Study Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMPE

SATAC Code
4CM106 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5
- Have completed the prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree or higher in an approved Field of Education with a minimum GPA of 5.5, completed the prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher and have recent relevant work experience may be considered by the Program Director on a case-by-case basis.

Approved Fields of Education
Applicants are required to have successfully completed a program of study (at Bachelor level or higher) in one of the following approved Fields of Education (FOE):
- Medical Studies
- Rehabilitation Therapies
- Human Biology
- Medical Science
- Human Movement
- Public Health
Prerequisite courses
Applicants are required to provide evidence of satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses in the last 10 years in the following content areas:
- 0.125 EFTSL Statistics and Research Methods; AND
- 0.250 EFTSL Human Anatomy; AND
- 0.250 EFTSL Human Physiology
All applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility by completing the Additional Information Form which includes a detailed checklist of the required prerequisite knowledge and are required to provide supporting evidence. By signing the Additional Information Form, applicants are declaring they have met the prerequisite requirements and knowledge for entry to the program.

Note: As this program is considered an entry point into the physiotherapy profession, applicants who are trained physiotherapists and are eligible to apply for assessment by the Australian Physiotherapy Council to meet the qualification requirements for registration by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia are not eligible to apply for this program.
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We are unable to offer preliminary assessment of pre-requisite courses. Please complete the Additional Information Form prior to application. International students: Applications for 2024 are open 1 Jan – 31 Oct 2023. Successful applicants will be notified in December.

Degree overview

Gain the requirements to practise as a registered physiotherapist with just two extra years of study.
Enjoy a rewarding career helping people to develop, maintain, restore and optimise their health, independence and quality of life.
Study at a leading university with 50 years' experience in delivering physiotherapy education.
Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances when you complete clinical placements in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.
Study at a university ranked Top 5 in Australia for teaching quality in physiotherapy.¹
Learn in UniSA's on-campus physiotherapy clinics.
Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy.²
Learn from award-winning teaching staff including practising health professionals and researchers at the forefront of their fields.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.³ As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, 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.

¹ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Rehabilitation (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public universities. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. ⁴Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.

Snapshot

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 extra study (full-time).

This degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping people reach their bodies’ full potential. As a physiotherapist, you’ll be at the forefront of care, being eligible to work as a first contact professional and valued member of allied healthcare teams.

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

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
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
Physiotherapy Clinical Skills (Musculoskeletal)	REHB 5129	4.5
Physiotherapy Clinical Skills (Acute)	REHB 5128	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Physiotherapy Practice in Acute Care	REHB 5111	9
Physiotherapy Clinical Skills (Rehabilitation)	REHB 5112	4.5
Pain Theory and Science	REHB 5123	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy	REHB 6020	9
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (GE)	REHB 6018	9
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 Physiotherapy Practice (Acute and Rehabilitation)	REHB 6019	9

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.

2. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

3. Students are required to have mandatory notification, CPR and a "Provide First Aid" certificate prior to commencement of their first placement or clinic activity.

4. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which the clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.

5. Credit will not normally be approved due to the accelerated nature of the program.

6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.

9. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.

Notes

1. Students are advised that they may be required to spend time in a clinical placement outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location.

2. Students will be required to undertake clinical placements outside normal University teaching weeks.

3. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in four years.

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:

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.

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 as well as the knowledge of practising physiotherapists and award-winning academics. 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 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.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You’ll experience 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 events, employee 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.

Career outcomes

Your career

The demand for physiotherapists continues to grow very strongly, with 9,400 new job openings projected to become available over the next five years¹.

Along with having an excellent understanding of the human body, a successful physiotherapist is someone who is a great listener, communicator and problem solver.

Physiotherapists work across a diverse range of settings including:

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

Physiotherapists can also work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts.

Use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Master of Research, Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) and doctoral studies.

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

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

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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

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:

Check you meet the full entry requirements for this program.
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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

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.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

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 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.

Your study spaces

City East.jpg

Physiotherapy students have access to:

physiotherapy clinics
physiotherapy laboratories
anatomy laboratories
physiology laboratory

You’ll also have access to a range of interesting 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

Dr Julie Walters

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

Student helping patient at Magill Health Clinic

Physiotherapy student helping patient in Physiotherapy Clinic

Bachelor of Physiotherapy student Danielle shares her experience of her rural placement at Sports Physiotherapy in Port Lincoln, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.