Why Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)?
Movement is medicine for the body and mind. But every person is different, with their own unique challenges and vulnerabilities. Skilled physiotherapists understand this – and can offer life-changing, personalised support.
Our Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) gives you the knowledge and tools to excel in this rewarding field, with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.
Discover how the human body works. Get extensive hands-on experience. Connect with industry experts. Stay on your toes in an active, people-focused profession. Help your clients reach their full potential and lead healthy, functional lives.
Overview
This four-year honours degree teaches you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across the full lifespan. Supported by practicing physiotherapists and award-winning researchers, you’ll join an inspiring community of healthcare professionals. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience, advancing both your technical and communication skills.
The curriculum is contemporary and culturally informed, covering everything from human anatomy and physiology to social and psychological factors that impact on health and wellbeing. You'll study biomechanics, muscle assessment, pharmacology and pain science, learning how to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.
Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body. Gain 45 weeks of practical experience through clinical placements. Benefit from our on-campus laboratories and clinics. Graduate ready to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, helping people of all ages lead empowered lives.
You can also choose to study this program at our regional campus in Whyalla.
Key features
Get 45 weeks of practical experience in our student-led physiotherapy clinics.- Complete industry-based clinical placements – from aged care to musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- Learn from award-winning teaching staff and practising health professionals.
- Benefit from our strong links with industry and world-class physiotherapy research.
- Gain a respected honours degree, opening doors to research or professional practice.
- Graduate ready to join one of Australia’s most in-demand allied health professions.
What you'll learn
You’ll learn all about the foundational medical sciences, including courses on human anatomy and physiology. Explore social and psychological determinants of human health and function. Network with other health students studying podiatry, health sciences, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. Build physiotherapy-specific skills, starting with biomechanics and muscle assessment.
You’ll study pharmacology and movement analysis. Interrogate the biomedical model of health. Challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain. Learn how to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their best outcomes. Build communication skills for working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Get a holistic view of health and recovery.
You're encouraged to build your practical skills and industry relationships from day one of your degree. You’ll advance your knowledge and skills through supervised clinical placements across metro, rural and regional health settings. You’ll complete 45 weeks of practical experience in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care, disability and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
You'll have access to purpose-built facilities, including:
- Physiotherapy clinics
- Physiotherapy laboratories
- Anatomy laboratories
- A physiology laboratory.
Your learning is carefully designed to gradually reduce your need for support as you move toward graduation. This ensures you have the confidence and capacity to walk into a job as a new graduate physiotherapist – and immediately make a difference.
We’ll teach you to be a successful physiotherapist who not only understands the human body, but who can also adeptly communicate, assess, manage and problem-solve to meet the unique needs of your clients.
Note: This degree requires direct patient and public interaction, including fieldwork, clinical placements and work in our on-campus gyms. Because of this there are multiple conditions you must meet. These include a criminal history clearance, child-related employment clearance and immunisation requirements.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 108 to 114 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 84 units for Work integrated learning
Complete 108 to 114 units comprising:
- 96 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 to 18 units from Core selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 200
|
Course code
BIOL2018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Exercise Physiology 1
|
Course code
HBIO1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 101
|
Course code
HLTH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biopsychosocial Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 100
|
Course code
REHB1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 101
|
Course code
REHB1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 200
|
Course code
REHB2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 201
|
Course code
REHB2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Neurosciences in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pain Sciences
|
Course code
REHB3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Evidence Based Practice
|
Course code
HLTH3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics and Communication
|
Course code
REHB4006
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which the clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
4. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid' Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate or equivalent before they will be allowed to commence the clinical section of the program.
5. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the clinics.
6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
10. Students are advised that they may be required to spend time in a placement outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location.
11. Students may be required to undertake fieldwork placement outside normal university teaching weeks.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
13. Normally students who achieve a credit level average in the courses which make up the first and second years of the program may be considered for the research stream. Normally a quota for places will apply. The invitation to students will be made at the commencement of the third year of the program.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 100
|
Course code
REHB1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 101
|
Course code
HLTH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 101
|
Course code
REHB1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 200
|
Course code
BIOL2018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Exercise Physiology 1
|
Course code
HBIO1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 200
|
Course code
REHB2001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biopsychosocial Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults
|
Course code
REHB2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Neurosciences in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 201
|
Course code
REHB2002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pain Sciences
|
Course code
REHB3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB3009
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Acute Care
|
Course code
REHB3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB3008
|
Units
12
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Physiotherapy with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB4011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B
|
Course code
REHB4008
|
Units
12
|
Complete 78 to 84 units comprising:
- 60 units for all Work integrated learning courses, and
- 18 to 24 units from Work integrated learning selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults
|
Course code
REHB2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Acute Care
|
Course code
REHB3005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB3008
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB3009
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B
|
Course code
REHB4008
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB4011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Work Health and Safety Practice
|
Course code
REHB4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Promotion in Physiotherapy B
|
Course code
REHB4007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB4010
|
Units
12
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which the clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
4. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid' Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate or equivalent before they will be allowed to commence the clinical section of the program.
5. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the clinics.
6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
10. Students are advised that they may be required to spend time in a placement outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location.
11. Students may be required to undertake fieldwork placement outside normal university teaching weeks.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
13. Normally students who achieve a credit level average in the courses which make up the first and second years of the program may be considered for the research stream. Normally a quota for places will apply. The invitation to students will be made at the commencement of the third year of the program.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 100
|
Course code
REHB1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 101
|
Course code
HLTH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 101
|
Course code
REHB1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 200
|
Course code
BIOL2018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Exercise Physiology 1
|
Course code
HBIO1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 200
|
Course code
REHB2001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biopsychosocial Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults
|
Course code
REHB2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Neurosciences in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 201
|
Course code
REHB2002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pain Sciences
|
Course code
REHB3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB3009
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Acute Care
|
Course code
REHB3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB3008
|
Units
12
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Physiotherapy with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB4011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B
|
Course code
REHB4008
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Physiotherapists can work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts. They can take on roles in:
- Clinics
- Private practice
- Sport and exercise services
- Rehabilitation centres
- Hospitals
- Home and community services
- Disability services
- Aged care facilities
- Women's health and paediatric services
- Occupational and health promotion units
- Research.
You might work on a cruise ship, keeping travellers safe and limber at sea. You could provide on-site physiotherapy services for office workers. Perhaps you’ll be head physio for the Australian Olympic Team.
Or you could pursue a career as a:
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Disability analyst
- Paediatric physio
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Continence and women's health physio
- Health service manager
- Geriatric physio
- Aquatic physio.
You will also be well-prepared for further postgraduate study, such as a Master of Research or Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy specialising in Sports or Musculoskeletal.
Industry trends
Physiotherapists are one of the most sought-after allied health professionals in Australia. It is the second largest of the nationally regulated professions and the third fastest growing (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2022).
This demand will only increase as our population ages, coupled with rising chronic disease, more emphasis on wellness and preventive health and increased public awareness of physiotherapy’s benefits (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2022).
At Adelaide University you’ll build the skills to manage – and prevent – the negative impacts of these growing health challenges. You’ll learn to understand each client's unique physical condition, limitations and goals and support them on their journey toward enhanced wellbeing.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
