The University of British Columbia offers a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) degree through the Faculty of Medicine.

Useful links when using this course planning worksheet:

UBC Calendar
UBC Department Website
BC Transfer Guide
Langara Diagnostic Tests 

What is a Physical Therapist? Physical therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment related to movement. Common movement disorders result from impairment of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, respiratory or cardiovascular systems. Following assessment of their clients, physical therapists often use physical agents such as therapeutic exercise, heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to increase muscle strength and function, reduce pain, promote general health and fitness, and prevent disability. As specialists in movement dysfunction, physical therapists also provide expertise in human mobility, carefully analyzing gait patterns and prescribing treatment regimens or devices (such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs) to enable clients to move independently through their environments.

The MPT degree provides the professional education necessary to obtain a license to practice physical therapy.

Admission is competitive. To be eligible for admission, students must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Achieve the Minimum Academic Requirements as set out by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies
  • Completion of a recognized 4 year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any field
  • Completion of a minimum of 70 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience completed across no more than 2 facilities
  • Successful completion of the prerequisite requirements including Physics, English, Anatomy, Psychology, Statistics, and Human Physiology. Applicants are required to achieve a minimum of a B (72%) grade in each prerequisite course. For specific pre-requisite course requirements, please refer to UBC's website and the BC Transfer Guide for course transfer credits between Langara and UBC.
  • NOTE: Applicants who have completed a degree in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of English Competency at the time of application.

Admission to this program is extremely competitive. Due to limited staffing and the high number of applicants, unfortunately the Department of Physical Therapy cannot provide individual advising, either through email, phone, or in-person. Please thoroughly review the UBC Master of Physiotherapy website for all admissions related questions.

This course planning outline is created by the Langara College Counselling Department and is intended for use only as a guide. It is the students' responsibility to consult original sources to ensure accuracy.

Updated February 2020