Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined master’s blends advanced clinical physiotherapy with applied high performance sport science. Coursework covers injury assessment and management, advanced musculoskeletal rehabilitation, exercise prescription for health and performance, clinical reasoning, and contemporary approaches to return-to-play.

The high performance sport component, delivered primarily online, focuses on athlete monitoring, strength and conditioning principles, load management, periodisation, sports nutrition fundamentals, talent identification, performance analytics and applied coaching science. Teaching methods include lectures, case-based learning, simulation, online modules and supervised clinical placements.

• Core physiotherapy topics: advanced musculoskeletal assessment, manual therapy, clinical reasoning, diagnostic imaging interpretation for clinicians, chronic pain management, and evidence-based rehabilitation.
• High performance topics: athlete monitoring systems, performance profiling, strength and conditioning theory and application, load and recovery strategies, and data-driven decision making in sport.
• Practical and applied learning: supervised clinical placements in sports clubs, multidisciplinary team collaboration, simulated clinic sessions and industry-led projects.
• Research and capstone: a research methods sequence and a capstone project or applied practicum allowing students to investigate a performance or clinical question relevant to elite sport.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate qualification in physiotherapy (or an equivalent major in a related allied health discipline) and be eligible for registration with the relevant national physiotherapy registration authority. For applicants to the combined program, current clinical experience in musculoskeletal or sports settings is highly desirable.

Typical additional requirements include a satisfactory academic record at bachelor level, a curriculum vitae outlining professional experience, and referees. Some applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide evidence of supervised clinical experience. International applicants must meet ACU’s English language requirements and provide documentation of their professional eligibility.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for specialist roles at the intersection of clinical physiotherapy and high performance sport. Common career pathways include:

• Sports physiotherapist in professional clubs, national sporting organisations or institutes of sport
• Senior clinician or team physiotherapist working with elite athletes across team and individual sports
• Performance support practitioner or clinician in multidisciplinary high performance teams
• Strength and conditioning practitioner or performance consultant with a clinical focus
• Roles in private practice specialising in sports rehabilitation, return-to-play programmes and injury prevention
• Research or teaching positions in universities, sports science centres or clinical education

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU combines strong clinical training with flexible delivery for working professionals: on-campus practical sessions and supervised placements develop hands-on skills, while the online high performance modules allow practising clinicians to upskill without pausing their careers. The university has established links with sports organisations and clinical partners that support practical placements and industry-relevant projects.

Students benefit from experienced academic staff with clinical and high performance backgrounds, modern simulated clinical facilities, and a focus on ethical, person-centred care consistent with ACU’s supportive student environment. The program emphasises evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration and the translation of research into applied performance and rehabilitation settings.