Study Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

Enquire Apply

Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

You're viewing degree information for International students

You're considered an International student if you are:

NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Not an International student? Switch to Australian content

International students

Start date
July

Campus
City East

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
ICMS

Fees
AUD$ 20,700 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

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
0100852

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
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Brochure Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

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 #52, 2023 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

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
First Semester
Allied Health Research Evidence Translation	REHB 5118	4.5	Note(s): 3
Integrated Pain Sciences	REHB 5122	4.5
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1	REHB 5120	4.5
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2	REHB 5121	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practised. 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.

Notes

1. The program is normally completed in 6 months of full-time study or the part-time equivalent.

2. The Graduate Certificate of Advanced Clinical Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy does not itself qualify students for general registration as a physiotherapist in Australia. Physiotherapists trained overseas wanting to work in Australia must contact the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for details on qualification acceptance and registration.

3. It is assumed that students enrolling into this course have obtained at least an undergraduate level understanding of the principles and practice of evidence- informed practice, and quantitative and qualitative research designs.

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 (independent study). 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)

Career outcomes

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

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

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

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 international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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

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.

Dr Daniel Harvie

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Daniel Harvie

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

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

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

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

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.