Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
ICPY

SATAC Code
4GC049 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants should:
- normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent qualification from a recognised higher education institution; AND
- submit the additional information form together with the supplementary information requested in that form. Click here for form.
Selection for offers of admission will be based on both the academic results of the Physiotherapy degree and the additional information.

Note: while clinical experience is not required, competition for places in the Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy program is strong and evidence of clinical experience and further musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy continuing education since graduation is desired.
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Aim

The program provides physiotherapists with specialised education in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and enables them to develop an advanced level of evidence-based practice.

Content & Structure

The 18 unit program provides opportunities for students to study musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with courses focussing on musculoskeletal assessment and management, anatomy and pain science, advanced clinical reasoning and supervised clinical practice.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Examination	REHB 5055	4.5
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice	REHB 5057	4.5
Anatomy and Pain Science	REHB 5062	4.5	Note(s): 2
Rehabilitation of Movement	REHB 5060	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. All students in the Division of Health Sciences who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients / the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements / visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion National Criminal History Record Check, which will be current for the duration of that activity. Interstate student placements require a National Police Certificate.

2. Before commencing any clinical courses, students are required to be registered to practice physiotherapy in Australia. International students are required to obtain a `Limited Registration' from the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

3. Students enrolled in clinical courses must hold a current must hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate.

4. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken.

5. This program requires a high level of physical fitness.

Notes

1. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

2. The course Anatomy and Pain Science requires student participation in examination of prosected anatomical specimens.

3. The program requires participation in laboratory classes where manual skills and topics such as surface anatomy are presented. Essential learning strategies require all students to disrobe appropriately to act as models for their peer group in laboratory classes.