Master of Physiotherapy

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time only (no part time option)

Program code

MAPHY

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$52,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

Applicants are required to provide evidence of satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses in the last 10 years in the following content areas: • 0.125 EFTSL Statistics and Research Methods; AND • 0.250 EFTSL Human Anatomy; AND • 0.250 EFTSL Human Physiology

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115939D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution in one of the approved Fields of Education with a highly competitive GPA; AND
Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years.*

*On a case-by-case basis, the Program Director may consider applicants whose prerequisites were completed more than 10 years ago if they have relevant, recent work experience.

Approved Fields of Education

Medical Studies
Rehabilitation Therapies
Human Biology
Medical Science
Human Movement
Public Health

Prerequisite courses

Statistics and Research Methods (at least one semester equivalent); AND
Human Anatomy (at least two semesters equivalent); AND
Human Physiology (at least two semesters equivalent).

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

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 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

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

	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

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

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: