School of Physiotherapy
Master of Physiotherapy
Click here to print : Master of Physiotherapy Information Package (pdf)
Click here to print : Application Form Part 1 (pdf)
Click here to print : Application Form Part 2 (pdf)
The School of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University has a long established history of running postgraduate physiotherapy programs and attracts students from around Australia as well as several overseas countries. The high standard of physiotherapy educations and research within the School is reflected in its reputation for excellence, both within Australia and internationally.
The Master of Physiotherapy program provides physiotherapists with the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies by developing research skills in an area of specific relevance to physiotherapy.
The course aims to :
- Provide a structured opportunity for physiotherapists to develop research skills.
- Provide a method of achieving Honours equivalence, thereby providing a pathway to higher degree enrolment.
- Develop skills relevant to investigating the effectiveness of clinical practice.
- Develop advanced skills in research design and critical analysis of literature.
- Develop skills relevant to publishing papers in peer reviewed journals.
- Develop expert knowledge in the science and theories underpinning physiotherapy and clinical practice.
Course Structure
The Master of Physiotherapy can be undertaken on a full-time basis over one year, but is usually undertaken part-time over two years.
Classes for full-time and part-time students require contact during first semester of first year for eight Tuesdays (four in March and four in May). In addition, regular individual consultation with a research supervisor is arranged. In the second year of the program, students will meet regularly with their research supervisor.
Teaching methods involve a combination of lectures, discussions/tutorials, practical experience in the computer laboratory and individual consultation with research supervisors.
Subjects within the course
Students need 120 credit points (cp) of work to satisfy course requirements in the following :
- PTY51RPA - Advanced Readings in Physiotherapy A (20 cp).
- PTY51RPB – Advanced Readings in Physiotherapy B (20 cp).
- PTY52ARD – Advanced Research Design in Physiotherapy (20 cp).
- PTY50ARP – Advanced Research Project in Physiotherapy (60 cp).
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements for the Master of Physiotherapy are as follows :
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (four year degree) or its equivalent.
- Research skills of an equivalent standard to the undergraduate Physiotherapy course at La Trobe University.
- Competency in English (eg. If principal language is one other than English, applicants will need to provide evidence of a satisfactory result in the Victorian Certificate of Education English, or a score of at least 7 on the International English Language Testing System).
Note : The School of Physiotherapy reserves the right to conduct an interview as part of the selection process.
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places Scheme (previously known as HECS).
For Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents the Master of Physiotherapy is a Commonwealth supported places scheme (previously known as HECS) based course. Information on current fees for the course is available at www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/fees.html. Physiotherapy is a Band 2 course. Students are also required to pay the University’s General Service Fee.
The course fee for international students who are admitted into the course in 2006 is $20,000.
Applications
Application forms and details of closing dates for applications can be obtained from the School of Physiotherapy.
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.
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 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 Master of Physiotherapy course is taught by La Trobe University School of Physiotherapy staff. The teaching and research staff involved with these courses have higher degrees in research, extensive 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.
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 Master 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 teaching staff.
- Provides an opportunity to enter a professional doctoral (Doctor of Physiotherapy) or PhD program.
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
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