Physiotherapy

Why study Postgraduate Physiotherapy?

Our postgraduate coursework programs are for:

Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

  • qualified and fully registered physiotherapy practitioners who want to advance and update their clinical knowledge in sports physiotherapy and musculoskeletal physiotherapy [Graduate Certificate/ Masters programs in Sports or Musculoskeletal]

Master of Physiotherapy Practice

  • graduates of a related discipline wanting to enter the field of physiotherapy [Master of Physiotherapy Practice program-graduate entry level program)

Career opportunities

Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Qualified physiotherapists who complete the Master of Sports or Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy may apply for the Australian Physiotherapy Association Sports or Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy title. This is a prerequisite for applying for most elite-level positions such as AFL, NRL, Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Olympic teams and senior positions in hospitals.

Master of Physiotherapy Practice

For those new to the discipline seeking an entry-level Masters qualification in physiotherapy, there is a strong demand for physiotherapists and you may expect to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, rehabilitation and community health centres, private practice, industrial clinics and specialist facilities. You may also work in education and research.


Courses

Local students

Physiotherapy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Melbourne
Up to 3 years part-time. Semester 1 (February)

Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy continued…

Course description
This course aims to give graduate physiotherapists an opportunity to develop advanced theoretical and applied skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and to develop skills in critical evaluation of the literature and research design.
Prerequisite
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, registration to practise in Australia, and at least one year's physiotherapy experience.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $4,092 (60 credit points)
Additional costs
Students pay for the professional development courses that form part of the Graduate Certificate.
Additional information
This course consists of 2 online subjects which focus on physiology and evidence based practice, and another subject that requires students to complete 104 hours of external professional development courses. APA spinal 1, spinal 2 and sports 1 are required courses to be completed as part of these 104 hours. Please refer to the Full Course Details (La Trobe University Handbook) regarding details of the subjects. Online Orientation and Lectures commence early February. This course forms 50 per cent of the requirements of the Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Minimum contact hours are 6 - 8 hours per week per subject.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 12 October 2012. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.

Please also complete the Supplementary Form (PDF 114KB).

Closing date for applications has been extended until 31 October 2012.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Graduate Certificate)Melbourne
2013 Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy Melbourne
Up to 3 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy continued…

Course description
This course provides an opportunity for graduate physiotherapists to develop advanced theoretical and applied skills in sports physiotherapy, skills in critical evaluation of relevant literature, and research design. It also aims to allow physiotherapists to undertake further training in their own time with minimum disruption to their work.


Prerequisite
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, registration to practise in Australia and a minimum of two years' physiotherapy experience.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $4,092 (60 credit points).
Additional costs
Students pay for the professional development courses that form part of the Graduate Certificate.
Additional information
This course consists of 2 online subjects which focus on physiology and evidence based practice, and another subject that requires students to complete 104 hours of external professional development courses. APA Sports 1, Sports 2 and Spinal 1 are required courses to be completed as part of these 104 hours. Please refer to the Full Course Details (La Trobe University Handbook) regarding details of the subjects. This course forms 50 per cent of the requirements of the Master of Sports Physiotherapy Degree. Minimum contact hours are 6-8 hours per week per subject.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 12 October 2012. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.

Applicants are also required to complete a Supplementary Form, and send it directly to the relevant campus.

Closing date for applications have been extended until 31 October 2012.

Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Sports Physiotherapy (Graduate Certificate)Melbourne
2013 Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Melbourne
Up to 2 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy continued…

Course description
This course give graduates physiotherapists an opportunity to develop advanced clinical and practical skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.


Prerequisite
Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with minimum B grade course weighted mean average, at least two years' clinical experience in the musculoskeletal field, and full current Australian physiotherapy registration.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $29,200 (60 credit points)
Additional costs
Federal Police Check $15 to $43 and/or Working with Children Check $77 may be required.

Accommodation and travel costs for the two-week University-based Clinical Reasoning & Manual Physiotherapy PTY5CRM, and for clinical placement PTY5APM, may also be incurred and will vary according to venue.
Additional information
Students must complete the two-week University-based subject Clinical Reasoning and Manual Physiotherapy (PTY5CRM TE:PE W5-10, first two weeks of February) before commencing PTY5APM: Advanced Practice in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 12 October 2012. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.

Applicants are also required to complete a Supplementary Form (PDF 224KB).

