School of Physiotherapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology
Click here to print : Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology 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 from several overseas countries. The high standard of physiotherapy education and research within the School is reflected in its reputation for excellence, both within Australia and internationally.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology provides physiotherapists and applicants from related disciplines (such as nursing, psychology, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics, and physical education) with the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies by developing research skills in an area of specific relevance to health sciences.
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 practices.
- Develop 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology can be undertaken on a full-time basis over one year, or 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 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 with the following :
- PTY41RPA – Readings in Physiotherapy A (20 cp).
- PTY41RPB – Readings in Physiotherapy B (20 cp).
- PTY42RDP – Graduate Research Design in Physiotherapy (20 cp).
- PTY40RPP – Research Project (60 cp).
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology are as follows :
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (four year degree) or its equivalent.
- Relevant research skills as a component of the undergraduate degree.
- 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 (previously known as HECS).
Full time load Band 2 = $6,837 (in 2005).
Part-time students pay pro rata.
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.
Applications
Application forms and details of closing dates for applications are available from the School of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology will be able to contribute to the growth of research within the clinical setting. They will learn the skills required to publish their work in peer reviewed journals and have the opportunity to achieve the standard required for enrolling in further higher degrees.
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
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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