Master of Physiotherapy

What you will study

To attain the Master of Physiotherapy, students must complete 192 credit points in total, consisting of 16 core units.

Core units

• Physiotherapy in Musculoskeletal Practice
• Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory Practice
• Physiotherapy in Neurological Practice
• Physiotherapy in Rehabilitation and Community Practice
• Integrated Practice 1
• Integrated Practice 2
• Integrated Practice 3
• Diversity in Practice
• Clinical Practice 1
• Clinical Practice 2
• Clinical Practice 3
• Clinical Practice 4
• Clinical Practice 5
• Clinical Practice 6
• Work Ready Practice
• Seminars in Health

Entry requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree with studies in a cognate discipline and evidence of completion of a minimum of one anatomy, one physiology and one research unit or equivalent.
• Anatomy units must cover the anatomy of the thorax, limbs and neuroanatomy. Examples of discipline areas include, but are not limited to, Exercise physiology, exercise science, exercise and sports sciences, medical science, biomedical science, health science, physiotherapy, physical therapy, human movement, applied science, rehabilitation science, occupational therapy, nursing and osteopathy.
• A minimum GPA of 4.5 out of 7.0 or a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 per cent.

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed your studies at another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past studies.

Use VU's credit calculator to determine what credit you may be eligible for based on your previous studies. You may still qualify for credit if your last study can’t be found through the credit calculator.

Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Translate knowledge from biomedical, exercise and social sciences, including determinants of health, to plan and deliver safe and effective physiotherapy services.
• I practice as a physiotherapist autonomously and as a collaborative member of an interprofessional team, providing professional, ethical, person-centred and culturally responsive management across diverse health populations, settings and environments.
• Critical thinking and critical reasoning skills are used to formulate a safe and effective treatment plan for clients requiring physiotherapy services across their lifespan.
• Justify and implement high-quality person-centred practice based on the best available research evidence, including translational research, available resources, clinical expertise, ethical considerations and with careful consideration of the clients’ preferences, values and cultural and spiritual beliefs.
• Advocate for individual health and well-being by facilitating client self-management across the lifespan.
• Adapt communication strategies appropriate to the context to best meet the needs of clients, families, the community and other health professionals.
• Critically reflect on one’s practice to strive for improvement in knowledge and skills associated with a physiotherapist.
• Devise appropriate strategies to manage time, workload, resources and priorities effectively, responsibly and ethically.
• Exemplify and role model effective leadership, management and education skills within relevant clinical and professional frameworks.
• Exhibit culturally responsive practice, value diversity among people and engage in decolonising practices that acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Traditional Owners of Australian lands.
• Demonstrate readiness for entry-level physiotherapy practice in Australia and articulate the ability to contribute to advancing the future of the Physiotherapy profession in Australia.

Career outcomes

After graduating with a Master of Physiotherapy, you will be eligible to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and, once registered, to practise as a physiotherapist.

You may find work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Aged and community care
• Centres for people with physical disabilities
• Rehabilitation centres
• Private practice
• Elite and community sports
• Health research and health promotion
• Paediatrics
• Women’s and men’s health

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year fee in 2025: $44,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative first-year fee is calculated based on 16 units of study or 196 credit points.

The fees depend on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.

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.