Master of Physiotherapy

The Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to work as physiotherapists. It's an extended master's, which means it runs longer than a standard one-year qualification because it includes the clinical training and supervised practice you need to register and work. You'll study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience and pain science, then apply that knowledge to musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiothoracic and sports physiotherapy. Assessment, treatment planning, exercise prescription and manual therapy are all part of the core work.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You accumulate credit points across semesters or trimesters until you meet the requirements for the award. A two-year master's like this one typically combines coursework units with clinical placements, and may include a research project or capstone in the second year. The exact unit list, credit point values and teaching periods are set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Clinical placements and skills

Physiotherapy is a hands-on profession, so work-integrated learning sits at the centre of the degree. You'll go on supervised clinical placements in hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centres, community health services and aged care settings, working with real patients under the guidance of registered physiotherapists. By the end you should be able to take a patient history, perform a physical examination, reach a diagnosis, design a treatment plan and measure whether it's working. You'll also build the communication and teamwork skills that physios use every day with patients, families and other health professionals.

Who it suits

This course suits graduates from health, science or exercise-related backgrounds who want to change direction into physiotherapy, and practising professionals who need a registrable qualification. It also attracts international students who want to study and work in Australia. If you're applying from overseas, you'll need to meet the university's English requirements and the separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs for a Student visa. While you study, a Student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances and the rules at the time. Always confirm the details on the official University of Notre Dame Australia page and the CRICOS register before you apply.

• Physiotherapist in private practice, treating musculoskeletal injuries and running rehabilitation programmes
• Hospital physiotherapist working in orthopaedics, neurology, cardiothoracics or intensive care
• Sports physiotherapist with professional teams, clubs or sports medicine clinics
• Rehabilitation consultant in community health, disability services or aged care
• Occupational health physiotherapist helping workplaces manage injury prevention and return-to-work plans
• Paediatric physiotherapist supporting children with developmental or movement conditions
• Researcher or clinical educator in physiotherapy, usually after further study or experience