Program Overview

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Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

The Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is a program designed for practising physiotherapists who want to gain advanced clinical skills in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Overview

• Award: Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Start dates: 23 February 2026
• Duration: 2 years part-time
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal

About the Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Through a blend of online and set residential block learning, students learn from leading industry clinical leaders, academic staff, and colleagues at one of Australia's longest established physiotherapy schools. Students will also work under the supervision of recognised sports and exercise physiotherapists to gain invaluable clinical practice experience in hospital outpatient departments and private physiotherapy clinics.

Key Facts

• The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
• Students will learn:
  • Fundamentals of musculoskeletal physiotherapy
  • Clinical sciences such as pain sciences and human tissue sciences
  • Advanced physiotherapy and clinical skills
  • Clinical reasoning through a case-based paradigm

Entry Requirements and Pathways

Academic Entry Requirement

• Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent)
• Specialisation - compulsory: Physiotherapy
• At least two years clinical experience in the clinical area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Applicants must have a full current Australian Physiotherapy registration or be eligible for full registration as a physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Credit for Previous Study (Advanced Standing)

Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification.

Defer

Find out if you can defer

Pathways

There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.

What You'll Study

Sample Course Structure

To qualify for the award of Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 2 years.

Core Subjects

• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE
• ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR THE LOWER BODY
• ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR THE UPPER BODY
• PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PAIN SCIENCE FOR ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY
• RESEARCH TO INFORM ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY
• ADVANCED MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
• ADVANCED MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICAL PLACEMENT

Work-Based Learning

During this course, students will participate in one or more supervised Work-Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow them to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours, and knowledge while integrating theory with practice.

Course and Career Outcomes

Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Intended Learning Outcomes

• Deliver client-centred management, integrating advanced biomedical and clinical knowledge with specialised clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal settings
• Critically interpret research and clinical information in formulating expert judgements to guide clinical reasoning, promote patient health, and ensure safe return to activity and participation

Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Career Opportunities

After graduation, students could work across a range of professional settings, including private practice and advanced scope clinics. Possible roles include musculoskeletal physiotherapist.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is recognised by the International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) and is an IFOMPT Accredited Educational Program.

Fees and Scholarships

Estimated Course Fees for Domestic Postgraduate Students

• Estimated fees per year (2026): $42,000 per 120 credit points

Essential Requirements and Additional Costs

• Clinical placements (accommodation and travel costs)
• First aid/CPR certificate
• Immunisations
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check
• Police record check
• Working with Children Check

Scholarships

La Trobe University offers various scholarships, including:

• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nursing Scholarships Program
• La Trobe Greater China Digital Health Scholarship
• La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship
• Early Acceptance Grant - International Students
• Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Scholarship
• Rotary Club of Albury North - Regional Psychology Bursary - Master of Professional Psychology
• Lisa Malone Scholarship

How to Apply

The application process can vary depending on the course. Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes. Students can apply for up to two postgraduate courses.