James Cook University

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Undergraduate
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Details

University Location Townsville or Cairns, Queensland
City Population 201,000
Student Population 13,000
Int'l Student Population 2,000
Main Campus Townsville
Program Campus Townsville
Program Duration 4 years
Estimated Annual Tuition AUD$44,768 (2025 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2026
Application Deadline Rolling admissions*
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Overview

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy at James Cook University prepares you to work in all areas of physiotherapy practice. While your qualifications will equip you to work throughout Australia and internationally, this course has a unique focus on the skills needed for physiotherapy practice in tropical, rural, remote, Indigenous settings.

You’ll work alongside other rehabilitation students including those from the disciplines of occupational therapy, speech pathology, clinical exercise physiology and sports science. That means your knowledge and experience will be broad, and you’ll be able to build some amazing networks to call on when you start your career.

Program

Pursue your passion for helping others through the JCU Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Learn how to assist clients in restoring their mobility and function and improve quality of life.

You’ll learn to assess and diagnose problems with human function and movement, then plan and administer treatment programs to restore function or minimize dysfunction caused by illness, ageing, or injury. Incorporate a holistic approach to healthcare practice through studying human anatomy physiology, pathophysiology and exercise prescription alongside evidence-based physiotherapy practice.

Discover the principles of human body structure and function, from tissue, cells and different human systems and how they relate to illness and injury. Learn the fundamentals of physiotherapy practice and treatment techniques including massage, exercise prescription and related biomechanical principles. Be prepared for effective healthcare practice from your first year as you learn fundamental communication skills for health professionals and the behind-the-scenes factors of allied health professional practice.

Clinical Placements
Take your learning outside of the classroom as you study and train at the JCU Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinic at JCU Townsville, Bebegua Yumba campus, Douglas. You’ll view demonstrations from your expert lecturers and tutors and have the chance to put your theory into practice. Practical experience is embedded into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy with opportunities for extensive clinical placements that will prepare you for every aspect of work as a physiotherapist. You’ll take part in clinical placements in urban, rural and remote locations, equipping you to provide effective healthcare in any setting.

As a graduate of JCU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy, you will be prepared to deliver and facilitate safe, sustainable and effective collaborative client-centred healthcare. You can pursue a career across Australia and the world while being particularly equipped to work in rural and remote settings with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Admission Requirements

Completed high school diploma
You must have a high school diploma with a minimum 79% GPA based on the average of the best 5 Grade 12 subjects as a percentage (Ontario: to be calculated as an average of the best 6 final year subjects as a percentage); as well as prerequisites English (Units 3/4,C), mathematical methods (Units 3/4,C), plus one of chemistry, biology, physics, physical education, psychology or health (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent.

 

Admission Timeline

*Offers are made throughout the year based on academic merit and subject to availability in the program. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.