Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
Fees
$AU 17,100 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have:
- completed a Bachelor degree level, or equivalent professional entry level qualification, from a recognised
higher education institution, in Physiotherapy; AND
- a minimum 10 months full-time, or equivalent, physiotherapy practice in a relevant field following completion
of the professional entry level qualification.
Essential requirements for admission
N/A
Degree overview
- Advance your specialised skills in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy in just six months (full-time equivalent).
- Use this qualification as your pathway to a Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) or Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports).
- Benefit from flexible learning options including a blend of on-campus and online study, with part-time study options available.
- Learn from internationally renowned teachers and clinicians.
- Benefit from more than 50 years’ experience in physiotherapy education.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy.1
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,2 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This graduate certificate is for qualified physiotherapists who want specialised qualifications in both musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. You'll develop advanced knowledge and leadership skills through critical, reflective engagement with contemporary theory and case-based discussion.
This graduate certificate involves a blend of on-campus and online learning, making it ideally suited to busy physiotherapists already working in their field and balancing clinical commitments.
Graduates wishing to expand their knowledge even further can use this program to continue, with credit, into the Masters of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) or Masters of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) programs. Master’s graduates can then seek formal recognition for titling as a Sports Physiotherapist or Musculoskeletal physiotherapist by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
What you'll learn
To excel in the fields of musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, you need to be able to assess and manage a wide range of clinical presentations within an evidence-informed framework. This requires advanced biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, advanced clinical examination skills, clinical reasoning, communication, and procedural management skills.
Through a variety of theoretical classes and practical experiences you'll develop advanced skills in:
- allied health evidence translation
- pain theory and science
- exercise and conditioning
- advanced musculoskeletal examination and management
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
UniSA has over 50 years' experience in physiotherapy education. If you want to advance your skills in specialised physiotherapy, then this may be the program for you. With progressive study pathways at UniSA, you'll have a competitive edge as you progress in your career.
You’ll learn from postgraduate-qualified Physiotherapists, with a curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy1 to advance your musculoskeletal physiotherapy reasoning and clinical skills.
You'll get the flexibility and convenience of blended on-campus and online learning, with digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who will be with you every step of the way.
1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Your career
Contemporary healthcare and clinical practice require therapists’ reasoning and practice to be critical, reflective, patient-centred and evidence-informed. Postgraduate education is the optimal way to develop the advanced clinical knowledge and skills essential to expert physiotherapy clinical practice.
This graduate certificate offers physiotherapists the opportunity to extend their practical skills in specialised areas and across a variety of settings, including:
- private practice
- clinics
- sport and exercise services
- rehabilitation centres
- hospitals
- home and community services
- disability services
- aged care facilities
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a physiotherapy student, you’ll have access to:
- physiotherapy clinics
- physiotherapy laboratories
- anatomy laboratories
- UniSA Sport gym facilities
You’ll be able to access a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
