Master of Physio student in a clinical setting with a patient
MX-PHYTH

Physiotherapy

Masters extended

The Doctor of Physiotherapy is an Extended Masters degree that offers a fast-track pathway to becoming a physiotherapist.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Doctor of Physiotherapy
  • Duration

    Duration

    3 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    600
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    0100217
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Intensive Study Period 1, 2025

1 May 2024

Applications now closed!

Intensive Study Period 1, 2026

1 May 2025

6 November 2025

Course outline

Overview

Overview

The Doctor of Physiotherapy is an Extended Masters degree that offers a fast-track pathway to becoming a physiotherapist. A series of coursework units will provide you with foundational knowledge in the broad range of specialist and practical areas that encompass the physiotherapy profession.

You will complete case studies and clinical placements to help you apply your knowledge to make well-informed clinical decisions. Furthermore, your studies will emphasise evidence-based practice and encourage you to think critically.

Please note: Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes, which require frequent disrobing when acting as clients or patients within the peer group. Being able to physically manipulate people, including lifting and supporting those with disabilities, is also an essential requirement.

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.

What you'll learn

  • Critically appraise and synthesise appropriate evidence to ethically apply physiotherapeutic strategies for individuals and groups across the lifespan
  • Competently and confidently apply and lead physiotherapeutic practice in diverse and changing environments and across a range of practice areas for improved healthcare outcomes at individual and/or group level
  • Communicate confidently and effectively to advocate for and educate individuals and groups of diverse cultural, linguistic, ability and gender backgrounds
  • Competently and innovatively use digital technologies that enhance healthcare delivery
  • Be curious, creative, and responsive to emerging evidence and practice change, and engage proactively and reflectively in lifelong learning
  • Demonstrate knowledge of socio-politico-cultural influences on health care in a local and global context and an ability to respond to the national and international healthcare environment and broader healthcare priorities
  • Demonstrate cultural capability and implement culturally appropriate interventions to improve healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Display leadership and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in interprofessional teams to achieve optimal client/patient outcomes

Professional recognition and accreditation

All practising physiotherapists must be registered with Physiotherapy Board of Australia which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Graduates are eligible for registration in any state or territory of Australia. Registration in New Zealand is available under the terms of the Trans-Tasman agreement. Graduates applying for licensure in the United States of America, United Kingdom or Canada will be required to provide details of their program of studies to the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Specifically, applicants require a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent and completion of units at a tertiary level in 1. musculoskeletal limb anatomy, 2. human biology or physiology and 3. health research methods or evidence-based practice. Desirable units include physics, psychology and statistics. Students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent and a swimming qualification (Bronze medal, Aquatic Rescue Award, as per Royal lifesaving awards or equivalent) and criminal record screening and clearance before entering the course. Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where manual skills, including the ability to lift and support severely disabled patients, and topics such as surface anatomy are presented.

 

 

Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

7

Reading

7

Listening

7

Overall band score

7

Application Requirements

Please refer to our application requirements before applying for this Curtin course.

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Prior to graduation, you will need to provide evidence of your successful completion of an approved course in first aid (CPR).

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2025 Fee year:

$37,712*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 225 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2025

Intensive Study Period 1
  • On campus

2026

Intensive Study Period 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

Search our FAQs
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MX-PHYTH
  • CRICOS code: 0100217
  • Last updated on: 21 December 2024

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Call 1300 222 888 Send us an email Ask us a question Book an appointment

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Learn more about Commerce

Apply for Doctor of Physiotherapy