La Trobe University
Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop new skills and pursue your passion.
Course overview
La Trobe's Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy program is designed for practising physiotherapists who want to gain advanced clinical skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
You'll learn from leading industry clinical leaders, academic staff and colleagues at one of Australia's longest-established physiotherapy schools through a blend of online and set residential block learning.
You will also work under the supervision of recognised sports and exercise physiotherapists to gain invaluable clinical practice experience in hospital outpatient departments and private physiotherapy clinics.
This course is delivered part-time over two to five years.
You'll learn:
- Fundamentals of musculoskeletal physiotherapy: Learn the knowledge and skills required to apply evidence-based practice in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- Clinical science: Develop your understanding of clinical sciences such as pain sciences and human tissue sciences. This is integral to the development of scientifically designed rehabilitation programs.
- Advanced physiotherapy and clinical skills: Optimise the effectiveness of client-centred management through your mastery of physiotherapy, clinical, neuro-musculoskeletal examination and management skills.
- Clinical reasoning through a case-based paradigm: Hone your clinical reasoning skills using case scenarios. Learn applied clinical anatomy, tissue pathology, patient presentations and assessment and treatment information.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy award, students must complete 120 credit points across 2 years.
- Academic Integrity Module
- Advanced Physiotherapy for the Lower Body
- Advanced Physiotherapy for the Upper Body
- Pathophysiology and Pain Science for Advanced Physiotherapy
- Research to Inform Advanced Physiotherapy
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinical Placement
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
Specialisation - compulsory: Physiotherapy
- At least two years of clinical experience in the clinical area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Applicants must complete Australian Physiotherapy registration or be eligible for full registration as a physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Evidence must be submitted when applying.
So that you know, meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee a place offer. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and limited places may be available.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses with only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. Please take a look at the list of limited-entry courses.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Deliver client-centred management, integrating advanced biomedical and clinical knowledge with specialised clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal settings.
- Critically interpret research and clinical information in formulating expert judgements to guide clinical reasoning, promote patient health and ensure safe return to activity and participation.
- Demonstrate autonomy, adaptability and specialised musculoskeletal skills to demonstrate key professional roles as a practitioner, administrator, scholar and educator.
- Apply advanced communication skills to justify clinical reasoning to promote health and improve outcomes across client populations, communities and health organisations.
- Investigate, analyse and synthesise information to manage complex clinical presentations in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice.
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning and mastery of musculoskeletal clinical skills while demonstrating ethical, accountable and culturally responsive care.
- Employ technical research skills to critically evaluate evidence and methodologies, to inform research design and implementation that contributes to evidence-based musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice.
Career outcomes
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated fees per year (2025): $48,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 120 credit points for one year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
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 with the cost of a university course.
