Physiotherapy full-time & dual study in Germany: Comparison of all Bachelor's/Master's degrees from Hamburg to Munich

  • 27Academic Programs
  • 11On-Site
  • 7Dual
  • 6Part-time
  • 3Online
  • 20Bachelor
  • 7Master
 · Last updated 11.09.2023

Inhalt

Physiotherapy degree programmes leading to Bachelor's and Master's degrees are designed to improve the salary situation of physiotherapists and to supplement practical knowledge with scientific work, scientific thinking and theoretical knowledge.

A number of private universities offer full-time and dual study programmes in Physiotherapy and Osteopathy in all major cities in Germany. I present all the universities and the degree programmes here.

Overview of all Courses

We have a total of 27 courses in the field of Physiotherapy. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  7 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Idstein, Munich or Cologne
  •  German

IU International University of Applied Sciences

  • Distance learning program
  •  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Part-time program
  •  Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  4 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Part-time program
  •  Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  3 Semester
  •  Idstein, Cologne, Munich
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Dual studies
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Frankfurt am Main or Munich
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Part-time program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  4 Semester
  •  Idstein or Cologne
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Part-time program
  •  Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  4 Semester
  •  Idstein
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • Distance learning program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  3 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  6 Semester
  •  Brunswick
  •  German
  •  Chiropractic Diagnostics and Therapy, Medical and Biological Basics, Social Communication Skills, Scientific Work, Basic Courses: (Chiropractic as a Therapeutic Profession, Chiropractic Skills 1, Heal…

The Chiropractic degree programme at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the field of chiropractic medicine. During the course of study, students learn diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to treat musculoskeletal disorders and improve the well-being of their patients.

hochschule 21 - University of Applied Sciences

  • Dual studies
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  7 Semester
  •  Buxtehude
  •  German

Dresden International University

  • Dual studies
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Dresden
  •  German

SRH University of Applied Health Sciences

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  7 Semester
  •  Karlsruhe, Leverkusen, Stuttgart
  •  German

Dresden International University

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Dresden
  •  German
  •  2 Comments & Questions

Medical School Hamburg

  • Dual studies
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Hamburg
  •  German

Dresden International University

  • On-campus program
  •  Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  2 Semester
  •  Berlin
  •  German

Dresden International University

  • On-campus program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Berlin, Hamburg
  •  German

Dresden International University

  • On-campus program
  •  Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  2 Semester
  •  Dresden
  •  German

FHM University of Applied Sciences

  • Part-time program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  5 Semester
  •  Bamberg
  •  German

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences

  • Distance learning program
  •  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  8 Semester
  •  Hanover, Leipzig
  •  German

Which university is the best for physiotherapy studies?

Physiotherapy is offered as both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree at a comparatively large number of private universities. Unfortunately, I cannot answer the question of which university is the best for you at this point, but I will give you some hints on factors that should influence your decision for or against a particular university:

  • Where is the location of the university or in which cities are the degree programmes offered? Big cities like Berlin are exciting, but in small towns like Idstein or Gera you can study in a more focused way. Some universities also offer their degree programmes at several locations, such as the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences.
  • What does it cost to study? The price naturally plays an important role in the choice of study programme. Financing is easier with dual studies, where the practice partner may pay all or part of the tuition fees.
  • What are the contents of study? Get an exact overview of the respective study contents and specialisation options of individual study programmes. If possible, request the module handbook for your degree programme.

Here is a brief profile of the most important universities with Physiotherapy study programmes:

logo freseniusFresenius University of Applied Sciences: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences located in Idstein near Wiesbaden in Hesse. The history of the university dates back to 1848. With 12,991 enrolled students in the winter semester 2019/2020, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is the largest private attendance university in Germany. The university offers Physiotherapy study programmes both as campus study programmes in several cities in Germany and as part-time and dual study programmes. In addition, Osteopathy can also be studied at the university.

