The Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy requires 5 years of full-time study. Part-time may be considered under extenuating circumstances, and will be considered on a case by case basis.
The course is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
There will be a specific sub-quota for rural and remote applicants.
A knowledge of SACE Stage 2 Biology and Physics is assumed.
Course aims
Graduates of the double degree program will be able to practice as Physiotherapists across a range of settings, including rural and remote areas. Emphasis will be placed on preparing a contemporary health professional able to be client-centred and to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the double degree will be able to:
- identify and apply key theoretical and practice approaches within physiotherapy
- integrate physiotherapy knowledge and skills to manage disorders across the lifespan in a wide variety of settings including rural and remote locations, with both individuals and various populations
- collaborate and communicate with clients to meet their health needs in a culturally sensitive manner
- select physiotherapy interventions relevant to the needs of clients using reflective and evidence-based practice
- apply physiotherapy skills in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of clients and in health promotion and disease prevention
- collaborate and communicate effectively with other health professionals in providing high quality health care; and
- reflect on their practice and plan their ongoing professional development as life-long learners.
Program of study
To qualify for double degree of Bachelor of Health Sciences, Master of Physiotherapy, a student must complete 180 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below. Students must also achieve a Grade Point Average of 5 or better in the 108 units of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in order to progress to the Master of Physiotherapy.
Students who have successfully completed the first three year of the program (108 units) may exit with the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Except with the permission of the Dean (Education), a student may not proceed to higher year core topics unless they have satisfactorily completed the previous years core topics.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or failure to complete the course within eight consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Principles of Physiotherapy)
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
HLPE2533 Exercise Prescription and Physiology (4.5 units)
HLTH1003 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care (4.5 units)
HLTH1004 Human Bioscience (4.5 units)
HLTH1101 Health Promotion for Health Professionals (4.5 units)
HLTH1304 Interpersonal and Interprofessional Communication (4.5 units)
HLTH1305 Australian Healthcare System(s): Concepts and Controversies (4.5 units)
HLTH1306 Contemporary Health Issues in Australia (4.5 units)
PHYT1001 Introduction to Physiotherapy (4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
DSRS1216 Introduction to Principles of Learning (4.5 units)
HLPE3531 Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators (4.5 units)
HLTH2101 Critical Social Analysis of Health (4.5 units)
HLTH2102 Indigenous Health for Health Sciences (4.5 units)
HLTH2105 Health: a Psychological Perspective (4.5 units)
MMED3932 Body Systems (4.5 units)
REHB2001 Neuroscience for Therapists (4.5 units)
REHB2002 Rehabilitation Studies 1 (4.5 units)
Core - Year 3 topics
31.5 units comprising:
HLTH3102 Qualitative Methods of Social Health Research (4.5 units)
HLTH3105 Quantitative Methods of Social Health Research (4.5 units)
MMED2931 Human Physiology (4.5 units)
MMED3941 Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy (4.5 units)
PHYT3001 Introduction to the Science of Physiotherapy (4.5 units)
PHYT3003 Pain, Posture & Movement (4.5 units)
REHB3001 Rehabilitation Studies 2 (4.5 units)
Plus one of:
DSRS4112 Sensory, Physical and Multiple Disabilities (4.5 units)
EXSC3010 Psychology of Exercise, Health and Behaviour Change (4.5 units)
HLTH3106 Health Work Internship (4.5 units)
NUTD1106 Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health (4.5 units)
PHCA3506 Evaluation in Primary Health Care (4.5 units)
PHCA3511 Epidemiology for Practice (4.5 units)
Master of Physiotherapy
Core - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
PHYT8001 Musculoskeletal Practice 1 (9 units)
PHYT8002 Performance of Movement and Function (4.5 units)
PHYT8003 Cardiorespiratory Practice (4.5 units)
PHYT8007 Musculoskeletal Practice 2 (9 units)
PHYT8011 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (4.5 units)
REHB8101 Interprofessional Practice (4.5 units)
Core - Year 5 topics
36 units comprising:
PHYT8004 Neurological Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
PHYT9006 Complex Case and Advanced Practice (4.5 units)
PHYT8008 Clinical Practicum 1 (Clinical Placements 3 and 4) (9 units)
PHYT9009 Clinical Practicum 2 (Clinical Placements 5 and 6) (9 units)
PHYT9010 Health Promotion and Leadership in Physiotherapy (4.5 units)
SPTH9220 Research in Practice (4.5 units)
