School of Physiotherapy
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Click here to print : Doctor of Physiotherapy Information Package (pdf)
The School of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University has a long established history of running postgraduate programs. The School has successfully attracted a range of students from different places and academic backgrounds. The high standard of supervision and research opportunities within the School is reflected in its reputation for excellence, both within Australia and internationally.
Recently, La Trobe University became the first institution in Australia to offer a professional doctorate in Physiotherapy. Our Doctor of Physiotherapy program allows students to participate in advanced clinical work as well as pursue research of a high standard.
The Doctor of Physiotherapy program provides opportunities for students with suitable undergraduate training to develop their research and clinical skills while being supervised by experienced and active researchers and practitioners.
The Doctor of Physiotherapy program enables students to develop :
- Independent research skills;
- Advanced clinical skills;
- Expert knowledge in the science and theories underpinning physiotherapy and clinical practice;
- Skills relevant to investigating the effectiveness of clinical practices;
- Advanced skills in research design and critical analysis of literature;
- Skills relevant to publishing papers in peer reviewed journals;
- And, promote the use of evidence-based practice.
The Doctor of Physiotherapy degree allows physiotherapists to pursue a higher research degree of similar standard to the traditional PhD, but one that, through its coursework components, targets improvement of professional practices.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements for the Doctor of Physiotherapy are as follows :
Candidates will normally have either an Honours Degree (H2A standard or above) or equivalent, a Masters by research, a Masters by coursework with a substantial thesis component (10,000 words), or equivalent. There are also provisions to admit some candidates through a special entry category.
Applicants need to be eligible to register in Victoria as physiotherapists and will normally be expected to have a least 3 years relevant professional experience.
The School of Physiotherapy reserves the right to conduct an interview as part of the selection process.
Course Structure
The Doctor of Physiotherapy program can be undertaken on a full-time basis over three years (one year of coursework and two years of thesis). It can also be undertaken part-time. In the first full-time year (or in first or second year for part-time students), all students study subjects in Health Research. To complete first year, elective subjects are taken from within the Faculty of Health Sciences or from outside the Faculty. These electives may incorporate a substantial clinical component, and be negotiated with academics from the School of Physiotherapy and other Schools within the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University.
Subjects within the Course
Year 1
Health Research A 10 credit points
Health Research B 20 credit points
Or
Health Research C 30 credit points
Electives (to make up 120 credit points for year 1)
Year 2
Thesis 120 credit points
Doctoral Colloquia
Year 3
Thesis 120 credit points
Doctoral Colloquia
Applications
Application forms and details of closing dates for the Doctor of Physiotherapy degree are available from the Research and Graduate Studies Office at La Trobe University.
International applicants should contact the University’s International Programs Office. International students for all courses are required by the Australian Government to study on a full-time basis.
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (previously known as HECS).
Candidature in the Doctor of Physiotherapy degree is offered under the Research Training Scheme (RTS). The RTS provides Commonwealth-funded higher degree by research (HDR) students with an ‘entitlement’ to a commonwealth supported place exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years’ full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research. An RTS student must be: (1) an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen; and (2) enrolled in an accredited HDR course leading to a Doctorate by research (including a professional Doctorate) on a full-time or part-time basis. Students are also required to pay the University’s General Service Fee.
Information on fees for international students can be obtained from the International Programs Office.
Allocation of Places
The following will be considered by the Selection Committee in the assessment of applications :
- Qualifications and academic record.
- Referees’ reports.
- Research experience.
- Availability of supervisors, equipment and suitable research facilities.
- Availability of RTS places in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
School Facilities
The School of Physiotherapy is located in the Health Sciences 3 building on the Bundoora Campus of La Trobe University. The building is purpose built (opened in 1998) and facilities include technologically advanced equipment. Students have opportunities to see and use the following:
- Modern, well equipped research laboratories including one of the most advanced movement laboratories in the world, a high class electrophysical agents laboratory and biomechanics facilities.
- Modern library with one of the most extensive collections of physiotherapy books and serials, and advanced on-line searching facilities.
- Up-to-date information technology services including computers for on-line learning and software for thesis construction and data analysis.
- State of the art lecture, practical, and clinical teaching facilities.
Teaching and Research Supervision Staff
The Doctor of Physiotherapy degree is all taught by La Trobe University School of Physiotherapy staff. The teaching and research staff involved with these courses have higher degrees in research, extensive clinical, research and publication experience, and have been recognised internationally for their work. In addition, expert researchers and supervisors (often from a clinical facility) external to La Trobe University can be involved as associated supervisors for specific research projects and clinical placements.
International Links
The School of Physiotherapy encourages and has developed valuable collaborative links with physiotherapists and physiotherapy teaching and research facilities in different regions of the world including – Canada, USA, Thailand, the United Kingdom, China, Israel, India and Singapore.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Physiotherapy degree will contribute to research in physiotherapy and related areas. They typically have the skills required to publish their research in peer reviewed journals. Many graduates obtained accelerated career advancement because of their research skills and knowledge.
Features of the Programs
- High quality research supervision and education.
- High quality clinical supervision and teaching.
- High quality teaching staff.
- Access to strong research base and infrastructure.
Enquiries
Enquiries relating to academic content or admission should be directed to :
Dr Nora Shields
Postgraduate Co-ordinator
School of Physiotherapy
Faculty of Health Sciences
La Trobe University
Victoria 3086
AUSTRALIA
Telephone : +61 3 9479 5815
Facsimile : +61 3 9479 5768
Email : N.Shields@latrobe.edu.au
International applicants please initially contact :
International Programs Office
La Trobe University
Victoria 3086
AUSTRALIA
Telephone : +61 3 9479 1199
Facsimile : +61 3 9479 3660
Email : International@latrobe.edu.au
Web : www.latrobe.edu.au/international/
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