Apply for Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

Female student in learning in a clinical setting
DR-CLPHYT

Clinical Physiotherapy

Professional doctorate by research

We offer a range of postgraduate courses for physiotherapists looking to extend their knowledge and qualifications. They are clinically-oriented to enhance your clinical reasoning, diagnostic, therapeutic, assessment, management and rehabilitation skills.

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Course outline
  • Qualification
    Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy
  • Duration

    Duration

    4 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    100
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    096302C
Course outline
Clinical Physiotherapy

Outline

Outline

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.

 

Why research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields.

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

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Applicants require one of the following:

  • A master level degree in physiotherapy; or
  • A bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours in physiotherapy; or
  • A bachelor degree in physiotherapy plus a postgraduate diploma or equivalent in physiotherapy with a course-weighted average of not less than 75%

Applicants must be registered physiotherapists in Western Australia and be able to supply certification of fitness to undergo manipulative procedures.

Applicants holding a bachelor degree with good results in a relevant field and at least six years’ professional experience, or three years at a level which enables full membership of a relevant professional body may be considered.

Please contact the Faculty Graduate Studies Officer and/or Area Coordinator for enquiries.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

Many of our courses require students to comply with additional essential requirements. Failure to comply with any of the essential requirements may potentially prevent the successful completion of the course and/or achieving professional registration.

Fees and charges

Under the Research Training Program (RTP), Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents undertaking higher degrees by research may be granted an Australian Government RTP Fee Offset Scholarship to assist with tuition fee liability.

You may be eligible for a scholarship or industry assistance (sponsorship) may be available from external organisations under special conditions.

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: DR-CLPHYT
  • CRICOS code: 096302C
  • Last updated on: 27 March 2024

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