Master of Physiotherapy

Master of Physiotherapy

POSTGRADUATE

Master the art and science of physiotherapy, helping people through movement and exercise. 

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$46,080 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
July
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Physiotherapy is a two-year graduate entry to professional practice degree.

This physiotherapy degree, based in Bundoora (Melbourne) produces agile, resilient and enterprising health professionals that are informed by evidence.

Students learn therapeutic communication skills, business and enterprise acumen, skills in technology and digital health, and knowledge of healthcare across the lifespan to drive innovation for responsible practice and enhance health outcomes.

Why choose the Master of Physiotherapy at RMIT?

Experiential learning

The curriculum embeds simulated and clinical experiences to consolidate your learning and launch your physiotherapy career.

Industry partnered

Bridge tertiary education with clinical practice, using industry immersion to innovate health solutions.

Health leadership

Apply leadership and management skills to advance person-centred care and collaborate within multidisciplinary health teams to deliver responsible health care.

Addressing health industry needs

The Master of Physiotherapy is a 16-course program that immerses students in simulated and real-world clinical environments to address healthcare challenges for the Australian and global contexts, inclusive of chronic diseases, disability and individuals with multiple comorbidities across the lifespan. 

Details

Learning and teaching

This is a two-year graduate entry to professional practice full-time program that adopts the blended learning model. The teaching methods include online and face-to-face lectorials, seminars, tutorials/workshops, practicals and laboratory sessions, site visits and provision of online materials. The face-to-face aspect of the program is delivered at the Bundoora campus. Students undertake practically oriented learning through clinical placement and work-integrated learning (WIL) activities (EmpowEEr) to develop their practical capabilities and enhance employability.

Assessment methods

The assessments within the Master of Physiotherapy program are designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate evidence-informed, industry-relevant knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning. These assessments may include hurdle requirements, quizzes, written reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects and skill-based practical examinations.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The Master of Physiotherapy embeds EmpowEER WIL activities across four courses over the two-year program.

Students gain practical experience within real-world and simulated environments. Students will undertake structured industry-based assessments to evaluate competence in theoretical knowledge, skill application and clinical reasoning. Students also have the opportunity to co-design and be mentored in industry-partnered research projects.

The Master of Physiotherapy is a two-year, full-time accelerated program.

As such there will be courses that will be delivered flexibly or outside the higher education learning and teaching period, eg. WIL courses. Additionally, there will be a course delivered as six-week intensive.

Throughout this degree, expect to attend face-to-face classes on campus for a minimum of three days, in addition to industry placement.

During specific WIL courses, you have to attend a four-day industry placement, over five weeks. It is expected that physiotherapy students devote 5-7.5 hours of external study per course per week to complete the required preparation for class, such as reading of materials, completing online teaching and learning activities, reflecting and preparing for assessment tasks.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Year 1

In the first year of study, you undertake eight courses that prepare you for your block clinical placement period. The eight courses cover foundational knowledge and practical skills in physiotherapy across lifespan, research and leadership. You also commence your EmpowEEr WIL placement – a one-day-per-week industry placement over two years, delivered during the two semesters.

Year 2

In the second year of study, you delve deeper into aspects of physiotherapy practice that include introduction of complex clinical presentations and clinical reasoning, global healthcare model, and business and management within the context of physiotherapy practice. You attend clinical placement blocks, each of five-week duration, and continue your EmpowEEr WIL placement. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Physiotherapy
Program code: MC287

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Physiotherapy
Bundoora Campus
2 years full-time
MC287
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC287
CRICOS

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Physiotherapy is growing and evolving with increasing healthcare demand in the past decade.

Influenced by advances in both technology and research evidence, physiotherapists are required to continually adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The Master of Physiotherapy at RMIT provides graduates with diverse skill sets in critical thinking, hands-on expertise, digital health and business and management, to engage in the profession as innovative practitioners, collaborative lifelong learners and future health leaders. 

Additionally, Master of Physiotherapy graduates are well placed to continue their education into special interest clinical fields, research within the physiotherapy profession or industry-related fields.

This program is not accredited by any external industry or professional body.

The program has been designed to align with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) standard for Entry-Level Physiotherapy Practitioner Programs. A submission for program accreditation has been lodged by RMIT with APC and is currently under consideration. The APC will confirm an outcome in accordance with their processes and timelines.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Applicants must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) within the last 10 years* with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0 in a Science, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Health or other discipline, with a major/minor in human anatomy (including musculoskeletal anatomy) and a major/minor in human physiology.

Applicants must also submit a short video outlining the reason for pursuing a career in Physiotherapy and their potential contribution to the industry. Please refer to the ‘Selection tasks’ tab for further instructions.

Applicants will be selected competitively based on their GPA and video.

International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).  

*If this bachelor degree was completed more than 10 years ago, applicants must have completed a postgraduate qualification in health within the last 10 years or have recent, relevant work experience. These applicants will be assessed for eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Applicants must submit a short video outlining the reason for pursuing a career in Physiotherapy and their potential contribution to the industry.

Further details on what should be included in this video and how to submit this will be published here soon.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

If you receive an offer:

Your offer letter may list conditions that you will need to meet by a specified deadline, such as providing evidence that you have completed your degree and maintained a specific GPA. Please read the conditions listed on your offer letter carefully.

You will also be required to accept your offer by a specified deadline. If you do not accept your offer by this date, your offer will lapse, and the place will be offered to the next ranked applicant. Please ensure you check your emails for additional information carefully. 

Before commencing the program:

Successful applicants must complete any specified immunisation or compliance requirements prior to commencing the clinical component of the program.These processes can be time consuming and should be started once you have accepted your offer. Failure to do so could impact on your clinical component commencement.

Please see the ‘Immunisation and compliance requirements’ heading below for further information.

Additional information

You must meet a number of immunisation and compliance requirements upon commencement of studies in the program and before attempting above WIL courses:

  • Immunisation and vaccination requirements: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
  • Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). National Police records check are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check: You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • COVID19 Vaccination: You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

In addition to above immunisation and professional compliance requirement, you must complete and obtain approved WIL agreement and relevant insurance documentation. You will also be required to complete a WIL ready Credentials and/or a WIL Preparation module before commencing any WIL activity

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Applicants must submit a short video outlining the reason for pursuing a career in Physiotherapy and their potential contribution to the industry.

Further details on what should be included in this video and how to submit this will be published here soon.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.5 (with no individual band below 7.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum of 24 in Reading, 24 in Listening, 23 in Speaking and 27 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 185 with no less than 185 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

...

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to proceed to a PhD program in Health (DR237), subject to the program's entry requirements.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$46,080 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$48,960.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$99,840.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.