La Trobe University
Master of Physiotherapy Practice
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Enhance your skills through on-campus simulated clinical practice and gain real-world experience with placements in various healthcare settings.
Course overview
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat patients with movement disorders or disabilities, including those with temporary or long-term injuries and musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. Physiotherapists use a range of skills, including education and advice, movement or exercise prescription and manual therapy to assist people in achieving their goals for recovery, activity, participation and quality of life. Physiotherapists may work independently or as members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. They are active in preventing illness and injury and promoting health and they are also involved in clinical research, movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations.
Following an applied anatomy subject in Term 1 (Jan-Feb), the first year of the course will develop core knowledge and skills required for effective physiotherapy practice in various healthcare settings, across different practice areas and work with clients from across the lifespan. The second year of the course comprises integrated theory and clinical practice subjects, where advanced physiotherapy knowledge and skills will be developed and applied to clinical environments.
The clinical practice and theory subjects extend outside official University semester dates. The course includes small-group learning to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy practice. You will be expected to assess and treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a qualified clinician.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the Master of Physiotherapy Practice award, students must complete 255 credit points over two years.
Year 1
135 credit points from chosen Core
- Academic Integrity Module
- Applied Anatomy for Physiotherapy
- Development and Ageing
- Physiotherapy: Acute Care
- Physiotherapy: Cardiopulmonary
- Physiotherapy: Community Practice
- Physiotherapy: Essentials
- Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal
- Physiotherapy: Neurological
- Physiotherapy: Preparation for Clinical Practice
- Physiotherapy: Career Development and Leadership
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement A
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement B
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement C
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement D
- Physiotherapy: Evidence-Based Practice
- Physiotherapy: Focus on Special Clinical Areas
- Physiotherapy: Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity
Year 2
120 credit points from chosen Core
- Academic Integrity Module
- Applied Anatomy for Physiotherapy
- Development and Ageing
- Physiotherapy: Acute Care
- Physiotherapy: Cardiovascular
- Physiotherapy: Community Practice
- Physiotherapy: Essentials
- Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal
- Physiotherapy: Neurological
- Physiotherapy: Preparation for Clinical Practice
- Physiotherapy: Career Development and Leadership
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement A
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement B
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement C
- Physiotherapy: Clinical Placement D
- Physiotherapy: Evidence-Based Practice
- Physiotherapy: Focus on Special Clinical Areas
- Physiotherapy: Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
- Applicants who completed their degree over 5 years ago may be considered based on postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience.
- WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) at least 70%
- Applicants must have completed their degree within the last five years.
- Specialisation - Compulsory: Tertiary-level subjects in musculoskeletal anatomy (2 units) and human physiology (1 unit).
- Specialisation - Recommended: Tertiary-level subjects in neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, psychology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, determinants of health, human movement, biomechanics, communication or education are also desirable.
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
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills to achieve evidence-informed, safe and ethical client-centred physiotherapy practice.
- Implement communication strategies that are effective, respectful, collaborative and appropriate to the situation and audience.
- Demonstrate reflective practice and evaluation of self that supports an intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, adaptability to complex and changing environments for continual personal and professional growth and the education of others.
- Critically reflect on theory, research and personal practice; analyse and synthesise complex ideas; creatively problem solve and apply knowledge and skills to novel and innovative clinical practice.
- Use initiative to plan and prioritise workloads and resources, working autonomously as an honourable team member or leader in a multidisciplinary work environment.
- Practice sensitive, ethical, culturally safe and responsive healthcare that demonstrates inclusivity, respect, empathy and advocacy for the members of the ATSI community and other diverse and multicultural communities.
Career outcomes
Physiotherapists are employed in various settings, including private practice, general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, industrial clinics and specialist centres. Physiotherapists are also involved in movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations. You may also work in education and clinical research.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated fees per year (2026): $48,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 255 credit points for two years.
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.
