Physiotherapy

Why do research in Physiotherapy?

We have an international reputation for training, research and publication in physiotherapy-related research. We have excellent research facilities including a large human movement and gait laboratory and a fully-equipped teaching and research gymnasium. Develop independent research skills and expert knowledge in the science and theories of physiotherapy and clinical practice. Investigate the effectiveness of clinical practices, design research, critically analyse literature, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and promote the use of evidence-based practice.

Career opportunities

Graduates may contribute to research in physiotherapy and related areas or work as an academic or clinician.

Research specialisations

Courses

Local students

Physiotherapy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Doctor of Philosophy Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
Other
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time Anytime

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
Prerequisite
Applicants with first-class or upper second-class honours (or an equivalent qualification) may be admitted directly to PhD candidature. Others will normally be required to enrol initially in a research master's program and, if appropriate, transfer to PhD candidature when they have demonstrated the capacity for independent research at a suitable level.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate) Melbourne
3 years full-time or 6 years part-time Anytime

Doctor of Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Course description
This course provides a path for experienced physiotherapists to further develop their expertise and to undertake research in professional settings. Areas of research include: disabilities; healthy ageing; falls prevention; stroke rehabilitation; gait analysis in neurological and orthopaedic conditions; cardiorespiratory physiotherapy; pulmonary rehabilitation; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; knee replacement surgery; treatment of cervicogenic headache and whiplash; shoulder electromyography; fracture rehabilitation; rehabilitation for low back pain; outcomes measurement in physiotherapy; biopsychosocial approach to pain; and clinical education.
Prerequisite
Honours degree of H2A standard or equivalent, or Master's degree of high academic standard with a thesis of at least 10 000 words, at least three years' relevant professional experience, appropriate
professional qualifications, a four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy or equivalent, and eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist in Victoria. Some applicants may be eligible for Special Entry.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.


Full course details
Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Master of Applied Science Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne
Bendigo
1 years full-time, or the equivalent part-time, and a maximum of 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Anytime

Master of Applied Science continued…

Course description
This course offers numerous research opportunities in health sciences. Areas of research expertise include: health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; rehabilitation and injury prevention; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; and prosthetics and orthotics.

While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree and a fourth year of study; or Bachelor's degree and at least two years' relevant professional or research experience; or other acceptable qualifications, skills or experience. Applicants to the Department of Physiotherapy normally have an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma with at least a B average), or Master's Preliminary in physiotherapy. Applicants to the Department of Occupational Therapy normally have either an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma with at least a B average.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please visit this page for candidature and scholarships forms.

Full course details
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Melbourne
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply

You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October.

To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.

Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.

Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.

Fees and scholarships

Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).

There are a range of scholarships available for local students.

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 Doctor of Philosophy (006629C) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years Anytime $27 800

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. 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 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

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

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial prior research expertise.
Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate) (029306K) Melbourne
4 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $27 800

Doctor of Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course provides a path for experienced physiotherapists to further develop their expertise and to undertake research in professional settings. Areas of research include: disabilities; healthy ageing; falls prevention; stroke rehabilitation; gait analysis in neurological and orthopaedic conditions; cardiorespiratory physiotherapy; pulmonary rehabilitation; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; knee replacement surgery; treatment of cervicogenic headache and whiplash; shoulder electromyography; fracture rehabilitation; rehabilitation for low back pain; outcomes measurement in physiotherapy; biopsychosocial approach to pain; and clinical education.
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
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent, plus at least three years of relevant professional experience. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of research expertise.
Special requirements
A four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy or equivalent and eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist in Victoria.
Full course details
Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Master of Applied Science (074418F) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $27 560

Master of Applied Science continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course offers numerous research opportunities in health sciences. Areas of research expertise include: health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; rehabilitation and injury prevention; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; and prosthetics and orthotics.

While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates.
English Language Requirements

IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. 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 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

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

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level, or equivalent, may be considered in some instances.
Additional information
Please note that the Melbourne (city) campus is now known as Franklin Street campus.
Full course details
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Melbourne
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Albury-Wodonga

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Professor Meg Morris is the Head of the School of Allied Health a school of more than 2000 students. She is a world renown researcher in the field of Parkinson’s disease and has received more than $14 million grants to date and published

Meg Morris, Health Sciences

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

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