Overview

The Master of Physiotherapy is designed for students who wish to excel in their practice. Our course focuses on technology, digital health, leadership, enterprise and self-awareness. Students have access to mentors industry-wide who can help them develop and reflect on their work. Graduates will have the resilience, practical, and research skills for high-level leadership and management positions within the healthcare system.

View Master of Physiotherapy course handbook
Deferring

Due to limited capacity, students will be unable to defer their place in this course.

You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo

Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.

Find out more

Upgrade your skills

  • Physiotherapy skills
  • Primary care
  • Exercise and fitness knowledge
  • Rehabilitation
  • Acute care

Stretch your career further

  • Physiotherapist
  • Private practice physiotherapist
  • Mobile physiotherapist

Key codes

CRICOS course code
098499B
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Strong industry connections and co-creation

  • Kieser
  • Austin Health
  • Exercise Thought Physiotherapy
  • Australian Sport Physiotherapy
  • Australian Sport Physiotherapy
  • Platinum Physio

We connect industry with the course through placements and guest lectures.

Professional accreditations

Why Swinburne?

Rated top 20% of Australian universities for PG Overall Experience

92.9% of PG graduates found full-time employment after graduating

Rated top 20% of Australian universities for PG Teaching Quality

Awarded 5-stars for PG teaching quality (overall)

Qualifications

Applicants must meet both of the following criteria:

  • A completed Bachelor degree in a health science related discipline;
  • Tertiary level studies in a minimum of 2 units of each of human anatomy and human physiology.

* Health science disciplines include exercise science, exercise physiology, exercise and sports science, biomedical science, occupational therapy, nursing, osteopathy, chiropractic, paramedicine, physiotherapy. They do not include health science or applied science degrees – unless anatomy and physiology prerequisites are met – or educational degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Physical Education).

Course Prerequisites

Applicants are required to have completed their degree in the last 10 years or have undertaken subsequent Postgraduate studies and obtained a minimum 70% GPA across their studies.

Note

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Applicants must meet both of the following criteria:

  • A completed Bachelor degree in a health science related discipline;
  • Tertiary level studies in a minimum of 2 units of each of human anatomy and human physiology.

* Health science disciplines include exercise science, exercise physiology, exercise and sports science, biomedical science, occupational therapy, nursing, osteopathy, chiropractic, paramedicine, physiotherapy. They do not include health science or applied science degrees – unless anatomy and physiology prerequisites are met – or educational degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Physical Education).

Course Prerequisites

Applicants are required to have completed their degree in the last 10 years or have undertaken subsequent Postgraduate studies and obtained a minimum 70% GPA across their studies.

Note

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Other requirements

Immunisation

International students must provide an up to date record of all immunisations they have received over their lifetime, translated in English at the time of course commencement. For information on required vaccinations, please visit the Australian Government website.

At course commencement, the Faculty Immunisation form will require completion and signed by an Australian medical practitioner to ensure you are immunised according to the Vaccination for Healthcare Workers standards. Further information will be provided upon course commencement.

Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your placements. Any required immunisations or serology tests would be at your own cost.

Working With Children and Police Records Check

Successful applicants must maintain a current Working with Children Check and National Police Records Check throughout the duration of the program.

NDIS Worker Screening Check

Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.

Overseas

If you have lived overseas for more than 12 months in the past ten years, you are required to provide a police check from each country you resided in (including an English translation) and/or a statutory declaration stating that you have never been convicted of any crime in another country.

Australia

You will be required to have an annual National Police Record Check to attend placements. Further information about how to apply will be provided at course commencement.

Working with Children Check – all applicants must maintain a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program.

Professional placements

Placements can occur at any time during the course, including during the school holidays, Christmas and Easter holidays. Students need to be available to attend placements at all times during the course. It is advised that holidays are not booked prior to allocation of placements as alternative placements may not be available, therefore impeding progress in the course.

Detailed information will be provided to all students at the commencement of the course.

Once enrolled in the course, all students (with the exception of Master of Dietetics students) are registered with the Australian Heath Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Additional costs

Uniform and equipment will be required to be purchased for use in class and placement.

Some placements will be undertaken in regional locations, students are responsible for costs incurred for travel and accommodation.

