Visit Adelaide University to view this degree and apply Visit

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHPZ

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Biology
More info

Fees
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088338B

Aim

The program is designed to provide the necessary education and training for graduates to enter professional practice in physiotherapy and provides research training for students to proceed to further study or a research career.

Content & Structure

Courses in all years of the program fall within the biophysical sciences and professional studies. A major section of the early years of the program is the study of anatomy, physiology, biopsychosocial issues and introductory physiotherapy practice.

Students who achieve grades of credit and above in all first and second years of the program will be considered for the research stream of the program. Research stream students will undertake a directed research project.

The remainder of the program deals with physiotherapy practice used in prevention and treatment of disease and disability. The student is trained not only as a member of the health care team concerned with the physical and psychosocial rehabilitation, but also to be a first contact practitioner.

The program requires completion of 144 units of study.

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.

What courses you'll study

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Human Physiology 100 BIOL 1049 4.5
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Physiotherapy Studies 100 REHB 1026 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Anatomy 101 HLTH 1030 4.5
Human Physiology 101 BIOL 1050 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 4.5
Physiotherapy Studies 101 REHB 1027 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 200 HLTH 2022 4.5
Fundamentals of Pharmacology PHAR 2019 4.5
Physiotherapy Studies 200 REHB 2041 4.5
Exercise Physiology 1 HLTH 2006 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Neurosciences in Physiotherapy REHB 2048 4.5
Biopsychosocial Practice REHB 2047 4.5
Physiotherapy Studies 201 REHB 2042 4.5
Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults REHB 2012 4.5
THIRD YEAR - PROFESSIONAL STREAM
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) or Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy REHB 3065 9
Pain Sciences REHB 3009 4.5
Advanced Evidence Based Practice HLTH 3057 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) or First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Acute Care REHB 3007 9
Rehabilitation REHB 3011 9
FOURTH YEAR - PROFESSIONAL STREAM
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) or Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Physiotherapy with Children and Families REHB 4057 4.5
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy REHB 4056 9
Health Promotion in Physiotherapy B REHB 4035 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) or First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B REHB 4050 9
Work Health and Safety Practice REHB 4011 4.5
Ethics and Communication REHB 4034 4.5
THIRD YEAR - RESEARCH STREAM
Note(s): 4
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy REHB 3065 9
Pain Sciences REHB 3009 4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation REHB 3010 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Acute Care REHB 3007 9
Rehabilitation REHB 3011 9
FOURTH YEAR - RESEARCH STREAM
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Physiotherapy with Children and Families REHB 4057 4.5
Work Health and Safety Practice REHB 4011 4.5
Health Science Honours Thesis REHB 4012 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B REHB 4050 9
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy REHB 4056 9

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

Program Director

Related degrees

anchor-arrow