Blended Intensive Programme
Respiratory Physiotherapy in COPD-patients
As the name suggests, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is a combination of a short, physical mobility abroad with a mandatory virtual component. This innovative programme promotes online learning exchange and teamwork.
This international programme offers a unique learning experience in collaboration with students and lecturers from various European higher education institutions including:
- Alcoitão School of Health Sciences (Portugal)
- Blanquerna - Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain)
- University of Deusto (Spain)
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands)
- Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands)
- University of Antwerp (Belgium)
The aim of this course is to increase participants' awareness and knowledge in Respiratory Physiotherapy in order to capacitate them to incorporate evidence-based methodologies and strategies for an integrated therapeutic patient approach. The course is designed to help students to learn new models and strategies to have an integrated treatment approach for Respiratory problems in chronic respiratory patients, from acute phase till long term care.
What is the format?
Online track in February
The first phase will consist of three online sessions facilitated by one of the partner institutions. In the initial two sessions, participants will be introduced to core concepts in Respiratory Physiotherapy, with a particular focus on COPD care pathways. This phase aims to build a foundation for understanding diverse perspectives on therapeutic approaches across various clinical and care contexts.
Two online sessions of 1.5 hours each will be held on 3 February 2026 and on 10 February 2026 (9:00 AM). The timing of the third online session is yet to be determined.
Live week in Antwerp: five-day in-person program in March
From Monday 2 to Friday 6 March 2026, an interactive one-week course with expert teachers from across Europe will be organized in Antwerp to dig deeper into respiratory physiotherapy. Each day will be dedicated to key topics in COPD care management, including:
- acute intervention strategies
- long-term treatment approaches
- integrated care models
- patient self-management support.
Students will be organized into multinational groups to collaboratively develop proposals addressing practical challenges in COPD patient care discussed during the course. This phase will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and practical problem solving, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge of Respiratory Physiotherapy to relevant, real-world clinical scenarios. This will be held partly at the Stadscampus and partly at Campus Drie Eiken of the University of Antwerp.
The programme includes:
- Theoretical group sessions on cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
- Practical workshops with hands-on learning
- Sports and cultural activities to promote intercultural exchange and team spirit.
The full and detailed programme will be available soon.
Who can participate?
Students in rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy of all 6 partner universities can participate in this BIP.
- For students of the bridging programme of the UAntwerp participation in this BIP will count as an alternative fulfilment of the course ‘Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy’ (3 ECTS). The deadline to apply is 23 November 2025. More information is available on the student portal.
- Interested students of the partner institutions in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands should be nominated before 15 December 2025. Please liaise with the international coordinator of your programme for more information on the selection procedure.
We aim for a group of 20 to 30 participants.
What will the evaluation look like?
At the end of the week there is a group assignment with presentation and oral defense. An international jury will evaluate the assignment, presentation and oral defense.
All students will receive a Transcript of Records from the University of Antwerp indicating their grade.