Doctor of Physiotherapy

at University of Melbourne

Intended learning outcomes
The Doctor of Physiotherapy draws on the University of Melbourne's reputation for excellence in teaching and research to inspire and enable students to become outstanding physiotherapists ready to excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field. Desired graduate attributes have been carefully defined, developed and mapped to every component of the course. The 67 attributes, listed in full below, have been collated into six domains:

• Self
• Knowledge
• Patient
• Physiotherapy profession
• Systems of Health care
• Society
• Degree structure

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program is a fully fixed course. In order to qualify for the Doctor of Physiotherapy students must successfully complete all subjects as outlined below (300 credit points):

• Year 1: Students complete 100 points of compulsory subjects.
• Year 2: Students choose one of Lifespan and Chronic Disease Practice and Healthcare in Context to take in second year, and then take the other in third year.
• Year 3: Students choose one of Lifespan and Chronic Disease Practice and Healthcare in Context to take in second year, and then take the other in third year.

Year 1

• Foundation Physiotherapy Sciences A
• Integrated Professional Practice A
• Pharmacology for Physiotherapy A
• Foundation Physiotherapy Sciences B
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

Year 2

• Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice
• Cardiorespiratory Clinical Practice
• Neurological Clinical Practice
• Research and Evidence 2
• Chronic Disease and Disability
• Lifespan Health
• Physical Activity and Exercise
• Lifespan and Chronic Disease Practice
• Healthcare in Context 1

Year 3

• Pharmacology for Health Professionals
• Leadership and Management
• Integrated Professional Practice
• Sports and Manual Therapy
• Research and Evidence 3
• Healthcare in Context 2

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed either:

• An undergraduate degree in any discipline, with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Physiotherapy. For example, if you are applying for the 2020 intake then your undergraduate degree must have been completed from 2010 onwards, or
• For applicants whose most recently completed undergraduate degree was completed 10 or more years before 1 January of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Physiotherapy, a Graduate Diploma, Master or PhD degree or equivalent completed within 10 years before 1 January of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Physiotherapy; and
• Prerequisite University subjects in human anatomy and human physiology or equivalent (one subject of each), with prerequisite subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Physiotherapy. For example, if you are applying for the 2020 intake then prerequisite subjects must have been completed from 2010 onwards. Please visit MDHS Health Hub prerequisites for further details. and
• A multi-mini interview (which may be restricted to shortlisted applicants).

Indicative first year fee
AUD$46,176

Indicative total course fee
AUD$145,569

Exciting clinical practice opportunities

• As a student in the Doctor of Physiotherapy, there will be many opportunities to explore clinical practice, research and advocacy.
• The opportunities for students range from private and sporting facility practice, through to community health and major hospitals.
• Our close relationships with our clinical partners such as Melbourne Health, Austin Health, Western Health, St. Vincent’s and Royal Children’s Hospital allows students to experience exclusive clinical experience in the country’s leading institutions.
• Throughout the program, you will witness the power of health care in action. As a student, you may have the opportunity to work with a variety of community groups. Your ability to analyse health problems in context and build outcomes that work will have tangible effects on people’s lives.
• Through contact with established physiotherapists, you can develop your leadership and management skills. You will witness how successful physiotherapists structure and run their own businesses. You will also learn how to future-proof your work with a greater understanding of new and innovative practices, which will equip you to better serve patients now and beyond.