University of Namibia

Bachelor Degree (Honours)

Introduction:

Physiotherapy profession is an important role player within the National Health Service. It provides services to individuals and populations enabling them to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout their lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, disease, disorders, other conditions or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.

Physiotherapists work and practice in a variety of settings ranging from home based care to community based rehabilitation programmes and outposts, primary care centres, education and research centres, fitness and exercise clubs or recreational facilities to clinical settings. Even among clinical settings the range remains wide including hospices, rehabilitation centres, outpatients and clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, occupational health centres, private offices and clinics. Other population settings for physiotherapy needs include prisons, schools, senior citizen
homes, workplace and sports centres.

Offered at:

Requirements:

Admission Requirements

To apply for the BPTY degree, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC certificate or in possession of a NSSC certificate or any other equivalent qualification with at least

• 30 points in five subjects on the UNAM scale with a grade B or better in ordinary level English or 32 points in five subjects on the UNAM scale with a grade C or better in ordinary level English

• A grade ‘’2’’ or better on higher level or a grade B or better on ordinary level for Mathematics and Physical Sciences (or 2 in Mathematics and 3 in Physical Science) or (2 in Physical Science and 3 in Mathematics), and a grade B or better on ordinary level for Biology/Life Science or a score of 3 or better on higher level (please refer to the scale used by the University to calculate the UNAM score);

OR

• Successful completion of the entire first year Science curriculum and must have passed each Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics module with a final mark of 55%

OR

• A candidate must have successfully completed a relevant degree program in Health Science.

(“relevant” means any degree requiring the same Grade 12 subjects as the BPTY)

Mature Entry: Candidates aspiring for admission to the BPTY through the Mature Age Entry Scheme must satisfy the following conditions:

1. They should be at least 25 years old on the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought

2. They should have successfully completed senior secondary education

3. They should have proof of at least five years related work experience.

4. They should pass the prescribed Mature Age Entry Test

5. They should have proof of at least five years related work experience (as determined by the School)

6. They should pass all papers of the prescribed Mature Age Entry Tests and obtain a minimum
   aggregate score of 55%

7. Candidates, who, in the opinion of the Faculty, merit further consideration, may be called for an oral interview before the final selection is made.

Essay Writing

An applicant can be required to submit an essay on a topic or topics determined by the Admissions Committee of the School of Medicine. (The main objective of an essay so demanded of an applicant, besides evaluating one's writing skills and ability of formulating thoughts, is to gauge the candidate’s potential as a health service provider to support the sick and disabled.).

Interviews

Eligible applicants shall normally be invited for interviews to be conducted by the Admissions Committee. Face to face interviews shall be conducted in order to assess the following attributes of the candidates:

1.  Academic standing: An interview shall seek to determine the candidate's academic competitiveness plus communication skills;

2. Extra-curricular activity: An interview shall also look into the candidate's records on extra-curricular activities and, if applicable, in job performances. Extra-curricular engagements in civic and community works shall be examined. Direct patient-care experience can be helpful but not essential.

3. General awareness and sense of values: A candidate's awareness of the community he/she lives in and thesense of values, sensitivities, and concerns he/she might have on social and cultural issues shall be assessed.

4. General physical/mental condition of the aspiring student: The candidates overall physical and mental status will be made without conducting a formal medical examination.

Meeting the above student admission criteria DOES NOT necessarily ensure admission. Admission is granted on merit based on availability of places on the programme and other conditions that may be determined from time to time.

Admissions Process Of The Mbchb Degree

• The closing date for applications will be 30 August with no provision for late applications

• Applicant will be informed by e-mail or telephone about the essay writing and interviews

• The final list of provisional admitted students will be available by the end of November

• Candidates can track their application status online by using their student number as reference

• A candidate who has reasonable grounds to appeal must do so in writing to the faculty officer on or before 30 November.

Duration of Studies:

The minimum duration for the Bachelor of Science Physiotherapy (BPTY) degrees is four years. The BPTY degrees must be completed within six (6) years of full-time study unless there is an exceptionally motivated reason.

Modules: