Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) students will be expected to study full-time on-campus and attend all scheduled learning activities and clinical placements.

Student Income Support

To be classed as a full-time student, you are required to enrol in a minimum number of credit points each standard study period. The minimum credit points for full-time enrolment in this program is 30 credit points.

Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 are deemed standard study periods. As Trimester 3 is a non-standard study period, continuing students moving from one year to the next will not be required to study during this trimester to be eligible for student income support.

Domestic students who commence in Trimester 3 may be eligible for student income support from the onset of study provided they are enrolled full-time in this study period.

Please refer to the Australian Government website for more details.

Managing Study Interruptions

Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) students will undertake several work-integrated learning activities throughout their program of study. Students will undertake clinical experiences from Year 1 to Year 4 as part of academic courses. Compulsory clinical placements begin in Year 4 of the program. Students must have successfully completed all courses in Year 1-3 (240CP) before progressing to year 4 practicum courses, in which students will undertake five weeks (190 hours) full-time clinical placements as part of clinical placement courses. Students enrolled in dissertation courses will also participate within clinical research activities as part of their Honours research project.

Total work placement (weeks): 25. Total work placement (hours): 950.

Each clinical placement will have a different focus, such as physiotherapy within musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological, or across the lifespan areas. Clinical placements will also take place in a variety of settings, such as inpatients, outpatients, community centres, or private practice. Regardless of the clinical placement focus or setting, students will be expected to safely and competently assess and treat clients in a holistic and evidence-based manner, drawing on knowledge and skill sets related to core areas of physiotherapy practice.

Physiotherapists aim to enhance the movement and function of individuals and populations across the lifespan, especially when actual or potential impairments and disability relate to the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological systems. As a graduate of this degree, you'll be prepared to find work in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, community health centres, schools, sporting teams, and the armed forces. Physiotherapists may also be employed at universities to teach or conduct research, or consult for industry and government bodies. Opportunities may vary based on location, specialisation, and additional certifications or training, but may include:

• Clinical Physiotherapist, working in hospitals, private practices, or rehabilitation centers, providing treatment for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions.
• Sports Physiotherapist, specializing in sports injuries, working with athletes in sports teams, fitness centers, or rehabilitation facilities.
• Pediatric Physiotherapist, focusing on infants and children, treating developmental, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions.
• Geriatric Physiotherapist, working with elderly patients to improve mobility, manage chronic conditions, and enhance quality of life.
• Occupational Health Physiotherapist, helping workers recover from injuries and promoting workplace wellness programs.
• Health Promotion Officer, working in public health initiatives, focusing on prevention and education.

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) are recognised by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA) and will be eligible to apply for registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to practice physiotherapy within Australia.

There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study:

• Vaccinations and Health Tests
• Licenses and Certificates
• Online Training
• Health Placement Requirements

Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.

Graduates may be eligible to apply to higher degree research study such as a Master of Philosophy (5001), Doctor of Philosophy (6001) or Master of Health and Medical Research (5763).