Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University of Technology is designed as an entry-to-practice postgraduate physiotherapy qualification. The programme combines clinical physiotherapy skills with research and evidence-based practice, digital health, leadership, business and entrepreneurship.

Key benefits include:

• Entry-to-practice preparation for a career in physiotherapy.
• Development of clinical skills across musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological, sports and rehabilitation areas.
• Strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice.
• Development of digital health, leadership, management and entrepreneurial capabilities.
• 800 hours of clinical practice across the programme.
• Industry connections involving organisations such as Kieser, Austin Health, Exercise Thought Physiotherapy, Australian Sport Physiotherapy and Platinum Physio.
• Accreditation by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.
• Graduates may be eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), subject to applicable registration requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme requires 200 credit points consisting of 12 theory units and 4 clinical placement units.

Core/theory units:

• Functional Anatomy for Physiotherapists – PHT60001
• Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice – PHT60002
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – PHT60003
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy – PHT60004
• Neurological Physiotherapy – PHT70001
• Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation – PHT70002
• Research and Evidence Based Practice A – PHT70003
• Leadership and Management for Health Professionals – PHT70004
• Chronic Disease, Health Promotion and Practice – PHT70005
• Integrated Physiotherapy Practice – PHT80001
• Lifespan Health and Wellbeing for Physiotherapy – PHT80002
• Research and Evidence Based Practice B – PHT80004

Clinical placement units:

• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice A – PHT60015 – 160 hours
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice B – PHT70015 – 160 hours
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice C – PHT80015 – 160 hours
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice D – PHT80025 – 160 hours

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Physiotherapy is a general professional physiotherapy qualification rather than a master's degree with separately listed specialisations.

The curriculum develops capability in areas including:

• Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
• Neurological physiotherapy
• Sports, exercise and rehabilitation
• Primary care
• Acute care
• Chronic disease and health promotion
• Lifespan health and wellbeing
• Research and evidence-based practice
• Leadership and healthcare management

Programme Highlights

• Australian Physiotherapy Council accredited programme.
• Entry-to-practice postgraduate physiotherapy education.
• 800 hours of clinical practice.
• Industry-connected learning and placement opportunities.
• Clinical exposure across several major physiotherapy practice areas.
• Research and evidence-based practice incorporated into the curriculum.
• Digital health, leadership, management and entrepreneurship components.
• Students may be registered with AHPRA during the course, subject to the relevant requirements.
• Graduates may be eligible to seek registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through AHPRA, subject to professional registration requirements.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

• Physiotherapist
• Private practice physiotherapist
• Mobile physiotherapist

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important requirements for international students include:

• International students must provide an up-to-date record of all immunisations received during their lifetime, translated into English at course commencement.
• A Faculty Immunisation form must be completed and signed by an Australian medical practitioner at course commencement.
• Additional vaccinations or serology may be required because of government policy or placement-provider requirements.
• Students must maintain a current Working with Children Check throughout the programme.
• Students must maintain a National Police Records Check for placement participation.
• Students who undertake placement with an NDIS provider may need an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Students who have lived overseas for more than 12 months during the previous 10 years may need police checks from each country of residence, with English translations, and/or a statutory declaration as specified by Swinburne.
• An annual N95 mask-fit test may be required before placement.
• Uniforms and equipment are required for classes and placements.
• Some placements may be located in regional areas, with students responsible for associated travel and accommodation costs.
• Placements can occur during standard teaching periods as well as school holidays, Christmas and Easter periods, so students need to maintain availability throughout the course.
• Students are advised not to book holidays before their placement allocation because alternative placements may not be available.
• Applicants may be required to attend an online interview.
• Due to limited course capacity, students cannot defer an offered place.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered full-time course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period.
• Evidence of financial capacity where required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• English-language evidence where required.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Providing identity and other supporting documentation requested by the Department of Home Affairs.