Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
170Course code
Overview
Want to help restore people's maximum movement and functional ability?
Follow on from your previous studies in anatomy and physiology and qualify as a Physiotherapist with this two-year full-time or part-time equivalent course.
The Master of Physiotherapy equips you with the skills and knowledge to improve the lives of clients, families and communities when movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, disease, disorders or conditions.
Learn to maximise people's quality of life by studying the physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing, along with health promotion, leadership, case management and more. Our course also offers unique community engagement and First Nations perspectives, as well as rural and remote health. You will graduate with skills and knowledge to be a physiotherapist who is culturally responsive and well-equipped to meet the needs of communities across northern Australia.
Study on campus and gain practical, job-ready experience through four 5-week blocks of full-time clinical placements. There are unique placement opportunities in the Northern Territory's regional, rural and remote areas and all placements are supported by CDU academics and registered Physiotherapy professionals.
Our Master of Physiotherapyoffers international study opportunities and welcomes both First Nations and international students with dedicated support services on hand to support you through your degree.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as community health centres, public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, paediatric facilities, education facilities, mental health settings, private clinics, non-government organisations, correctional institutions, universities and research facilities, corporate and industrial settings, supported employment and government departments.
Practical experience
You will complete a minimum of 750 hours for clinical education.
Professional recognition
This course is currently undergoing accreditation with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and is subject to approval by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Upon successful approval, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as physiotherapists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
Our Master of Physiotherapy degree comprises 170 credit points, is delivered internally, and includes 750 hours of practice education, supported by our academics. In the first year students are introduced to physiotherapy focused teaching and learning and students will engage in some clinical placements. In the final year students will further develop their physiotherapy skills and knowledge applying these to theoretical and clinical units. Unique opportunities exist in the Northern Territory's local, rural and remote areas.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 170 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (16 units) | 170cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 170 credit points as detailed below. HSC318 Rural and Remote Health |
| 170cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office. The Clinical Education units involve a placement for a five-week period.
Intensive Teaching Periods are delivered over 6 weeks. Please refer to CDU Important Dates for the specific dates for each teaching period.
^ Additional offerings will be made available from 2028 to accommodate Master of Physiotherapy (SPTY01) students.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1 (2028)
A Semester 1 study plan will be provided when the course is made available for entry in Semester 1 2028.
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2 (new for Semester 2 2027)
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO | ||
| PTY300 Clinically Applied Anatomy | CO | ||
| PTY311 Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Practice | CO | ||
| PTY512 Physiotherapy Practice 1 (Acute) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||||||
| Intensive 1 | Semester 1 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | |||||
| PTY531 Physiotherapy Practice 3 (Community) | CO | HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals | CO | PTY521 Clinical Education 1 ## | CO | PTY532 Clinical Education II ## | CO | PTY533 Physiotherapy Practice 4 (Lifespan) | CO |
| PTY513 Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Rehabilitation) | CO | PTY534 Physiotherapy Practice 5 (Special Populations) | CO | ||||||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||||||||
| Year 3 | |||||||||||
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| PTY551 Clinical Education III ## | CO | PTY541 Physiotherapy Practice 6 (Health Care Models and Service Delivery) | CO | PTY624 Clinical Education IV ## (20cp) (Capstone) | CO | ||||||
| PTY622 Advanced Physiotherapy Practice | CO | ||||||||||
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Intensive Teaching Periods are delivered over 6 weeks. Please refer to CDU Important Dates for the specific dates for each teaching period.
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Physiotherapy is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation and NT Resident applicants.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Admission criteria
Applicants must have:
* Successful completion of a recognised bachelor, master or doctorate degree or equivalent international qualification with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.0); and
* Previous studies in all four of the following areas at a bachelor degree level or higher. This must be evidenced within transcripts provided:
. Human Anatomy
. Human Physiology
. Exercise Physiology
Please be advised that short-listed applicants may be required to undertake an interview.
Additional admission requirements
Physiotherapy students must meet a specific level of English language proficiency prior to an offer.
You can show English language proficiency by:
1. completing a declaration that English is your primary language, or
2. sitting an English language proficiency test.
Applicants will be required to submit the following via their SATAC application to demonstrate they meet the above standard prior to being included in offer rounds in one of the following ways:
1. PRIMARY LANGUAGE PATHWAY:
A signed English Language Declaration indicating the following:
1. English is their primary language; and
2. They have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
*Recognised countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA.
OR
2. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST PATHWAY
Applicants have achieved and can supply evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests:
* IELTS (Academic) Minimum Scores
Band score of 7.0 in all bands
(IELTS Indicator test is not accepted)
* TOEFL Minimum Scores
Internet-based: total score of 94 with a minimum of 27 in Writing, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Reading and Listening
(TOEFL Home edition test is not accepted)
* Pearson Test of English (Academic) Minimum Scores
Overall score of 65 AND Skills profile of 65 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening
* Occupational English Test (OET)
A minimum result of B/score of 350 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
TOEFL Home edition and IELTS Indicator tests are not accepted for entry.
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Results can be combined from a maximum of two tests undertaken within six months.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical Requirements
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical placements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunisation requirements, Senior First Aid qualification, annual criminal record checks and/or working with children clearances and/or fitness-to-practice requirements.
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
Senior First Aid
A current senior first aid certificate is required before you can undertake practical placements.
Fitness to Practice
A fitness to practice check is required for placements in the course.
Immunisation Schedule
A current immunisation schedule is required before you can undertake practical placements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America, or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score lower than 65 across all modules (reading, writing, speaking and listening). |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with a minimum score of 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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