Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This postgraduate program develops advanced skills in clinical reasoning, assessment and management of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, with an emphasis on exercise prescription, injury prevention and return-to-sport decision-making. The curriculum combines online theory units with practical skill development through intensive workshops and supervised clinical or workplace-based placements.

• Advanced musculoskeletal assessment — region-specific assessment strategies and differential diagnosis for complex presentations.
• Sports injury management and rehabilitation — staged rehabilitation, load management and return-to-play frameworks.
• Exercise prescription and performance optimisation — strength and conditioning principles, periodisation and applied exercise for health and performance.
• Concussion and neurological considerations in sport — contemporary assessment, management and graduated return-to-play protocols.
• Injury prevention and screening — risk factor identification, neuromuscular training and sport-specific prevention strategies.
• Diagnostic reasoning and use of imaging — integration of clinical examination with imaging and referral pathways.
• Professional practice and clinical governance — ethics, multidisciplinary teamwork, athlete welfare and performance support structures.
• Research methods and evidence-based practice — critical appraisal, applied research project or dissertation options that translate evidence into practice.

Assessment typically includes clinical case reports, practical examinations during on-campus intensives, workplace-based assessments during placements, online examinations and a major research or practice-based capstone.

Entry requirements

• Registration as a physiotherapist with the relevant national registration authority (for example AHPRA for applicants practising in Australia).
• A recognised undergraduate degree in physiotherapy (or equivalent) or professional entry-level qualification in physiotherapy.
• Relevant clinical experience is usually required; applicants should demonstrate recent hands-on practice as a physiotherapist.
• Applicants may need to supply a curriculum vitae, professional references and a statement of intent outlining clinical experience and goals for specialist practice.
• Where English is not the first language, evidence of English proficiency to the university’s postgraduate standard is required.
• Meeting course-specific health and professional requirements (such as immunisations, police checks and professional indemnity) for participation in clinical placements is required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for specialist clinical roles managing athletes and active populations across community, elite and clinical settings. Typical career pathways include:

• Sports physiotherapist in elite sporting organisations, state institutes or professional clubs.
• Senior clinician or specialist practitioner in private physiotherapy clinics focusing on sports and exercise populations.
• Multidisciplinary sports medicine teams working with doctors, strength and conditioning coaches and nutritionists.
• Clinical educator, mentor or supervisor for junior physiotherapists and students.
• Roles in community health, schools, military or workplace athlete/employee health programs.
• Research or academic careers focusing on sports injury prevention, rehabilitation or performance science, often following completion of a research project or further doctoral study.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

• Practice-focused curriculum — coursework is designed to translate current evidence into everyday clinical decision-making and high-performance contexts.
• Flexible online delivery — built for working physiotherapists, with remote learning supported by scheduled intensives for hands-on skill development.
• Industry connections — opportunities to undertake placements and build links with sporting organisations, clubs and health services through ACU’s networks.
• Experienced teaching team — subject matter experts and clinicians with contemporary experience in sports and exercise physiotherapy guide learning and assessment.
• Support for professional development — emphasis on continuing clinical competence, reflective practice and preparation for advanced scopes of practice.