Masters (Coursework)
Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term physical injuries, movement disorders or disabilities, aiming to achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, participation and quality of life. Physiotherapists may work independently or as members of healthcare teams. They are active in the prevention of illness and injury and in the promotion of health. They are also involved in clinical research, movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations.
Following a preparatory subject in the summer semester (Jan-Feb), in the first semester you will develop clinical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills in the core areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy across a lifespan. This is followed by 18 months of integrated theory and clinical practice subjects, when you will be primarily located in the clinical environment.
The clinical practice and theory subjects extend outside official University semester dates. The course fosters small-group learning to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy practice. You will be given the opportunity to assess and treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a qualified clinician.
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The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Physiotherapy Practice, students must complete a total of 255 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 135 credit points including:
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
Subject name Subject code Year Credit points ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE LTU0AIM 1 0 GRADUATE-ENTRY PREPARATION FOR MASTER OF PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE PTY3GEP 1 15 MANAGING COMPLEXITY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE PTY5MCP 1 15 PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DYSFUNCTION PTY4CAP 1 15 PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR EARLY LIFESPAN AND GENDER-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS PTY5ELG 1 15 PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL DYSFUNCTION PTY4MUP 1 15 PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DYSFUNCTION PTY4NEP 1 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM A PTY5PPA 1 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM B PTY5PPB 1 15 SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR PERSON-CENTRED PHYSIOTHERAPY PTY4PCP 1 15 CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PTY5CDM 2 15 EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE IN HEALTH PTY5EBP 2 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM C PTY5PPC 2 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM D PTY5PPD 2 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM E PTY5PPE 2 15 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM F PTY5PPF 2 15 ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE PTY5APP 2 30The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
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Physiotherapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, industrial clinics and specialist centres. Physiotherapists are also involved in movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organisations. You may also work in education and clinical research.
Professional recognitionThe Master of Physiotherapy Practice is conditionally accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.Graduates of the Master of Physiotherapy Practice may be eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.