Adelaide University
Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy specialising in Sports
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Enhance your expertise in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Course overview
Ready to boost your skills in sports physiotherapy? The Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy, specialising in Sports, at the University of Adelaide covers crucial areas such as injury recovery, performance improvement and musculoskeletal care.
Take advanced topics, including sports-specific treatments and patient management—master techniques used by leading experts in the field. Explore cutting-edge pain theory and deepen your understanding of advanced sports physiotherapy.
More than just theory, clinical practice is a significant component of your studies. You’ll put your new skills to work in real-world settings, guided by experienced postgraduate qualified physiotherapists. This hands-on experience will give you the confidence to excel in your future career.
Key facts
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:
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Sports)
Entry requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate 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 (AQF level 7) degree, or equivalent professional entry level qualification, from a recognised higher education institution, in physiotherapy.
- A minimum 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
Your studies will mix hands-on experience, professional training and research-based learning to build your knowledge and skills, always keeping patient care at the centre of your practice.
Your studies will include courses such as:
- Allied Health Research Evidence Translation.
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1 and 2.
- Integrated Pain Sciences.
In the second semester, you'll explore current issues in Sports Physiotherapy, Strength and Conditioning and Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 1 and 2.
You’ll have different types of assessments, like practical exams, quizzes, presentations, online activities, clinical exams and assignments.
With supervised practice, you’ll improve your sports physiotherapy skills, setting you up for a rewarding career in the field.
When you graduate with this master’s degree, you’ll gain a competitive edge in your career and you can work towards becoming a recognised Sports Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Many of our graduates work in various sports, including Australian rules football, soccer, tennis, gymnastics and others.
Career outcomes
This program has been officially recognised by the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy National Professional Standards Committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. As a graduate, you can apply for titling as a Sports Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association, opening doors to prestigious careers in sports physiotherapy.
Whether you’re supporting an entire team or an individual athlete, your expertise will play a key role in their success and make a significant impact in the world of sports.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative total annual fee in 2026: $35,300 (domestic full-fee paying place).
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. The total cost of the program is displayed.
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.