiotherapy opens doors to versatile and international career opportunities.
After graduation, you can work in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, sports organisations, expert and development roles, or in research and innovation projects.
The programme provides strong readiness for entrepreneurship and establishing your own physiotherapy practice.
In addition, the degree offers excellent internationalisation opportunities through a wide global partner network, enabling student exchange and work placements abroad or in your home country.
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For international students
Study in Finland
Finnish higher education is renowned for its practical approach, critical thinking, and world-class teachers. At Xamk, you will learn through real-world projects and teamwork guided by industry experts.
Student life
Moving to a new country is a major step. From student tutors and integration teams to events organized by Student Union Kaakko, we ensure you feel at home and supported throughout your journey in Finland.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions
Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS).
Universities focus on scientific research and education based on it. Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, offer a pragmatic education that responds to working life needs.
Studies at a university of applied sciences (UAS) focus on professional and practical know-how and skills. The practical experience provided by UAS studies is highly appreciated in many jobs and duties. UAS Bachelor’s level studies also gives you the opportunity to apply for further studies, such as completing a UAS master’s level degree and continuing as far as a doctoral degree. Our bachelor’s degrees always include supervised practical training that gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt in theory into practice. You will become familiar with the duties of your own field in real working environments.
We have over 11 500 students, and we offer 9 Bachelor’s degree programmes in English, 2 Master’s degree programmes in English, open UAS courses, global talent acquisition programmes and summer school courses.
You can also apply for exchange or double degree studies at Xamk.
Are you interested in practical learning? Would you like to study in modern facilities with top-class teachers? Are you attracted to new ways of teaching and learning? If you said yes, Xamk might be just the place for you.
Top 5 reasons to choose Xamk:
1. Finnish education system is one of the best in the world.
2. Excellent programmes with working life orientation
3. Our campuses are located in beautiful Finnish towns close to nature.
4. Best student life – it’s your time to enjoy and create wonderful memories.
5. Responsibility is our strategic choice.
Xamk follows the BOYD policy (Bring Your Own Device) which means that students primarily use their own devices like laptops and smartphones in their studies.
Xamk provides students with recommendations for the required hardware for their studies, and students are responsible for acquiring the devices independently and at their own expense. Teaching is planned and implemented according to these hardware recommendations. In some programs where specialized software is needed that cannot be reasonably used on personal devices, part of the instruction is conducted in the computer labs on campus. Microsoft Office products are available to you for free for your studies.
At Xamk, we support students in all aspects of their studies. You will receive assistance in completing your studies, developing your skills, and maintaining your well-being and ability to study. Our entire staff is dedicated to supporting your well-being.
Support for learning and completing your studies: teachers, internship supervisors, student services, E-campus, and other support services.
Support for skill development and career planning: teachers, student advisors, student well-being specialists, and Xamk support services.
Support for well-being and study ability: study psychologists, student well-being specialists, special education teachers, student health services, tutors, Xamk Sports, the student union Kaakko, and school chaplains.
If you are wondering whether business administration studies are for you, you can familiarize yourself with the degree with the Open University of Applied Sciences’ Find your thing! course.
After completing the course:
- You will be able to identify your own strengths and interests in the field.
- You will be better able to assess the suitability of the field for you.
- You will understand what studying at a university of applied sciences requires.
- You will know about options for further study.
Campuses in 4 cities
Xamk’s campuses are located in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. Some degree programs are offered entirely online.
Get to know your own campus!
See also these
Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing
Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Tourism and Hospitality Business
Further information on studies
Contact Admission Services
Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.
Telephone service hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00
Degree education in Finnish:
- +358 44 702 8891
- +358 40 585 6610
Degree education in English:
- +358 40 585 6610
Would you like to visit us in person?
If you would like to visit the Admission Services office in Kouvola or Mikkeli campus in person, please book an appointment in advance by calling us during our telephone service hours.
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