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Master of Physiotherapy

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Master of Physiotherapy graduate entry course includes studies in neurosciences for physiotherapists, functional musculoskeletal anatomy, and advanced cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy. You will undertake a comprehensive program of practicum, professional and scientific practice studies, enabling you to confidently practice as a physiotherapist health care organisations, private practices schools and community, sports and workplace settings.
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems caused by a wide variety of joint, muscle and nerve disorders. They use a range of drug-free techniques, including:
* joint mobilisation and manipulation
* therapeutic exercise and stretches
* electrophysical agents (such as hot packs, ice and
interferential treatment)
* soft tissue massage
* motor skill training and
* breathing exercises and techniques

They also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

Units of study

Units of Study overview

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total 96 credit points (cp) incorporating fifteen core units (90cp) and one elective unit of study (6cp).

Progression rules

The Master of Physiotherapy requires the completion of 96 credit points (cp) of core units of study comprising 90cp of core units; and 6cp of elective units.

Capstone experience

A number of clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities are scheduled as part of the course. Fieldwork provides hands on experience with real clients in a supervised environment allowing students to combine academic study with the practical abilities required of the rehabilitation counselling profession.

As part of this course eligible students also have the opportunity to take part in the ‘FHS Abroad' program which involves academic study and a 4-6 week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This experience (valued at 6 credit points) enables students to gain a real understanding of global health and make a lasting difference to communities worldwide.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Physiotherapy is applied in the management of a wide variety of conditions, including neurological conditions such as strokes and Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders in children, rehabilitation after major injury, and recovery following surgery and childbirth.

It also plays a central role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as asthma. Physiotherapists work in many places, including private practice, sports facilities, hospitals, schools and universities, public health organisations, community centres, aged-care facilities and workplaces

Course accreditation

Master of Physiotherapy graduates are eligible to apply for registration as physiotherapists with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Further study

Eligible graduates may consider an additional three years of study with us as a research candidate for the higher research degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/research_innovation/. The PhD is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in your field of research.

The award of the degree in the health sciences will enhance your profile as a genuine researcher and expert in your chosen field, afford opportunities as a published researcher, and may lead to an academic appointment, or to a research appointment with a government or industrial research and development organisation.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the Sydney Master of Physiotherapy are made through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of October. This courses is not offered in the July semester intake.

Admission requirements

To be eligible to apply you will need: * A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian institution or equivalent * A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the highest ranked tertiary qualification presented. * Have extensive pre-existing knowledge in all of the following nine areas; human anatomy, human physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, psychology, motor performance and learning, research design and statistics, measurement of human performance, exercise physiology (desirable but not essential). See the URL below for definitions of pre-existing knowledge. The University of Sydney currently recognises a number of undergraduate degrees from various institutions that meet the eligibility for this course and if you have graduated from any of the courses and respective universities listed you are not required to complete a ‘checklist’. See the URL below for the list of recognised undergraduate degrees. If you have not graduated from any of the courses on the list, then you need to complete a ‘checklist’. See the URL below for the checklist. Completed checklists need to be sent to the address details provided. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. International Applicants: Submit the checklist along with your application to the International Office.
PRE-EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/Physiotherapy_assumed_knowledge.pdf
RECOGNISED UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/recognised_institutions_master_of_physiotherapy.pdf
CHECKLIST: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/master_physiotherapy_checklist.doc

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Admission requirements

To be eligible to apply you will need: * A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian institution or equivalent * A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the highest ranked tertiary qualification presented. * Have extensive pre-existing knowledge in all of the following nine areas; human anatomy, human physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, psychology, motor performance and learning, research design and statistics, measurement of human performance, exercise physiology (desirable but not essential). See the URL below for definitions of pre-existing knowledge. The University of Sydney currently recognises a number of undergraduate degrees from various institutions that meet the eligibility for this course and if you have graduated from any of the courses and respective universities listed you are not required to complete a ‘checklist’. See the URL below for the list of recognised undergraduate degrees. If you have not graduated from any of the courses on the list, then you need to complete a ‘checklist’. See the URL below for the checklist. Completed checklists need to be sent to the address details provided. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. International Applicants: Submit the checklist along with your application to the International Office.
PRE-EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/Physiotherapy_assumed_knowledge.pdf
RECOGNISED UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/recognised_institutions_master_of_physiotherapy.pdf
CHECKLIST: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/master_physiotherapy_checklist.doc

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.