Study Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMAP

SATAC Code
4CM187 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
$AU 32,000 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024

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; AND
- met the requirements for eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist or limited registration under supervision with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Students must apply for limited registration after acceptance into the program.
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Degree overview

Develop advanced musculoskeletal competencies to treat a wide range of disorders and conditions which cause pain and limit movement.
Benefit from flexible learning options including a blend of on-campus and online study, with part-time study options available.
Benefit from more than 50 years’ experience in physiotherapy education.
Learn from internationally renowned teachers and clinicians.
Study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in physiotherapy.¹
Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances.
Advance your clinical skills through supervised practice in our on and off-campus physiotherapy clinics and through placements.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people². As one of the World’s Top Young Universities³, 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.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. ³Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This Australian Physiotherapy Association accredited master’s degree is for qualified physiotherapists who want to gain advanced clinical skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. This is a critical specialisation within physiotherapy, as the skeleton provides a framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Together, they support the body’s weight, maintain posture, and help a person to move freely.

You'll develop advanced competencies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy through critical and reflective engagement with contemporary theory and supervision by clinical experts in practical and clinical sessions.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients or 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, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

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

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists assess and manage a wide range of patient problems within a biopsychosocial framework. With your master’s degree, you'll gain advanced biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, advanced physical and psychosocial examination skills, and advanced clinical reasoning.

You'll learn to communicate effectively with clients, community and industry partners to provide advanced physiotherapy management. You’ll also develop an appreciation of cultural diversity in promoting health and wellbeing in a range of clinical environments and among diverse populations, including patients and peers.

Your study topics will cover:

allied health evidence translation
pain theory and management
advanced musculoskeletal examination and management
exercise and conditioning
advanced scope practice

Clinical practice is a significant component of this degree. You'll be able to apply your new knowledge to clinical practice, under the supervision of postgraduate qualified physiotherapists.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
First Semester
Allied Health Research Evidence Translation	REHB 5118	4.5	Note(s): 3
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1	REHB 5120	4.5
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2	REHB 5121	4.5
Integrated Pain Sciences	REHB 5122	4.5
Second Semester
Advanced Scope Physiotherapy	REHB 5130	4.5
Exercise and Conditioning	HLTH 5197	4.5
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 1	REHB 5114	4.5		Rule(s): 3,4,5,6
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Musculoskeletal)	REHB 5125	4.5		Rule(s): 3,5,6

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.

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. Before commencing any clinical courses, students are required to be registered to practice physiotherapy in Australia. International students are required to obtain a 'Limited Registration' under supervision from the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

4. Students must hold a 'Provide First Aid' Certificate, including expired air resuscitation (EAR) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), therapeutic oxygen techniques and automatic defibrillation training, asthma management and emergency trauma management certification before undertaking this course. The University will organise a combined workshop to cover all of these components, for which you receive national certification.

5. Students will be required to undertake Child Safe Environments training before commencing their clinical placement.

6. 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 from satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.

Notes

1. The program is normally completed in 12 months of full-time study or the part-time equivalent.

2. The Master of Advanced Clinical 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. 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:

practical examinations
quizzes
presentations
online activities
clinical examinations
clinical assessments
essays and assignments.

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 Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)

With over 50 years' experience in advanced physiotherapy education, UniSA is will develop your in-depth theoretical knowledge and specialised physiotherapy skills, placing patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.

You'll learn from postgraduate qualified physiotherapists, with a curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy¹. You’ll receive supervised practice opportunities to advance your musculoskeletal physiotherapy reasoning and clinical skills.

Graduating with a master’s degree will give you a competitive edge as you continue your career as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. Graduates from our program work in clinical practice, advanced practice roles in settings such as screening clinics and emergency departments, and academia. Master’s graduates can seek formal recognition for titling as Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You'll benefit from our strong industry links and have opportunities to build important industry networks as you meet invited speakers and receive supervised clinical education from expert musculoskeletal physiotherapists.

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

Career outcomes

Your career

Contemporary healthcare and clinical practice require therapists’ reasoning and practice to be critical, reflective, patient-centred and evidence based.

As a musculoskeletal master’s graduate, you can advance your physiotherapy career 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

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy National Professional standards committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and graduates are eligible to apply for titling as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association. This accreditation is also recognised by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists for reciprocal recognition.

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:

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

Student helping patient at Magill Health Clinic

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 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.