The course is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
There will be a specific sub-quota for rural and remote applicants.
A knowledge of SACE Stage 2 Biology and Physics is assumed.
Course aims
Graduates of the double degree program will be able to practice as Physiotherapists across a range of settings, including rural and remote areas. Emphasis will be placed on preparing a contemporary health professional able to be client-centred and to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the double degree will be able to:- identify and apply key theoretical and practice approaches within physiotherapy
- integrate physiotherapy knowledge and skills to manage disorders across the lifespan in a wide variety of settings including rural and remote locations, with both individuals and various populations
- collaborate and communicate with clients to meet their health needs in a culturally sensitive manner
- select physiotherapy interventions relevant to the needs of clients using reflective and evidence-based practice
- apply physiotherapy skills in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of clients and in health promotion and disease prevention
- collaborate and communicate effectively with other health professionals in providing high quality health care; and
- reflect on their practice and plan their ongoing professional development as life-long learners.
Program of study
To qualify for double degree of Bachelor of Health Sciences, Master of Physiotherapy, a student must complete 180 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below. Students must also achieve a Grade Point Average of 5 or better in the 108 units of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in order to progress to the Master of Physiotherapy.
Students who have successfully completed the first three year of the program (108 units) may exit with the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, a student may not proceed to higher year core topics unless they have satisfactorily completed the previous year's core topics.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or failure to complete the course within eight consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Principles of Physiotherapy)
Core - Year 1 topics
31.5 units comprising:
HLTH1003 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care (4.5 units)
HLTH1004 Human Bioscience (4.5 units)
HLTH1101 Health Promotion for Health Professionals (4.5 units)
HLTH1304 Communication for Health Practitioners (4.5 units)
HLTH1305 Health Practitioner Practice 1 (4.5 units)
HLTH1306 Health Practitioner Practice 2 (4.5 units)
PHYT1001 Introduction to Physiotherapy (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 1 topics
Plus 4.5 units of first year electives
Core - Year 2 topics
27 units comprising:
HLTH2101 Epidemiology for the Social Determinants of Health (4.5 units)
HLTH2105 Health: a Psychological Perspective (4.5 units)
MMED2931 Human Physiology (4.5 units)
PHYT2001 Exercise and Musculoskeletal Physiology (4.5 units)
REHB2001 Neuroscience for Therapists (4.5 units)
REHB2002 Rehabilitation Studies 1 (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 2 topics
Plus 9 units of electives
Core - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
HLTH3102 Qualitative Methods of Social Health Research (4.5 units)
HLTH3105 Quantitative Methods of Social Health Research (4.5 units)
MMED3932 Body Systems (4.5 units)
MMED3941 Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy (4.5 units)
PHYT3001 Introduction to the Science of Physiotherapy (4.5 units)
REHB3001 Rehabilitation Studies 2 (4.5 units)
REHB3002 Understanding Disease and Disability (4.5 units)
REHB3003 Pain, Posture & Movement (4.5 units)
Master of Physiotherapy
Core - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
PHYT8001 Musculoskeletal Practice 1 (9 units)
PHYT8002 Performance of Movement and Function (4.5 units)
PHYT8003 Cardiorespiratory Practice (4.5 units)
PHYT8007 Musculoskeletal Practice 2 (9 units)
REHB8101 Interprofessional Practice 1 (4.5 units)
REHB8103 Interprofessional Practice 2 (4.5 units)
Core - Year 5 topics
36 units comprising:
AGES8026 Design and Ethics in Research with Vulnerable Populations (4.5 units)
PHYT8004 Neurological Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
PHYT8006 Complex Case and Advanced Practice (4.5 units)
PHYT8008 Clinical Practicum 1 (Clinical Placements 3 and 4) (9 units)
PHYT8009 Clinical Practicum 2 (Clinical Placements 5 and 6) (9 units)
PHYT8010 Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management (4.5 units)