logo srh gesundheitSRH University of Applied Health Sciences: The SRH University of Applied Health Sciences is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences located in Gera/Thuringia. The university was founded in 2007, and a total of 1,241 students were enrolled at SRH Gera in the winter semester 2019/2020. In addition to Bachelor's programmes in Ergotherapy and Speech Therapy, the university offers a B.Sc. in Physiotherapy. Special feature: the Bachelor's degree is offered both as a training-integrated and training-accompanying degree programme, as well as full-time.

logo iubhIU International University of Applied Sciences: IU is a state-recognised, private university of applied sciences based in Erfurt with further campuses in numerous German cities. The university was founded in 1998, and in SS 2023 over 100,000 students were enrolled at IU, predominantly in one of the over 100 distance learning programmes. This makes IU the largest university in Germany. In the field of health & social sciences, IU offers a fast-track Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy, which can be completed in only 3 semesters full-time as a distance or online study programme.

logo diuDresden International University: DIU is an affiliated institute of Dresden University, i.e. a spin-off of Dresden State University. The private university was founded in 2003 as a continuing education university. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 2,189 students were enrolled at DIU. The university offers a dual Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy as well as Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Osteopathy and in Chiropractic.

logo mshMSH Medical School Hamburg: MSH is a private, state-recognised university located in Hamburg. It is a university of its own type - the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Art, Health and Social Science have the status of a university of applied sciences, while the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Human Sciences have the same status as a university. The university was founded in 2009, and a total of 3,023 students were enrolled at the university in WS 2019/2020. The MSH offers a dual Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy.

logo esabUniversity of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam: The University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam is a private, state-recognised university located in Potsdam near Berlin. The university was founded in 2009, and a total of 272 students were enrolled in the 2019/2020 winter semester. In addition to a degree programme in Health Sports & Prevention, the university also offers a dual Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy & Health Sports with a specialisation in physiotherapy.

logo ib hochschuleIB University of Health and Social Sciences: The IB University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Berlin. The university was founded in 2006; in WS 2019/2020, a total of 762 students were enrolled. In addition to degree programmes in Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, the university also offers a full-time degree programme in Physiotherapy.

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Study vs. training: dual study in Physiotherapy

What is actually better: training to become a state-certified physiotherapist or studying at a university? Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of training is therapeutic practice, which cannot be learned in a degree course. Nevertheless, there are narrow limits to the usual salary of trained physiotherapists.

Advantage of studying: Studying at a university offers the possibility to improve the salary situation. Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes also enrich therapists' practical experience and systematically teach students how to work and think scientifically.

A dual degree offers the best of both worlds: Practical & theoretical knowledge at an academic level. Dual degree programmes in Physiotherapy lead to a dual degree: students earn both state licensure in physiotherapy and a Bachelor's degree.

Here is the range of dual degree programmes in Physiotherapy at a glance:

CourseUniversityStudy siteDurationFees

Dual studies
Waldshut, Bamberg7 Semester

Dual studies
Frankfurt am Main or Munich8 Semesterfrom 26352 € total
from 549 € monthly

Dual studies
Dresden8 Semesterfrom 12720 € total
from 265 € monthly
from 1590 € Semester fee

Dual studies
Hamburg8 Semesterfrom 12600 € total
from 200 € monthly
from 1200 € Semester fee

Part-time program
Bamberg5 Semesterfrom 12740 € total
from 455 € monthly

Dual studies
Rostock7 Semesterfrom 16758 € total
from 399 € monthly
from 2394 € Semester fee

Dual studies
Neuss7 Semesterfrom 10500 € total
from 250 € monthly
from 1500 € Semester fee

Dual studies
Buxtehude7 Semesterfrom 18360 € total
from 430 € monthly
from 2580 € Semester fee

Distance learning: B.Sc. Physiotherapy in just 3 semesters at IU from home

For some time now, IU International University of Applied Sciences has been offering the Bachelor's distance learning programme in Physiotherapy, which is designed to lead to a Bachelor's degree in just 3 semesters. The study programme is aimed at trained physiotherapists. Through the recognition of the training, you shorten the study time to half the time, i.e. to 3 semesters. Optionally, the study programme can also be completed part-time in 4-6 semesters.

The prerequisite for admission is a higher education entrance qualification such as the Abitur and a completed training as a physiotherapist in accordance with the PhysTh-APrV.

The full-time study programme is structured as follows:

  • Semester 1: Health economics, introduction to scientific work, framework conditions of the health market, social history, philosophy, ethics, qualitative research methods, neuro- and pathophysiology in therapy - basics
  • Semester 2: Evidence-based practice, Clinical Reasoning, Collaborative working, Law in health care, Neuro- and pathophysiology in therapy - pain, Quality management in health care
  • Semester 3: Seminar: Special diseases, Leadership 4.0, Elective subject, Bachelor thesis

During the distance learning programme, students delve into a subject according to their interests. The following modules are available for selection: The therapeutic settlement, Didactics for therapists, Rehabilitation in physio­therapy, Prevention and health in physio­therapy.

Distance learning at IU means that students gain access to IU's online campus upon enrolment and can take their first modules there. There is no compulsory attendance, you work through the learning material using the study scripts, online tutorials and numerous other learning materials. Examinations can be taken at one of the many IU examination centres throughout Germany, or from home in the form of online examinations.

Studying Osteopathy: All study programmes at a glance

Osteopathy is an exciting field of therapy based in particular on the examination of the body through palpation. Study programmes in osteopathy are currently offered by 2 private universities: the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein, Munich and Cologne, and the Dresden International University in Berlin and Hamburg.

Here is an example of the study plan for the B.Sc. Osteopathy at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences:

  • Semester 1: Developmental principles, body - body I, diagnostics I, models of perception
  • Semester 2: Scientific method competence I, body - body II, diagnostics II, vitality
  • Semester 3: Pathophysiology and diagnostics/therapy, diagnostics and therapy, palpatory dimension of osteopathic action, findings-oriented action in osteopathy
  • Semester 4: Medical integration, models of regulation, visceral osteopathy
  • Semester 5: Psychiatric neurology, emergency management, palpatory integration, scientific methodological competence II
  • Semester 6: Osteopathic identity and professionalism, framework of professional action, differential diagnostics I, elective area
  • Semester 7: Practical clinical training
  • Semester 8: Differential Diagnostics II, Therapeutic Process, Bachelor's examination

The sixth semester is a practical semester in which students apply their acquired knowledge in the professional field. The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences works together with various cooperation partners here.

Here are all osteopathy study programmes at private universities at a glance:

CourseUniversityStudy siteDurationFees

On-campus program
Berlin, Hamburg8 Semesterfrom 29280 € total
from 610 € monthly

On-campus program
Berlin2 Semesterfrom 5976 € total
from 498 € monthly

On-campus program
Idstein, Munich or Cologne8 Semesterfrom 21204 € total
from 589 € monthly

Part-time program
Idstein, Cologne, Munich3 Semesterfrom 8550 € total
from 475 € monthly

Physiotherapy from Hamburg to Cologne: The best study cities at a glance

Physiotherapy degree programmes are offered in particular by the larger private universities in all major cities in Germany, but also in smaller towns such as Idstein, Neuss, Buxtehude, Bielefeld, Bamberg and Gera.

Here are the most interesting study cities for Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Physiotherapy at a glance:

Sort order: cost of living descending. Cost of living is an index of cost of living + rent. A cost of living index of 120 means that living in this city is 20% more expensive than living in New York City. Quality of life is the quality of life index, a combination of different indices. Details on the indices can be found at https://de.numbeo.com. Population density in inhabitants per km2
CityLiving­costsLiving­qualityPopulation­densityUniversities
Munich 66.53 176.16 4,736 Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Frankfurt/Main 59.05 172.67 3,067 Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Hamburg 56.32 162.48 2,447 MSH Medical School Hamburg
Heidelberg 55.11 - 1,484 SRH University Heidelberg
Berlin 54.18 160.49 4,115 IB University of Health and Social Sciences
Cologne 52.94 158.48 2,686 Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Dresden 47.30 - 1,695 Dresden International University
Idstein - - 314 Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
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