Doctorate (PhD)
The Department of Physiotherapy recently celebrated 25 years of excellence in physiotherapy education. 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.
Graduates will be work-ready and immediately employable following registration having gained diverse clinical experience in major hospitals and knowledge of primary healthcare and community engagement.
Led by highly credentialed and networked lecturers and mentors, as well as connections with leading hospitals, research institutes and the private sector, the Doctor of Physiotherapy is designed to meet the current and future needs of students, patients and the changing nature of the health workforce.
Graduates have the opportunity to pursue careers in a range of health settings including hospitals, private practice, sporting and rehabilitation facilities, community organisations, in public health advocacy or
The course prepares students for the current needs and changing roles of the physiotherapist in areas such as chronic disease management, health promotion and prevention, as well as acute care, rehabilitation, and sports and private practice. The clinical program builds progressively to independent practice, with approximately 37 weeks of clinical practice.
The program also features include advanced theoretical knowledge in areas such as pharmacology, leadership and management, and including a student conference.
The program includes:
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:
Taught by leading researchers and academics, and clinical practitioners from prestigious clinical schools, the Doctor of Physiotherapy is the perfect pathway to becoming an industry-leading practitioner to provide world-class care to every patient you encounter.
Please note: Applications are currently being accepted for 2022 entry.