University of Queensland
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Build the skills to become a physiotherapist through hands-on clinical placements, simulated patient learning and evidence-based training in musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory care.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Physiotherapy Studies is designed for graduates seeking to enter the physiotherapy profession. Building on previous university study, the program develops the clinical knowledge and practical skills needed to assess, treat and support people with a range of injuries, disabilities and health conditions.
You'll study musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, alongside movement assessment, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation and health promotion. You'll develop skills in clinical reasoning, examination and treatment planning, with opportunities to apply evidence-based approaches across different age groups. Research-focused courses and a supervised research project will also strengthen your ability to evaluate evidence and inform physiotherapy practice.
Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the program can be completed in two years of full-time study, commencing in Summer Semester. You'll develop hands-on skills through simulated patient experiences and extensive supervised clinical placements in settings including UQ's Physiotherapy Clinics, hospitals, aged care and community services. Accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, the program provides a pathway towards professional registration and careers in physiotherapy, subject to the relevant registration requirements.
Key facts
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Physiotherapy Studies, you must successfully complete 40 units, as detailed below. Each course is worth two units.
Core courses
Complete 40 units from all of the following compulsory courses:
- Foundations of Physiotherapy I: Fundamentals of Communication, Movement & Exercise
- Foundations of Physiotherapy II: Fundamentals of Examination & Measurement
- Health Sciences Research Discovery II
- Theory, Practice & Research: Musculoskeletal Phty - Lower Limb
- Foundations of Physiotherapy III: Practice & Management
- Theory, Practice & Research: Musculoskeletal Phty - Upper Limb
- Theory, Practice & Research: Musculoskeletal Phty - Lumbar, Pelvis & Persistent Pain
- Theory, Practice & Research: Musculoskeletal Phty - Cervical & Thoracic Spine
- Practice & Research in Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan 1
- Theory, Practice & Research: Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy
- Health Promotion, Participation and Preparation for Physiotherapy Practice
- Clinical Practice & Professional Studies - Intro Musculoskeletal & Acute Care
- Research Project
- Theory, Practice & Research: Phty across the Lifespan 2
- Theory, Practice & Research: Neurological Phty
- Clinical Practice & Professional Issues 1
- Clinical Practice & Professional Issues 2
- Clinical Practice & Professional Issues 3
- Clinical Practice & Professional Issues 4
- Integrative Practice and Professional Issues
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum GPA of 4.5 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- Completed university-level studies in human anatomy (musculoskeletal anatomy) and human physiology (systems physiology), equivalent to two units in each subject.
If the bachelor's degree was completed more than 10 years before commencing the program, the required anatomy and physiology studies must have been completed within the 10 years preceding commencement.
Entry is competitive, and places are limited. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements will be offered a place, subject to providing evidence of their status upon admission.
Students must meet the program's inherent and clinical placement requirements, including holding current First Aid certification (including CPR), a Blue Card and meeting relevant health screening and immunisation requirements.
English language requirements
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the following requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 100, with a minimum of 25 in listening, 25 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 72, with a minimum of 72 in each communicative skill.
- Cambridge English Scale (CES): Overall score of 185, with a minimum of 185 in each component.
Bridging English (BE) and the Occupational English Test (OET) are not accepted.
Other ways of meeting English language requirements may be available. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities as physiotherapists, working in settings such as:
- Hospitals and healthcare services
- Private physiotherapy practices
- Rehabilitation and community health services
- Aged care services
- Schools and other community organisations
Graduates may also pursue further postgraduate study and professional specialisation in physiotherapy.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $60,730 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.