Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

This inaugural coursework doctorate has been developed to allow you to develop your professional physiotherapy knowledge and skills, and complete a significant research program. As well as choosing from a range of specialist coursework units, you will study the philosophy of evidence-based practice and develop practical skills in identifying, acquiring, evaluating and using evidence. You will further your clinical decision-making skills through the use of statistical analysis, including the examination of various forms of statistical testing.

Clinical practice is a significant component of this course. During your placement you will detail a variety of case histories and evaluate each as a reflective practitioner.

In your second year your studies will prepare you for your doctoral thesis. You will explore research methods, learn to generate ideas for research projects and study the research process. You will also complete a minor research project and prepare a journal paper, oral or poster presentation of your findings.

Your final year will be devoted to your doctoral thesis.

Please note: Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

What you'll learn

• apply highly advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge to the delivery of physiotherapy services in diverse and changing settings
• critically analyse information to plan, implement and evaluate highly advanced physiotherapy practice
• locate, extract and critically appraise evidence and information at a highly advanced level from a range of resources and apply to practice
• use appropriate written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills for effective interactions with individuals and groups
• use new and existing technologies relevant to specialised practice responsibly and effectively
• understand and implement varied learning strategies and take responsibility for ongoing highly advanced professional and personal development
• understand and apply ways of practicing highly advanced physiotherapy internationally through continued development of cross-cultural awareness within a global health care perspective
• demonstrate respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity
• independently and collaboratively apply highly advanced professional skills in an ethical manner across a range of professional settings