Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
The Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy is specifically designed for students who are motivated to pursue advanced studies in the domain of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. The programme focusses on the scientific perspective and evidence-based practice in physiotherapy and comprises a balance between theoretical training and clinical practice.
During this programme, you deepen your role as a care provider, care manager and scientific researcher, and integrate it into practice. During your internships, you will become acquainted with a multitude of patients and conditions.
What to expect?
- 45 ECTS (1 year part-time bridging programme) + 120 ECTS-credits (2 year full-time master programme)
- Taught in English
- Organised by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Courses take place on Campus Drie Eiken
Bridging Programme
Students with a prior degree outside Belgium who wish to pursue the Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy must first complete a mandatory Bridging Programme (45 ECTS). This essential preparatory year is specifically designed to strengthen scientific research abilities and clinical skills — providing the solid foundation needed to succeed in the master’s programme. The programme is designed to bring a very diverse group of international physiotherapy students to the same level. You will not only have the opportunity to brush up on your scientific, anatomical, and physiotherapeutic knowledge, but also to get acquainted with our teaching methods, our educational system, and to learn from fellow students from all over the world. Finally, the aim of this program is to help international students integrate more effectively into our society and on campus, thanks to its part-time structure and an integrated basic Dutch course.
The Bridging Programme is delivered in English over one academic year and is offered on a part-time basis, with classes scheduled on two - and occasionally three - days per week. There is one intake each year, beginning in September.
Upon successful completion of the Bridging Programme, students are eligible to enroll in the two-year Master’s programme.
Master year 1: State-of-the-art lectures and skills training
The compulsory courses in the first master year (60 ECTS) will help you to integrate your existing knowledge within the field of Physiotherapy. Teaching methods vary from class contact teaching to individual tasks, group assignments and practical session in smaller groups.
During the spring semester, you will spend 12 weeks on clinical internships during which you will learn how to deal with a variety of patients and diseases within private practices or hospitals in Belgium or abroad.
You will conclude your first year with a Master’s thesis that is based on a systematic literature review.
Master year 2: Specialisation and Master’s thesis
In the second master year (60 ECTS) all courses are related to the field of your major:
- Neurological conditions: this major focusses on the theoretical aspects of advanced methods in neurological rehabilitation.
- Internal conditions: this major focusses on the theoretical aspects of advanced methods in rehabilitation of patients with respiratory, cardiovascular and/or metabolic disorders.
The specialised courses of the second year are organised in collaboration with other Flemish universities and thus include expertise from various top-class research groups.
You will also do clinical internships related to your major (13 weeks), write an evidence-based practice case report and finish your Master’s thesis. You will conduct scientific research (preferably in line with the thesis of year 1) within the domain of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, analyse data and publish the results as a scientific paper.