Outline

In this course, you’ll learn how to prevent, treat and manage physical injuries and assist people of all ages with musculoskeletal and/or chronic health conditions.

Your first year is interprofessional, gaining the skills to work as part of a healthcare team, while learning about the physical, structural and physiological aspects of human form and movement.

You’ll then study musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, cardiorespiratory and neurological sciences; and gerontology, paediatrics, gender health issues and pain management.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to select the best treatment option by analysing the research evidence and the individual’s perspective and health environment.

You’ll become proficient in treating acute and chronic conditions and disabilities, providing hands-on treatment, prescriptive exercise and lifestyle advice.

The development of essential ‘soft’ skills is also a part of your learning. These include empathic listening to help accurately diagnose an issue, problem-solving to address clinical obstacles, and reflective practice to critically analyse evidence and monitor the effectiveness of your management strategies.

You’ll develop your practical skills in laboratory classes and complete 1,100 hours in supervised placements in hospitals and community settings, including in rural and remote locations.

In your third and fourth years, you’ll join a peer research group that will, under staff supervision, work to complete (and potentially publish) a small research study.

You’ll graduate with an integrated honours-level qualification, ready to embark on a career as a physiotherapist or continue your studies as a researcher in a field of physiotherapy.

What jobs can the Physiotherapy course lead to?

Careers

Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy researcher

Industries

Hospitals and healthcare
Community practice
Aged care
Rehabilitation
Sport and recreation
Research
Education
Government

What you'll learn

ethically use research-informed / evidence-based 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
effectively communicate with individuals and groups with diverse cultural, linguistic, ability, or gender perspectives, providing education and advocacy
competently and innovatively use digital technologies that enhance healthcare delivery
be curious, creative and responsive to emerging evidence and practice change, and engage proactively in lifelong learning
demonstrate awareness of and an ability to respond to the national and international healthcare environment and broader healthcare priorities
demonstrate cultural capability to improve healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in interprofessional teams to achieve optimal client/patient outcomes

Why study Physiotherapy

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Upon graduating, you can apply for professional registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Work experience

You'll have access to specialised anatomy facilities and physical health laboratories to develop your practical skills, and complete 1,100 hours of supervised placements in healthcare settings.

Get the Curtin edge

In the second half of your course, you’ll join a peer research group working on a small research study.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Graduates can apply for professional registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

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.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Physical Education Studies and Health Studies.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

Indigenous applicant
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

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

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

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.

The preferred mode of study is full-time over 4 years but that a part-time study plan may be available under exceptional circumstances after discussion with the Course Coordinator. Fieldwork placement blocks must be completed full-time

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

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.

You are required to show evidence of having completed an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award and a Senior First Aid Certificate or respective equivalent before completing your first year. You are required to be able to swim to complete an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award.

Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with a disability.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

Round 1: 28 June 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: 30 August 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: 31 October 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 4: 3 December 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Physical Education Studies and Health Studies.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

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.

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

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.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: 28 June 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: 30 August 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: 31 October 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 4: 3 December 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

TAFE entry
Not accepted. VET study cannot meet the equivalent ATAR requirement.

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Physical Education Studies and Health Studies.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

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.

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

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.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: 28 June 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: 30 August 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: 31 October 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 4: 3 December 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into the course, you need to have:

Completed a full-time study load:
1 Semester (75-100 credit points)
or
2 Semesters (150-200 credit points)
A Semester Weighted Average of 80% or higher
Met the one ATAR Science prerequisite (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information
The ATAR Science prerequisite can be met with at least one ATAR Science subject from the following list:
Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, or Psychology

The ATAR Science prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
HUMB1002 Functional Anatomy
CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry
HUMB1006 Human Physiology for Exercise Science
HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function
MEDI1000 Foundations of Biomedical Science
PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics

Higher education course switcher criteria

Switching into this course from another higher education course provider is only available in Semester one.

A minimum ATAR/ Selection Rank of 90
Note: Selection Ranks are assessed based on your tertiary studies
Met the one ATAR Science subject prerequisite or unit/s assessed as comparable to one ATAR Science subject

Prerequisite Information:

The ATAR Science prerequisite can be met with:

At least one ATAR Science subject from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, or Psychology

A Science subject from a recognised university equivalent to:

HUMB1002 Functional Anatomy

CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry

CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry

HUMB1006 Human Physiology for Exercise Science

HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function

MEDI1000 Foundations of Biomedical Science

PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Physical Education Studies and Health Studies.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

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.

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

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.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: 28 June 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: 30 August 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: 31 October 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 4: 3 December 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

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.

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

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.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: 28 June 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: 30 August 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: 31 October 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 4: 3 December 2024
o Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$8,900*

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

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.

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: BH-PHYTH
CRICOS code: 108991C
Last updated on: 20 November 2024

Physiotherapy

Bachelor honours degree

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

Semester 2

Outline

Outline

What jobs can the Physiotherapy course lead to?

What you'll learn

Why study Physiotherapy

Professional recognition

Work experience

Get the Curtin edge

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

Location

2024

Semester 1

Semester 2

Got a question? We’re here to help.

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