Start Date
February

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMPE

SATAC Code
4CM106 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time

Degree overview

  • Gain the requirements to practise as a registered physiotherapist with just two extra years of study.
  • Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body, and help enable people of all ages to lead healthy lives.
  • Study at a leading university with more than 50 years of experience delivering physiotherapy and allied health education.
  • Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances when you complete clinical placements in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care and disability, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.
  • Get practical experience in UniSA's on-campus, student-led physiotherapy clinics.
  • Study a contemporary and culturally diverse curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy.1
  • Learn from award-winning teaching staff, including practising health professionals and researchers at the forefront of their fields.
  • Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.2
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 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). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Health_and_MRP_Group_Physiotherapy_Clinic-2.jpg

This challenging master’s degree enables students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisites for registration as a physiotherapist with just two years of full-time study.

This graduate entry degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping people of all ages reach their bodies’ full potential. Physiotherapists can work across an enormous variety of healthcare settings across the globe, both as a first contact professional and as an integral member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Your studies will develop your capability to assess, treat and prevent a range of health conditions, enabling people to lead healthy and functional lives.

Applicants who are overseas trained physiotherapists and are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Physiotherapy Council are not eligible to apply for this degree.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/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, child related employment clearance and broad and strict immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

Physiotherapy is a physically and cognitively demanding profession. Please refer to the degree’s Rules and Notes for further information about what you’ll need to successfully complete this degree.

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

What you Learn

The Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) will teach you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across various areas of practice, including sport, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological disciplines across the lifespan.

In this intensive degree, you will learn to think like a physiotherapist from day one of your study. The beginning of the degree will cover topics in evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and critical thinking, physiotherapy professional practice, and basic musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. Semester Two will challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain; and cover the theory, assessment and management for cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions. A central component of this master’s degree is clinical placements, which commence in the second half of your first year of study, in the area of acute care.  

Your second year will focus on developing clinical competence in a range of clinical settings including rehabilitation, musculoskeletal and paediatric clinics.

You'll become qualified to work with prevention and management of disability/illness in the workplace or community, and also as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This holistic view of a patient’s health recovery is critical, especially across the different types of care needed for people of all ages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Evidence Informed Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy REHB 5127 4.5
Physiotherapy Professional Practice REHB 5066 4.5
Musculoskeletal Skills in Physiotherapy REHB 5133 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy REHB 5131 9
Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy REHB 5134 9
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pain Science (GE) REHB 5123 4.5
Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice REHB 5132 4.5
Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation REHB 6022 4.5
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (GE) REHB 6021 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy GE REHB 6011 4.5
Physiotherapy Practice with Children and Families REHB 6017 4.5
Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy GE REHB 6019 9

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

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • group work
  • individual assessments
  • workbooks
  • clinical reports
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • placements

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.

Global opportunities

Why Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry)

Physiotherapy patient

At UniSA, you’ll gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel as a Physiotherapist with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice. 

You’ll be taught by registered practising physiotherapists in our on-campus physiotherapy clinics and gain real-world experience through clinical placements across metropolitan, rural and regional health settings. Not only will you complete 30 weeks of practical experience across a variety of locations and physiotherapy disciplines, you’ll get to apply the knowledge and skills you learn in your degree in a practical way to ensure success in your career. 

You’ll benefit from the expertise of UniSA’s above world-class research in physiotherapy.1

We’ve been teaching in this field for more than 50 years and are proud of the rich knowledge base we’ve created. You’ll be taught by expert registered practicing physiotherapists and award-winning academics at the top of their fields throughout your studies.

You’ll graduate with a degree that is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. You will also be eligible for membership with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

1Results in Clinical Sciences – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Real-world connections

You’ll benefit from UniSA’s enterprising spirit and strong industry links when you complete more than 30 weeks of practical experience in real-world settings, including our on-campus physiotherapy clinics, public and private health organisations, schools, rehabilitation centres, sporting organisations, and aged care. 

These affiliations not only provides exceptional learning opportunities, but also  opportunities to expand your networks while you’re still studying.

We host regular University-wide alumni eventsemployee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Physiotherapy careers snapshot

Find out where a career in physiotherapy could take you. Hear from UniSA graduate, Tristan Chai, about his role as Head Physiotherapist of professional men’s basketball team, Adelaide 36ers, as well as Owner of Good Physio.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

The demand for physiotherapists continues to grow, with 9,400 new job openings projected to become available by 20261.
A successful physiotherapist is a biopsychological expert that understands the human body, but can also adeptly communicate, assess, manage and problem-solve a variety of issues for their clients.

Physiotherapists can work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts. Industry settings can include:

  • private practice
  • clinics
  • sport and exercise services 
  • rehabilitation centres
  • hospitals
  • home and community services 
  • disability services
  • aged care facilities 
  • women's health and paediatric services 
  • occupational and health promotion units
  • research

This qualification can also be used as a pathway to further learning, including a Master of Research, doctoral studies or the Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports or Musculoskeletal).

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Successful completion of the program is accepted for membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for physiotherapists in Australia is projected to increase by 28.7% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

buildings-city

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
  • You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

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.

More scholarships

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

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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

City East.jpg

As a physiotherapy student you'll have access to purpose-built facilities, including:

You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I have the privilege of directing a degree delivered by world-class researchers and educators, who support students to graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to work independently and meet the needs of our community. I strive to create innovative and safe learning environments that enable students to pursue excellence and fulfil their highest potential.

Dr Julie Walters

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Julie Walters
Portrait image for Dr Julie Walters

Dr Julie Walters

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

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