Doctor of Physiotherapy

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
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.

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.

Things to know before applying:

• This course can only be undertaken full-time over three years plus an initial intensive seven-week study period in January-February of the first year.
• The Doctor of Physiotherapy course commences in early January each year.
• Completion of the course’s 600 credits is necessary for physiotherapy registration eligibility. Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) for a very limited number of units may be considered on a case by case basis.
• Deferment of an offer to the following year is not allowed.
• Entry is competitive and only 30 places are offered each year. Applicants are required to submit as much information as possible relating to their education and professional background to assist in the evaluation of their application.
• Overseas-trained physiotherapists are eligible to apply to this course but should consider applying for the Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) as well.

Documents to submit with your application:

• Academic transcript and award certificate – it is important that BOTH SIDES of the academic transcript are provided
• Video statement
  • Applicants are required to create and provide a web link to a personal statement video, in which they introduce themselves and reflect on their experience with physiotherapy and musculoskeletal limb anatomy. The video must be a maximum of 3 minutes in length. The audio must be clear and the applicant must be clearly visible in the video.
  • Video storage platforms include and are not limited to: GoogleDrive, OneDrive, DropBox, Youtube, WeTransfer etc.
  • The link must not expire or be password protected
• Evidence of Study in Particular Subject field(s) at university level is essential

These essential subject field(s) of study are:

1. Musculoskeletal limb anatomy
2. Health Research Methods or Evidence-based practice
3. Human biology/physiology

You must self-identify the unit(s) you have or are in the process of completing which you consider to meet these specific unit prerequisite requirements using the following Self Identify Prerequisite Form

Fees and scholarships

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2025 Fee year:

$37,712*

Domestic

What is a domestic fee-paying (DFP) place?

A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university which is not Commonwealth supported, that is, not subsidised by the Australian Government.

Domestic fee paying students will be charged tuition fees and may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for all or part of those tuition fees.

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).

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth

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

• Curtin Perth

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

Course structure

View course structure

Duration

This course is three calendar years and is offered only on a full-time basis.

Credit

A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

CRICOS

The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.

Qualification

Doctor of Physiotherapy

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).

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.

Submit an enquiry CRL search

Inherent requirements

Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.

Course code

MX-PHYTH

CRICOS code

Last updated on

12 May 2025

Curtin University

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Overview:

Curtin University is a public research university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in the fields of mining, engineering, and health sciences. Curtin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as professional development courses. The university has a global presence with campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Singapore.

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Services Offered:

Curtin University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Learning Support:

Disability planning, industry placements, global study opportunities, and access to learning and study spaces.

Campus Life:

Accommodation options, information about living in Perth, food and retail services, regional study opportunities, sports and social clubs, health and wellbeing resources, and campus events.

International Student Support:

Assistance with moving to Australia, application procedures, English language programs, and opportunities to meet with university representatives in their home countries.

Financial Assistance:

Information on fees and charges, financial assistance programs, and scholarships.

Career Support:

Access to career advisors and resources to help students with their career planning.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Curtin University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Sports and Recreation:

Joining sports teams, participating in recreational activities, and attending campus events.

Social Clubs:

Joining student clubs and societies based on their interests.

Campus Events:

Attending lectures, workshops, and social events organized by the university.

Global Study Opportunities:

Studying abroad at one of Curtin's international campuses or participating in exchange programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Graduate Employment Rate:

Curtin University has the highest rate of graduates finding full-time employment among Western Australia's public universities.

Research Excellence:

Curtin's research is rated at or above world standard, with a strong focus on innovation.

Global Recognition:

Curtin is ranked second in the world for mineral and mining engineering.

Diverse and Inclusive Campus:

Curtin celebrates diversity and aims to create a welcoming environment for all students.

Strong Industry Partnerships:

Curtin collaborates with industry, government, and First Nations people to create meaningful change and solve real-world problems.

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Curtin University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability

Architecture and Construction

Arts and Creative Industries

Business, Innovation, Management and Law

Culture, Society and Indigenous

Education

Engineering, Mining and Surveying

Health

Information Technology

Physical Sciences, Geoscience and Mathematics

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Other:

Curtin University is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on addressing the UN's global sustainable development goals. The university also has a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and aims to embed their voices and perspectives in its decision-making.