Other

Students enrolled in this course may be required to complete an annual N95 Mask Fit Test prior to commencing placement. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.

Note

Applicants may be required to attend an online interview.

Immunisation

International students must provide an up to date record of all immunisations they have received over their lifetime, translated in English at the time of course commencement. For information on required vaccinations, please visit the Australian Government website.

At course commencement, the Faculty Immunisation form will require completion and signed by an Australian medical practitioner to ensure you are immunised according to the Vaccination for Healthcare Workers standards. Further information will be provided upon course commencement.

Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your placements. Any required immunisations or serology tests would be at your own cost.

Working With Children and Police Records Check

Successful applicants must maintain a current Working with Children Check and National Police Records Check throughout the duration of the program.

NDIS Worker Screening Check

Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.

Overseas

If you have lived overseas for more than 12 months in the past ten years, you are required to provide a police check from each country you resided in (including an English translation) and/or a statutory declaration stating that you have never been convicted of any crime in another country.

Australia

You will be required to have an annual National Police Record Check to attend placements. Further information about how to apply will be provided at course commencement.

Working with Children Check – all applicants must maintain a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program.

Professional placements

Placements can occur at any time during the course, including during the school holidays, Christmas and Easter holidays. Students need to be available to attend placements at all times during the course. It is advised that holidays are not booked prior to allocation of placements as alternative placements may not be available, therefore impeding progress in the course.

Detailed information will be provided to all students at the commencement of the course.

Once enrolled in the course, all students (with the exception of Master of Dietetics students) are registered with the Australian Heath Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Additional costs

Uniform and equipment will be required to be purchased for use in class and placement.

Some placements will be undertaken in regional locations, students are responsible for costs incurred for travel and accommodation.

Other

Students enrolled in this course may be required to complete an annual N95 Mask Fit Test prior to commencing placement. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.

Note

Applicants may be required to attend an online interview.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Demonstrate English proficiency with one of the following:

  • IELTS overall band of 7.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 7.0
  • or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about RPL

How credit points work

To qualify for the award of Master of Physiotherapy, students must complete 200 credit points comprising of twelve (12) theory units of study (150 credit points) and four (4) clinical placement units of study (50 credit points).

Students are required to complete a total of 800 hours of clinical practice across both core and clinical placement units.

12
Core units
+
4
Clinical placement units
=
Masters degree

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Functional Anatomy for Physiotherapists
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT60001
Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 80 hours
PHT60002
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT60003
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, One Semester or equivalent
PHT60004
Neurological Physiotherapy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, One Semester or equivalent
PHT70001
Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT70002
Research and Evidence Based Practice A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT70003
Leadership and Management For Health Professionals
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT70004
Chronic Disease, Health Promotion and Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, One Semester or equivalent
PHT70005
Integrated Physiotherapy Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHT80001
Lifespan Health and Wellbeing for Physiotherapy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, One Semester or equivalent
PHT80002
Research and Evidence Based Practice B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, One Semester or equivalent
PHT80004
Physiotherapy Clinical Practice A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 160 hours of clinical placement
PHT60015
Physiotherapy Clinical Practice B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 160 hours of clinical placement
PHT70015
Physiotherapy Clinical Practice C
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 160 hours clinical placement
PHT80015
Physiotherapy Clinical Practice D
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 160 hours clinical placement
PHT80025

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$48,880

Total fee* ($AUD)

$97,760

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$53,600.00

Fees are estimates only

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

How do I pay my fees?

FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Finances
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.
Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for FEE-HELP

You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
  • are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
  • have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
     

The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

Learn more about SSAF

Accreditation placement fees

Placement opportunities at Swinburne are designed to provide valuable experience, promote career readiness, and recognise the importance of practical skills in achieving your goals. Students attending placements will be required to cover fees with costs ranging from approximately $350 to $600, depending on the specific course.

Learn more about the Master of Physiotherapy accreditation placement fees

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
MA-PHYS1
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! 

Last date to apply

  • Semester 2, 2025 – Domestic: Friday 28 February 2025
  • Semester 2, 2025 – International: Friday 17 January 2025
Course code
MA-PHYS1
Apply directly
Course code
MA-PHYS1
CRICOS code
098499B
Apply directly
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
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