Closing date for applications has been extended until 31 October 2012.
Professional recognition
The course meets the eligibility requirements for titled membership of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia, of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). They are eligible for the title of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Physiotherapy Practice Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years full-time Semester 1 (February)

Master of Physiotherapy Practice continued…

Course description
Students with a relevant first degree obtain a professional qualification in
physiotherapy in this course.

Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term
physical injuries, movement disorders or disability, aiming to achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, participation and quality of life. They may work independently or as members of healthcare teams. Physiotherapists are active in the prevention of illness and injury and in the promotion of health. They are also involved in clinical research, movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations.

Please note: overseas study options are unavailable for international students
in this program, due to requirements to fulfil physiotherapy registration criteria
in Australia.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Prerequisite
A Bachelor degree other than physiotherapy completed within the past 5 years, with a minimum 5.5 out of 7 Grade Point Average (GPA). Applicants who completed their degree more than 5 years ago may be considered on the basis of postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience.

Applicants must also have completed tertiary-level subjects in regional musculoskeletal anatomy (upper and lower limb, pelvis, spine and thorax, head and neck), neuro-anatomy, physiology (including exercise physiology) and biomechanics.

Completed tertiary-level subjects in pathophysiology, psychology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, determinants of health, human movement, communication or education are also desirable.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $27,800 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
National Police check: A$15.50 annually, immunisations: approximately A$500; Working with Children Check (no fee). Students are also required to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia annually (no fee), and encouraged to complete a First Aid Level II course (not conducted by La Trobe University) approximately A$160. Other approximate costs include practical books: A$100; student name badge: A$15; clinical shirt: A$40; stethoscope: A$110; and goniometer: A$20. Textbooks are optional. Students can purchase books and equipment from any supplier; they remain the students' personal property. However, the clinical shirt must be purchased from La Trobe University. Accommodation and travel costs for clinical placements may also be incurred and will vary according to the venue. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Additional information
All students enrolled in this program are strongly recommended to attend and successfully complete a preparatory program (W04-09) in the Summer Semester (Monday 21 January - 22nd February 2013) being held at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus prior to Semester One 2013. Students who feel they already have the outlined knowledge and skills may apply for exemption for those aspects. Costs and dates are to be confirmed.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 31 October 2012. Applicants must complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB)
and a Supplementary Information form regarding pre-requisite subjects and relevant work/voluntary experience. Evidence of completed prerequisite subjects including subject outlines / handbook entries must be submitted with your application.

Please download and complete the Supplementary Form (PDF 340KB).

To assist in your application process please view the Self-Assessment Checklist.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and The Australian Physiotherapy Council. Registration is an essential legal prerequisite for practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Physiotherapy Practice (Master)Melbourne
Physiotherapy Practice (Master)Bendigo
2013 Master of Sports Physiotherapy Melbourne
1-2 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Master of Sports Physiotherapy continued…

Course description
This course provides graduate physiotherapists with an opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills in sports physiotherapy and aims to establish a standard of advanced clinical work and theory to meet the eligibility for graduates to apply for the title APA Sports Physiotherapist.



Prerequisite
Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy with minimum B grade course weighted average mean, at least three years' clinical experience in the sports field and full current Australian physiotherapy registration.

Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $30,950 (60 credit points)
Additional costs
Students pay for the APA Level 3 Sports Physiotherapy course, which is a mandatory part of the Masters of Sports Physiotherapy. It is the student's responsibility to apply and be accepted into the Level 3 course by meeting the minimum criteria. For more information contact APA http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/

Federal Police Check $15 to $43 and/or Working with Children Check $77 may be required.

Accommodation and travel costs for the two-week University-based Clinical Reasoning & Manual Physiotherapy PTY5CRM, and for clinical placement PTY5APS, may also be incurred and will vary according to venue.
Additional information
Students must complete the two-week University-based subject Clinical Reasoning and Manual Physiotherapy (PTY5CRM TE:PE W5-10 first two weeks of February) before commencing PTY5APS Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy.

The Master of Sports Physiotherapy requires the successful completion of the APA Level 3 Sports Course. It is the students responsibility to apply and be accepted into the Level 3 course by meeting the minimum criteria.

How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 12 October 2012. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.

Please also complete the Supplementary Form (PDF 224KB).

Closing date for applications has been extended until 31 October 2012.

Professional recognition
Successful graduates may apply for the APA Sports Physiotherapy title.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Sports Physiotherapy (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Sports Physiotherapy / Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Melbourne
Minimum 3 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Master of Sports Physiotherapy / Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy continued…

Course description
This course provides graduate physiotherapists with opportunities to develop advanced clinical and practical skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and sports physiotherapy. It aims to establish a standard of advanced clinical work and theory to meet the eligibility for graduates to use the title of both APA Sports Physiotherapist and APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.

