Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy specialising in Musculoskeletal

What you will study

Complete 48 units comprising:

• 36 units for all Core courses.
• 12 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations.

Core courses

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

• Strength and Conditioning
• Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 1
• Allied Health Research Evidence Translation
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2
• Integrated Pain Sciences

Specialisation courses

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

• Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Musculoskeletal)
• Advanced Scope Physiotherapy

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

• A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) degree, or equivalent professional entry level qualification, from a recognised higher education institution, in physiotherapy.
• A minimum of 10 months full-time (or equivalent part-time) physiotherapy practice in a relevant field following completion of the professional entry-level qualification.
• Met the requirements for eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist or limited registration under supervision with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Students must apply for limited registration after acceptance into the program.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

The Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy, specialising in Musculoskeletal, is hands-on and evidence-based.

You’ll develop the skills to thoroughly assess, problem-solve and manage treatment plans for a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and injury cases. By understanding the core contributors to pain and injury, you will gain the tools to handle complex situations. You’ll also sharpen your clinical reasoning by practising the thought processes that help to navigate complex pain and injury presentations, all within a biopsychosocial framework.

Your study topics will cover:

• Evidence-Based Practice
• Integrated Pain Sciences and Pain Science-informed Management
• Advanced musculoskeletal examination and management
• Strength and conditioning
• Advanced scope practice
• Clinical reasoning
• Management techniques covering exercise, manual therapy, psychologically-informed physiotherapy and education.

Clinical practice is a significant component of this degree. You’ll apply your new knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of postgraduate-qualified physiotherapists.

This degree involves working with patients and the public through fieldwork, clinical placements and on-campus sessions. Because of this, you are required to meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements, including a criminal history clearance, child-related employment clearance and immunisations.

Upon completing this degree, you'll need to register with the relevant national board to practice professionally. When you enrol, we'll work with you to notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and they'll assist you with the process of student registration.

Career outcomes

You’ll be equipped to pursue rewarding roles in a wide range of settings, including:

• Private Practice
• Clinics
• Sport and Exercise Services
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Hospitals
• Home and Community Services
• Disability Services
• Aged Care Facilities.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $35,300 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 credit points (normally 8 units) per year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.