Why Master of Physiotherapy?
Health and mobility are fundamental to our quality of life. When compromised, there are huge consequences for wellbeing.
At Adelaide University, you’ll gain the tools to excel as a physiotherapist with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.
Empower individuals to reclaim their lives through holistic care of the body and mind. Put your problem-solving skills to the test. Support recovery from injuries, operations and chronic pain. Secure a well-paying job in a people-oriented field. Enhance your personal wellbeing and make a meaningful difference.
Overview
Transform your career in just two years with our intensive Master of Physiotherapy. Our curriculum is contemporary and culturally informed, with hands-on learning aligned to industry needs.
You’ll learn to assess, treat and prevent a range of health conditions, empowering people to lead healthy, engaged and fulfilling lives.
Learn from practising physiotherapists in our on-campus physiotherapy clinics. Complete 30 weeks of clinical placements in metropolitan, rural and regional health settings. Gain hands-on experience across diverse disciplines – from paediatrics to sports physiotherapy. Be taught by award-winning academics at the top of their fields.
You’ll graduate with a degree that enables you to apply for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia – equipped to change lives.
Key features
Gain the requirements to practise as a registered physiotherapist in just two extra years of study.- Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body and help people of all ages to lead healthy lives.
- Benefit from our strong industry partnerships.
- Complete clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings – from paediatrics to aged care.
- Get practical experience in our student-led physiotherapy clinics.
- Learn from award-winning teaching staff, including practising health professionals and leading researchers.
What you'll learn
Our Master of Physiotherapy will teach you how to assess, treat and prevent health conditions throughout the different stages of life. The curriculum covers many different areas of practice, including musculoskeletal, rehabilitation, acute care, paediatrics, and community practice.
From your first day, you'll start thinking like a physiotherapist. Early courses focus on evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, critical thinking, professional practices and basic injury management in a musculoskeletal context.
Then you’ll challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain – and cover the theory, assessment and management of acute care and rehabilitation conditions.
A central component of this degree is clinical placements, which commence in your second year of study.
Through your placements you will develop clinical competence across different settings, including in rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care, disability, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
You’ll develop the skills to work in the prevention and management of disability and illness, both in workplace and community settings, and as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This holistic view of a patient’s health recovery is crucial, as different age groups have different care needs.
To practice professionally after completing this program, you'll need to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Given your degree involves patient and public interaction – such as field and clinical placements – you must also demonstrate you meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include a criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and broad and strict immunisation requirements.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 54 units for all Core courses, and
- 42 units for all Work integrated learning
Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Professional Practice
|
Course code
REHB5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pain Science (GE)
|
Course code
REHB5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evidence Informed Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5012
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5014
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5015
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Physiotherapy Professional Practice
|
Course code
REHB5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Evidence Informed Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5014
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5012
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5015
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pain Science (GE)
|
Course code
REHB5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice
|
Course code
REHB5013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB6004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (GE)
|
Course code
REHB6003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6002
|
Units
12
|
Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice
|
Course code
REHB5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (GE)
|
Course code
REHB6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB6004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Professional Practice
|
Course code
REHB5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Evidence Informed Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5014
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5012
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB5015
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pain Science (GE)
|
Course code
REHB5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice
|
Course code
REHB5013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB6004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (GE)
|
Course code
REHB6003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy GE
|
Course code
REHB6002
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to help people of all ages reach their full potential. Physiotherapists can work across the globe, both as first contact professionals and in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. You might be head physio for the Matildas or the Socceroos. You could open your own physiotherapy clinic. Perhaps you’ll support hospital patients recovering from surgeries, injuries or strokes.
Your clinical reasoning, problem-solving and interpersonal skills could also be put to use as a:
- Disability analyst
- Paediatric physio
- Neurological physio
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Occupational health physio
- Policy or education advisor
- Health service manager
- Researcher.
Industry trends
Job prospects for physiotherapists in Australia are very positive. Employment is expected to increase significantly, with an anticipated 4,300 new jobs annually (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).
This surge in demand is driven by aging populations, heightened awareness of physiotherapy’s benefits for injury prevention and rehabilitation and rising rates of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
There are expanding opportunities within the field as physiotherapists play a larger role in preventive health and chronic disease management. New practice areas, including mental health physiotherapy, improved integration with multidisciplinary teams, and the adoption of telehealth technologies are also set to broaden the profession’s impact in healthcare.
Ready to rise to the challenge?
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Successful completion of the program is accepted for membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
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.
