Course overview

The Master of Physiotherapy at Victoria University prepares graduates for entry-level physiotherapy practice through advanced study in movement, rehabilitation and person-centred care. You will apply knowledge from anatomy, physiology, exercise and social sciences to assess physical function, plan treatment and support people across different ages, abilities and health conditions.

Coursework covers musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological, rehabilitation and community physiotherapy before progressing into integrated and clinical practice. Supervised professional experience takes place across settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation services, community care, aged care, private practice and sport, allowing you to apply clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice with diverse patient groups.

Delivered in person, the course is completed over two years of full-time study, with teaching based across VU’s Footscray Park and clinical facilities. The program is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Key facts

Delivery

Face to Face

Study level

Postgraduate

Course type

Master's

Duration

24 months (Full time)

Units

Fees

FEE-HELP

Price per unit

$6,150

Intake

26th July, 2027

What you will study

To attain the Master of Physiotherapy, students must complete 192 credit points in total, consisting of 16 core units. Each unit is worth 12 credit points.

Year one

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

Year two

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

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. Victoria University also considers non-academic research and work experience for research candidates.

Admission criteria

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 unit or units must have covered 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. PLUS A minimum GPA of 4.5 out of 7.0 or a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 per cent.

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of the university's special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed a study with another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past study.

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

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

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.
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