Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
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 16,250 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024
-
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.
Essential requirements for admission
N/A
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
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.
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)
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
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.
-
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.
