Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
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 33,600 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
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; AND
- met the requirements for eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist or limited registration under supervision with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Students must apply for limited registration after acceptance into the program.
Degree overview
- Develop advanced musculoskeletal competencies to treat a wide range of disorders and conditions which cause pain and limit movement.
- Benefit from flexible learning options including a blend of on-campus and online study, with part-time study options available.
- Benefit from more than 50 years’ experience in physiotherapy education.
- Learn from internationally renowned teachers and clinicians.
- Study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in physiotherapy.1
- Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances.
- Advance your clinical skills through supervised practice in our on and off-campus physiotherapy clinics and through placements.
- 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.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This Australian Physiotherapy Association accredited master’s degree is for qualified physiotherapists who want to gain advanced clinical skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. This is a critical specialisation within physiotherapy, as the skeleton provides a framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Together, they support the body’s weight, maintain posture, and help a person to move freely.
You'll develop advanced competencies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy through critical and reflective engagement with contemporary theory and supervision by clinical experts in practical and clinical sessions.
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients or the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.
What you'll learn
Musculoskeletal physiotherapists assess and manage a wide range of patient problems within a biopsychosocial framework. With your master’s degree, you'll gain advanced biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, advanced physical and psychosocial examination skills, and advanced clinical reasoning.
You'll learn to communicate effectively with clients, community and industry partners to provide advanced physiotherapy management. You’ll also develop an appreciation of cultural diversity in promoting health and wellbeing in a range of clinical environments and among diverse populations, including patients and peers.
Your study topics will cover:
- allied health evidence translation
- pain theory and management
- advanced musculoskeletal examination and management
- exercise and conditioning
- advanced scope practice
Clinical practice is a significant component of this degree. You'll be able to apply your new knowledge to clinical practice, under the supervision of postgraduate qualified physiotherapists.
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.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- practical examinations
- quizzes
- presentations
- online activities
- clinical examinations
- clinical assessments
- essays and assignments.
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 Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)
With over 50 years' experience in advanced physiotherapy education, UniSA is will develop your in-depth theoretical knowledge and specialised physiotherapy skills, placing patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.
You'll learn from postgraduate qualified physiotherapists, with a curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy1. You’ll receive supervised practice opportunities to advance your musculoskeletal physiotherapy reasoning and clinical skills.
Graduating with a master’s degree will give you a competitive edge as you continue your career as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. Graduates from our program work in clinical practice, advanced practice roles in settings such as screening clinics and emergency departments, and academia. Master’s graduates can seek formal recognition for titling as Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
12018 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 based.
As a musculoskeletal master’s graduate, you can advance your physiotherapy career 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
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is accredited by the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy National Professional standards committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and graduates are eligible to apply for titling as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association. This accreditation is also recognised by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists for reciprocal recognition.
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
Postgraduate clinical education is the optimal way to develop the advanced clinical knowledge and skills essential to expert clinical practice. Graduates have testified that their advanced knowledge and expertise has created new opportunities, enhanced their patient outcomes and increased their professional work satisfaction.
Ask UniSA
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
