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Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice

Course code/s: Albury-Wodonga (HZHSPW), Bendigo (HZHSPB), Melbourne (HZHSPP), Mildura (HZHPPM), Shepparton (HZHSPS)

Bendigo and Melbourne students will undertake all years at the campus they are enrolled at. Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton students will undertake their first year only, at their respective campuses and complete the remainder of their course at the Bendigo campus.

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 health care teams. Physiotherapists are active in the prevention of illness and injury and in the promotion of health. Physiotherapists are also involved in clinical research, movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of health care organisations. Subjects undertaken during the double degree include general and health sciences, professional, clinical and research-related studies.

Course structure

This combined degree course is offered on a full-time basis. The course uses an enquiry-based learning approach that emphasises client-centred, interprofessional and evidence-based practice. In first year, students undertake an interdisciplinary year in which students enrol in subjects with their peers across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus of this year in on basic human biosciences and developing an understanding of factors influencing health, and the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors. In second year, students begin to develop physiotherapy skills and further explore the human biosciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology. By the third and fourth years, students will be able to apply their knowledge and practical skills to the physiotherapy management of disorders across the life-span. During the pre-clinical semesters, students develop the practical aspects of physiotherapy through a simulated learning environment and by practising on each other.

In the final 18 months of the program students will be attached to a clinical school where they will undertake, in each semester, two 5-week, full-time clinical placements as well as two theory subjects in a five-week theory block. Prospective students should note that clinical placements, and study, often occur outside normal University teaching periods. Students are required to undertake placements in a variety of health care settings in the areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy practice. In fourth year, students have the opportunity to undertake placements in more specialised areas of clinical practice, such as, women's health, paediatrics, sports, oncology and spinal cord injury. Students must have current student registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia to be eligible to undertake clinical placements. Placements are not limited to the traditional semester dates.

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	HBS1HBA	Human Biosciences A	15
TE-SEM-1	HLT1IPA	Interprofessional Practice A	15
TE-SEM-1	HLT1PHW	Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing	15
TE-SEM-1	PHE1IDH	Individual Determinants of Health	15
TE-SEM-2	HBS1HBB	Human Biosciences B	15
TE-SEM-2	HLT1IPB	Interprofessional Practice B	15
TE-SEM-2	PHE1SDH	Social Determinants of Health	15
TE-SEM-2	elective	can be taken from anywhere in the University (subject to satisfying any prerequisites)	15

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	HBS2APT	Anatomy for Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-1	HBS2PBM	Physiology and Biomechanics of Movement	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY2HDM	Human Development and Movement	15
TE-SEM-1	HLT2IEP	Integrating Evidence Into Practice	15
TE-SEM-2	HBS3PAP	Pathophysiology and Pharmacology	15
TE-SEM-2	HBS3ANP	Anatomy and Neurosciences for Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY3EHW	Exercise for Health and Wellbeing	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY3STM	Soft Tissue Management	15

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	PTY4MUP	Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Dysfunction	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4NEP	Physiotherapy for Neurological Dysfunction	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4CAP	Physiotherapy for Cardiorespiratory Dysfunction	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4PCP	Skill Development for Person-Centred Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5MCP	Managing Complexity in Clinical Practice	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5ELG	Physiotherapy for Early Lifespan and Gender-Specific Conditions	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPA	Professional Practicum A	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPB	Professional Practicum B	15

 

Fourth year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	PTY5EBP	Evidence Based Practice	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5CDM	Chronic Disease Management	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5PPC	Professional Practicum C	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5PPD	Professional Practicum D	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPE	Professional Practicum E	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPF	Professional Practicum F	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5APP	Advanced Physiotherapy Practice	30

 

Professional recognition

Students are required to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Registration is an essential prerequisite for physiotherapy practice in Australia.