Prerequisite
All applicants must be registered to practise as a physiotherapist in Australia. You must have a Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with at least a B grade average course weighted average (WAM) and at least two years' clinical experience in the musculoskeletal field; or Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy with at least a B grade average (WAM) and at least three years' clinical experience in sports physiotherapy.

Conrtact APA directly for full entry criteria.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $30,080 (190 credit points).
Additional costs
Students pay for the APA Level 3 Sports Physiotherapy course, which is a mandatory part of the Master of Sports Physiotherapy. It is the student's responsibility to apply and be accepted into the Level 3 course by meeting the minimum criteria. For more information contact APA http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/.

Federal Police Check $15 to $43 and/or Working with Children Check $77 may be required.

Accommodation and travel costs for the two-week University-based Clinical Reasoning & Manual Physiotherapy PTY5CRM, and for clinical placement PTY5APS, may also be incurred and will vary according to venue.
Additional information
Students must complete the two-week University-based subject Clinical Reasoning and Manual Physiotherapy (PTY5CRM TE:PE W5-10 first two weeks of February) before commencing any clinical placement subjects: PTY5APS Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy and PTY5APM: Advanced Practice in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

The Master of Sports Physiotherapy requires the successful completion of the APA Level 3 Sports Course. It is the students responsibility to apply and be accepted into the Level 3 course by meeting the minimum criteria.

How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 12 October 2012. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.

Applicants must also complete a Supplementary Form (PDF 224KB), and send it directly to the relevant campus.

Closing date for applications has been extended until 31 October 2012.



Professional recognition
The course meets the eligibility requirements for graduates to use the titled membership of APA Sports Physiotherapist and APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Sports Physiotherapy/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Physiotherapy international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Master of Physiotherapy Practice (062798K) Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years January $32 600

Master of Physiotherapy Practice continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Students with a relevant first degree obtain a professional qualification in
physiotherapy in this course.

Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term
physical injuries, movement disorders or disability, aiming to achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, participation and quality of life. They may work independently or as members of healthcare teams. Physiotherapists are active in the prevention of illness and injury and in the promotion of health. They are also involved in clinical research, movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations.

Please note: overseas study options are unavailable for international students
in this program, due to requirements to fulfil physiotherapy registration criteria
in Australia.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
A relevant Bachelor's degree other than physiotherapy completed within the past 5 years, with a minimum 5.5 out of 7 Grade Point Average (GPA) - a minimum of 65 per cent. Applicants with a relevant Bachelor's degree completed more than five years ago may be considered on the basis of recent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience.

Applicants must also have completed tertiary-level subjects in regional musculoskeletal anatomy (upper and lower limb, pelvis, spine and thorax, head and neck), neuro-anatomy, physiology (including exercise physiology) and biomechanics. Plus, it is desirable for applicants to have completed tertiary-level subjects in pathophysiology, psychology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, determinants of health, human movement, communication or education. All students enrolled in this program are required to successfully complete a bridging course in the summer semester prior to commencing the course. Cost and dates are to be confirmed.
Special requirements
Applicants are required to complete the Supplementary Information Form regarding essential and desirable prerequisites, and relevant work experience. Please see Additional information for details. A National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the clinical placements.
Please note: costs are approximate and subject to change.
Additional costs
National Police check: A$15.50 annually, immunisations: approximately A$500; Working with Children Check (no fee). Students are also required to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia annually (no fee), and encouraged to complete a First Aid Level II course (not conducted by La Trobe University) approximately A$160. Other approximate costs include practical books: A$100; student name badge: A$15; clinical shirt: A$40; stethoscope: A$110; and goniometer: A$20. Textbooks are optional. Students can purchase books and equipment from any supplier; they remain the students' personal property. However, the clinical shirt must be purchased from La Trobe University. Accommodation and travel costs for clinical placements may also be incurred and will vary according to the venue. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Additional information
To enable clinical placements, students enrolled in the course will be registered as students, at no cost, with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Prior to clinical placements students may be required to provide evidence of their immunisation history.
In addition, applicants are required to complete the Supplementary Information Form regarding essential and desirable prerequisites, and relevant work experience: the form is available from the La Trobe International website
Prior learning and work experience may include: health professional paid work, sport or fitness industry paid work, other relevant personal and professional experience or voluntary work.
Evidence of completed prerequisites (e.g. handbook entries for essential and desirable prerequisite subjects) and supplementary information must be submitted with applications.

This course commences in January 2013 with the Department of Physiotherapy's Preparatory Program (from weeks four to nine) in the Summer Semester (Monday 21 January to 22 February 2013) being held at the Melbourne campus prior to Semester 1 (March) 2013. This program aims to help students develop foundation knowledge and skills which will serve as a basis for their physiotherapy studies. Students who feel they already have the outlined knowledge and skills may apply for exemption. A Preparatory Program outline including registration details and timetable will be available in October 2012.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration in Australia with the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Australia. Registration is an essential prerequisite for practise as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Physiotherapy Practice (Master)Melbourne
Physiotherapy Practice (Master)Bendigo

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (for qualified physiotherapists with full Australian physiotherapy registration)

Please note that the Sports and Musculoskeletal courses are only available to students having Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency and hold full current physiotherapy registration in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (www.ahpra.gov.au).

Our programs in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy have run since 1983 and attract qualified practitioners from around Australia.  The high standard of physiotherapy post-graduate educators and course flexibility contribute to La Trobe’s reputation as being an industry leader in Australia.

Our programs are designed to allow qualified and fully registered physiotherapists with Australian residency to undertake flexible post-graduate education in their own time with minimal disruption to their work and family life.  Presenters on our courses include Olympic, AIS, AFL physiotherapists as well as APA titled and specialist Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists.

Commence your study with online learning & professional development in the graduate certificate programs to develop advanced theoretical/applied physiotherapy skills and to develop skills in research, specifically in critical evaluation of literature and research. 

Then progress to the masters programs to achieve advanced skills and achieve a standard of advanced clinical work and theory to meet the eligibility requirements for APA titled Specialist Sports and/or Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. 

Sports and Muscoskeletal Physiotherapy placements

In the Master of Sports Physiotherapy, you will complete 100 hours of clinical placements with APA sports physiotherapists with some placements available in elite sporting teams. If you are studying the Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, you will complete 160 hours of clinical placements in hospital outpatient departments under APA musculoskeletal physiotherapists. In the Master of Physiotherapy Practice graduate-entry course, you will complete 30 weeks of full-time clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings.

Sports and Musculoskeletal Special prerequisites

Completion of a Physiotherapy degree and full Australian physiotherapy registration.

Further Information

Please note that the Sports and Musculoskeletal courses are only available to students having Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency and hold full current physiotherapy registration in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (www.ahpra.gov.au). 

Contact our course coordinators:

Sports Courses:
Dr Henry Wajswelner FACP
APA Specialist Sports Physiotherapist
APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
T: + 61 3 9479 5857  E: h.wajswelner@latrobe.edu.au

Musculoskeletal Courses:
Edmund Leahy, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
T: + 61 3 9479 5857 E: e.leahy@latrobe.edu.au

Master of Physiotherapy Practice (graduate entry level program)

This course is an entry level physiotherapy program designed to allow students with a first degree, other than physiotherapy, to obtain a professional qualification in physiotherapy.

Am I eligible to apply? Complete the Self Assessment Checklist [PDF 194KB]

I have questions?  Read our Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative Pathways

If you are not offered a place in the graduate-entry Masters program you may apply through VTAC:

  • for the four-year combined Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy Practice course.
  • for the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree majoring in Anatomy and Physiology and meet the entry academic requirements of GPA 5.5 out of 7 (minimum 65%) in the program and successfully complete the essential pre-requisite tertiary level subjects.

Physiotherapy placements

Clinical placements are an important part of our programs. In the Master of Physiotherapy Practice graduate-entry course, you will complete 30 weeks of full-time clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings. The clinical practice and theory subjects extend outside normal University semesters.

Overseas study opportunities

Please note: overseas study options are unavailable for international students in this program, due to requirements to fulfill physiotherapy registration criteria in Australia.

How to apply

There are specific application requirements when applying for the Master of Physiotherapy Practice course. Due to the demand and popularity of the course, preassessment of applications is not possible.  Please attend Open Day on Sunday 26 August 2012 to obtain information about the 2013 program.  Visit the Open Day web site to find out more.

Faculty of Health Sciences
1300 135 045
health@latrobe.edu.au

 

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

Victoria Kahn

One of the main positives about the course is that the delivery is flexible, allowing students to continue to work.

Ms Victoria Kahn, Health Sciences

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy events

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