Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This honours‑level degree combines foundational health sciences with progressively advanced physiotherapy practice and a research project. Early study focuses on human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and clinical communication, while later years deepen understanding of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, paediatrics, geriatrics and psychosocial aspects of care.

• Core biomedical units – anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pharmacology relevant to clinical decision making.
• Clinical physiotherapy units – assessment and management in musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions.
• Practice skills and professional practice – clinical reasoning, manual therapy, exercise prescription, pain science and communication skills.
• Population and community health – public health, prevention, ageing and models of care in diverse settings.
• Research and honours project – research methods, evidence appraisal and an independent honours project or dissertation that develops research skills.
• Clinical placements – multiple supervised placements across outpatient clinics, hospitals, community services and sports settings to consolidate workplace skills.

Entry requirements

Admission usually requires completion of senior secondary school (or recognised equivalent) with sufficient achievement in an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or state equivalent, or successful completion of recognised tertiary study. Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate competency in English; background study in biology, human biology or physical education is advantageous but not always mandatory.

Selection can include a combination of academic rank and additional assessment such as a personal statement, referee reports or an interview. Mature‑age applicants may be considered on the basis of prior tertiary study, work experience in health, or other relevant experience. International applicants must meet English language requirements and hold any permits or clearances required for clinical placements (for example, police checks and immunisation records).

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the physiotherapy regulator and typically work across a wide range of healthcare settings. Common career destinations include:

• Public and private hospitals (acute and subacute care)
• Private outpatient clinics and physiotherapy practices
• Community health services, rehabilitation centres and aged‑care facilities
• Sports teams and high‑performance environments
• Occupational health, workplace rehabilitation and ergonomics
• Research, teaching and health policy roles following honours or further postgraduate study

Graduates may also pursue postgraduate specialisation (for example in neurological rehabilitation, paediatrics, cardiothoracic physiotherapy or sports physiotherapy) or advanced clinician‑researcher pathways.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises practice‑based learning with integrated clinical placements and simulated learning facilities that help bridge theory and patient care. The physiotherapy programme is designed to meet professional accreditation standards, preparing graduates for registration and employment across public, private and community sectors.

Students benefit from ACU's partnerships with local health services and sporting organisations, a commitment to ethical and person‑centred care, and smaller cohort sizes that support personalised learning and mentoring. The honours component also provides a structured pathway into research or postgraduate study for students interested in an academic or specialised clinical career.