About the Programme
European and global standards of education in the field of physiotherapy emphasise the need for physiotherapists to be educated at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also essential that physiotherapists educated for teaching participate in the delivery of specialised professional subjects and clinical practice.
In accordance with the above, and following long-standing advocacy by the Chamber of Physiotherapists, a university graduate study programme has been established, enabling vertical educational progression.
The planned duration of the Graduate (Master’s) Study Programme is two years, corresponding to 120 ECTS credits. The programme includes 19 compulsory courses grouped into five modules.
During the first year of study, general compulsory courses are delivered, such as Measurement and Assessment of Pain, Approach to Persons with Disabilities, Rights and Obligations in Healthcare Professions, and Healthcare Management. In addition, the Scientific Research Methods module enables students to deepen their knowledge related to scientific research approaches.
Also in the first year, within the Psychological–Pedagogical module, students become familiar with pedagogical approaches and teaching skills.
In the second year, two modules are focused exclusively on acquiring additional skills in physiotherapy: Movement Analysis and Group Projects, where students gain additional knowledge and skills related to the locomotor system, as well as therapeutic treatments of neurological and cardiopulmonary diseases.
According to data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health, chronic non-communicable diseases such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases are continuously increasing.
During the study, students are required to select three elective courses from the offered list. Throughout the graduate programme, participants will acquire all the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the educational process.
The acquired knowledge and skills will also contribute to preparing students to introduce changes within the physiotherapy profession, with an emphasis on applying the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field, enabling them to achieve knowledge and skills comparable to their colleagues in the EU.
The study programme concludes with the preparation of a master’s thesis based on research.
Curriculum
Curriculum for the Academic Year 2025/2026
- Graduate (Master’s) Study Programme in Physiotherapy
Detailed Course Plans 2025/2026
First Year
Measurement and Assessment of Pain
Approach to Persons with Disabilities
Rights and Obligations in Healthcare Professions
Science and Society
Specific Features of Physiotherapy in Elderly Patients
Healthcare Management
Master’s Thesis Proposal
Medical Informatics
Advanced Statistics in Biomedicine and Healthcare
Contemporary Topics in Psychology
Pedagogical Aspects of Education
Didactics
Medical Teaching Skills
Frequency of Sports Injuries – elective
Dietetic Methods and Proper Nutrition – elective
Micro-entrepreneurship in Healthcare – elective
Wellness – Preventive Medicine – elective
Physiotherapy in Prosthetics and Orthotics – elective
Second Year
Biomechanics in Physiotherapy
Neurophysiology of Movement
Functional Diagnostics in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy of the Musculoskeletal System
Physiotherapy in Sports
Neurophysiotherapy
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Advances in the Treatment of Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases – elective
Physiotherapy in Intensive Care Units – elective
Physiotherapy – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – elective
Tendinopathies – Multidisciplinary Approach – elective
Physiotherapeutic Approach to Periprosthetic Infections – elective
Imaging Methods in Rheumatology – elective
Medical Services on the Open Market – elective
Phytotherapy in Paediatrics – elective
General Information
Name of the Programme
Graduate (Master’s) Study Programme in Physiotherapy
Head of the Programme
Assoc. Prof. Mirela Vučković, PhD
Institution and Provider
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies
Duration of Study
2 years
Qualification Awarded
Master of Physiotherapy
Abbreviation of the Academic Title
univ. mag. physio.