The University of Melbourne

Doctor of Physiotherapy

Graduate

Details

University Location Melbourne, Victoria
City Population 5 million
Student Population 54,000
Int'l Student Population 23,760
Main Campus Parkville (Melbourne)
Program Campus Parkville
Program Duration 3 years
Estimated Annual Tuition $58,880 AUD (2024 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2025
Application Deadline TBA*
International Places 25 – 30 (100 – 120 total)

Overview

The Doctor of Physiotherapy draws on the University of Melbourne’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research to inspire and enable students to become outstanding physiotherapists ready to excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field.

Led by highly credentialed and networked lecturers and mentors, as well as connections with leading hospitals, research institutes, and the private sector, the Melbourne DPT is designed to meet the current and future needs of students, patients and the changing nature of the health workforce.

This physiotherapy program includes clinical placements in major metropolitan teaching hospitals, primary care, rural and international settings. It uses innovative teaching methods and an extensive clinical program to offer advanced skills that will create work-ready and highly employable graduates.

Program

The Melbourne DPT will prepare you for the current needs and changing roles of the physiotherapist in areas such as chronic disease management, health promotion and prevention, as well as acute care, rehabilitation, and sports and private practice. The program also features advanced theoretical knowledge in areas such as pharmacology, leadership, and management, and includes a student conference.

The curriculum is designed around three identities: Self, Practitioner, and Advocate. These three key identities are supported by nine elements:

  • Professional Practitioner
  • Health and Well-being
  • Evidence Informed Practice
  • Partnerships
  • Education
  • Communication
  • Ethical Practice
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement
  • Sustainability

The constructive alignment model has been used in designing each subject within the program. This model aligns each learning outcome with both teaching activities and assessment tasks. Assessment tasks emphasize a mix of individual and group work assessment, written and oral presentations in traditional and in e-assessment formats, and skills-based assessment. In addition, you’ll build an e-portfolio to demonstrate your professional journey, acquisition of professional skills, and identity.

As a Melbourne physiotherapy student, you’ll experience the inner workings of the clinical schools and world-renowned facilities of the Melbourne medical precinct. Throughout your training, you will have access to opportunities across a range of specialist areas such as cardiorespiratory, pediatrics, and musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy practice.

Day-to-day Experience
Throughout your three years of study, you will spend time both on and off campus completing clinical rotations with university partners, learning directly from experienced practitioners and leading researchers in your field.

As you move between campus life to clinical rotations, you will regularly be exposed to a range of diverse practice areas. This will allow you to expand your knowledge of the skills required to excel in the field, both from an academic and industry standpoint.

Learning Mode
Research and evidence-based learning will direct you throughout the program. With a mix of individual and group assessments, written and oral presentations, and skills-based assessments, your learning will focus on developing both the breadth and depth of your knowledge in this field of study.

Clinical Placements
Throughout the program, you can partake in clinical and research opportunities that will enhance your overall learning experience and increase your professional skills. If you have hospital work in mind, cardiorespiratory components and other dedicated areas in physiotherapy are offered throughout clinical practice rotations. This assists graduates to enter the industry well-equipped to handle the rigors that medical professionals face.

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Melbourne comprises 1064 supervised clinical placement hours, not including simulations. This is above the hours required to meet CAPR regulations. This degree is focused on providing you with as much private practice experience as possible (37 weeks). With this significant exposure, you will have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of what future path may best suit you.

With developments in indigenous, mental and remedial health, the University of Melbourne is proactively devising more ways to get its medical and health students in front of increasingly complex patients. Students who take advantage of these opportunities are more prepared to deliver effective care in a smarter way.

Admission Requirements

1. Completed bachelor’s degree
You must have a completed undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7/4.0 (approximately 70% +) and have extensive pre-existing knowledge in the following areas:

  • Human anatomy (musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological systems) (1 semester)
  • Human physiology (cell and systems) (1 semester)

Your GPA results will be measured by considering the last three years of your undergraduate coursework studies (including Honours). Weightings will be applied according to the approved Melbourne Adjusted Grade Point Average (MAGPA) calculations in force in any given year, or in the absence of any defined MAGPA, by weighting the first of the final three full-time years by 1, the second year by 2, and the final year by 2.

2. Multi-mini interview
Selected applicants will be shortlisted to participate in a multi-mini interview (MMI) to assess interest in and motivation for undertaking the program, likely capacity for establishing and maintaining rapport with patients in a clinical setting, communication skills, and aptitude for collaboration and decision making. Shortlisted offshore DPT international applicants residing outside Australia will be invited to participate in the MMI via Skype.

As an international applicant, you must also meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements. If you have recently completed your undergraduate degree in Canada and the institution’s language of instruction is English, the university will refer to your official academic transcript to assess your English language proficiency.

Offers of admission will be made from a combined ranking list where a candidate’s GPA and interview results are given equal weightings.

Understanding Prerequisites
The Melbourne Doctor of Physiotherapy program requires prerequisite subjects in anatomy and physiology taught at the first-year level, or equivalent. For the two courses, the prerequisites must have been completed no more than 10 years prior to commencing.

Prerequisite Assessment Process
The University of Melbourne is responsible for assessing prospective students’ courses to see if they meet application eligibility. To see if your courses meet the prerequisites, please go to the University of Melbourne’s Prerequisites page, and check both the DDS and the DPT lists.

If your subjects (human anatomy and human physiology) are not listed, this means they have not been assessed by the university and you will have to complete the Melbourne’s Subject Prerequisite Assessment Form prior to mid-June. This must be done before your application can be submitted.

For more information, please read the Melbourne Admissions Guide.

Admission Timeline

*Applications for the 2024 intake closed June 30, 2023. For information about the 2025 intake and to apply, please contact OzTREKK.

2024 Intake Application Timeline

Prerequisite assessment deadline: June 9, 2023
Application deadline: June 30, 2023
Deadline to submit final transcripts: June 30, 2023
Interview invitations released: August 12, 2023
Skype MMI interviews conducted: August 16 – August 30, 2023
Offers released: Early October

1/2

“I like all of the practical sessions”

I like the city, the accessibility of the school, lots of study spaces, the different lecturers we get to work with each week. I like the variety of lectures we have, I like all of the practical sessions. I wish there were more study resources and organization in some courses.

Sophie K
Doctor of Physiotherapy
The University of Melbourne, 2022

“Anatomy cadaver lab is pretty cool and the only uni in Victoria that has one!”

I love my professors and how supportive and understanding they are. Anatomy cadaver lab is pretty cool and the only uni in Victoria that has one! :)

Ansley L.
Doctor of Physiotherapy
The University of Melbourne, 2018