Curtin University

What you'll study

This PhD is a predominantly research-based degree focused on an extended, original investigation in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neuromuscular control, sport performance, public-health exercise interventions and implementation science. Candidates develop and execute a supervised research project that culminates in a thesis and oral examination.

Your work typically progresses through stages including a literature review and research proposal, ethics approval and study design, data collection and analysis, interpretation and publication, and thesis writing and examination. Research training is supported by workshops and short coursework components on advanced research methods, statistics, grant writing and academic communication. Many candidates also gain experience in teaching, supervision and translating research into clinical or sporting practice.

• Core research themes: biomechanics and movement analysis; exercise physiology and metabolic responses; musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation; neuromuscular function and motor control; injury prevention and return-to-play; community and public-health exercise interventions; clinical trials and implementation science.
• Typical methodological skills developed: experimental design, advanced statistical modelling, longitudinal and intervention study methods, wearable sensor and motion-capture technology, imaging interpretation, qualitative methods and mixed-methods approaches.
• Infrastructure and resources: access to biomechanics and gait labs, exercise physiology laboratories, clinical assessment facilities, wearable technology and high-performance sport partnerships to support translational research.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based on demonstrated research potential and fit with available supervision. Typical entry pathways include:

• A relevant research master's degree with a substantial thesis component or a first-class (or equivalent) honours degree in exercise science, physiotherapy, sport science, biomedical science or a closely related discipline.
• For clinician applicants, evidence of relevant professional registration and substantial clinical experience in rehabilitation, physiotherapy or exercise prescription is typically required.
• A clear research proposal or statement of research interests that aligns with Curtin's supervisory expertise, a curriculum vitae outlining research and professional experience, and academic references.
• All applicants who do not have English as their first language must meet Curtin's English language requirements through recognised test scores or equivalent evidence.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to identify and contact potential supervisors within Curtin's exercise, sport and rehabilitation research groups prior to application to ensure alignment of expertise and resources. Scholarship and funding opportunities may be available for qualified applicants through university or external schemes.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD typically move into roles that require high-level research, clinical leadership or specialist technical expertise. Common career paths include academic positions (research fellow, lecturer), clinical research and advanced practice roles within hospitals and rehabilitation services, specialist performance scientist or rehabilitation scientist roles in high-performance sport organisations, and R&D positions in medical device, wearable technology, health-tech and pharmaceutical companies.

Other opportunities include policy and program design roles in public health and community exercise initiatives, consultancy for sports organisations and healthcare providers, and leadership in clinical trials and implementation projects. The degree also equips graduates to lead multidisciplinary teams and to secure competitive research funding.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a strong environment for exercise, sport and rehabilitation research with interdisciplinary teams and purpose-built facilities that support laboratory-based and field research. The university maintains active collaborations with hospitals, rehabilitation services, high-performance sport organisations and industry partners, enabling translational projects and real-world impact.

Curtin emphasises research training and career development, providing access to mentorship, professional development workshops, statistical and technical support, and pathways for early-career researchers to publish and present their work. The university's research culture supports collaboration across allied health, engineering, analytics and medical disciplines, which benefits candidates pursuing innovative, applied projects in exercise and rehabilitation science.