Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry)

What you will study

Complete 96 units comprising:

• 54 units for all Core courses
• 42 units for all Work integrated learning

Core courses

Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:

• Physiotherapy Professional Practice
• Pain Science
• Evidence Informed Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy
• Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy 12 credit points)
• Musculoskeletal Skills in Physiotherapy (12 credit points)
• Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy (12 credit points)

Work integrated learning

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

• Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice
• Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy Practice with Children and Families
• Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy (12 credit points)
• Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice
• Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation

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 higher from a recognised higher education institution in one of the approved Fields of Education with a highly competitive GPA.
• Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years.*

On a case-by-case basis, the Program Director may consider applicants whose prerequisites were completed more than 10 years ago, provided they have relevant and recent work experience.

Approved Fields of Education

• Medical Studies
• Rehabilitation Therapies
• Human Biology
• Medical Science
• Human Movement
• Public Health

Prerequisite courses

• Statistics and Research Methods (at least one course equivalent).
• Human Anatomy (at least two courses equivalent).
• Human Physiology (at least two courses equivalent).

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 Physiotherapy will teach you how to assess, treat and prevent health conditions throughout the different stages of life. The curriculum encompasses a range of other areas of practice, including musculoskeletal care, rehabilitation, acute care, paediatrics and community practice.

From your first day, you'll start thinking like a physiotherapist. Early courses focus on evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, critical thinking, professional practices and basic injury management in a musculoskeletal context.

Then you’ll challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain – and cover the theory, assessment and management of acute care and rehabilitation conditions.

A central component of this degree is clinical placements, which commence in your second year of study.

Through your placements, you will develop clinical competence across various settings, including rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care, disability and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

You’ll develop the skills to work in the prevention and management of disability and illness, both in workplace and community settings and as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This holistic view of a patient’s health recovery is crucial, as different age groups have distinct care needs.

To practice professionally after completing this program, you'll need to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Given that your degree involves patient and public interaction – such as field and clinical placements – you must also demonstrate that you meet the mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include a criminal history clearance, child-related employment clearance and broad and strict immunisation requirements.

Career outcomes

Your clinical reasoning, problem-solving and interpersonal skills could also be put to use as a:

• Disability Analyst
• Paediatric Physio
• Neurological Physio
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
• Occupational health Physio
• Policy or education Advisor
• Health Service Manager
• Researcher.

Fees and CSP

Estimated Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fee in 2026: $9,537

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

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.

The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:

• Number of courses you are enrolled in.
• Unit value of courses.
• Funding cluster your courses fall under.

A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.