Why Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)?
Movement is fundamental to health, wellbeing and independence. When injury, illness or disability affects a person's ability to move, physiotherapists use their expertise to help restore function, manage pain and improve quality of life.
Our Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) will prepare you to join one of Australia's most in-demand allied health professions. Develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional capabilities needed to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care across a wide range of healthcare settings.
Develop a deep understanding of human movement and function. Build extensive hands-on clinical experience through our strong industry partnerships. Benefit from an honours degree that develops advanced skills in research, critical thinking and professional practice. Work alongside experienced clinicians and learn to solve complex health challenges that make a real difference to people's lives.
Graduate ready to help individuals and communities move better, live healthier and participate more fully in the activities that matter most to them.
Overview
This four-year honours degree teaches you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across the full lifespan. Develop the knowledge and skills to work across the full scope of physiotherapy practice, including musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological, sports, and rehabilitation settings.
From your first year, you'll gain hands-on experience supported by practising physiotherapists and award-winning researchers. Drawing on more than 50 years of educational excellence, our curriculum combines scientific foundations with real-world clinical application.
Put your learning into practice through 45 weeks of clinical placement with our extensive network of healthcare partners across metropolitan, regional, and rural settings. Work with diverse groups of people across the lifespan, and develop the clinical, communication, and professional skills needed for contemporary practice.
Graduate ready to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams, helping people of all ages optimise movement, maximise independence, and improve quality of life.
You can also choose to study this program at our Whyalla campus.
Key features
Join the in-demand allied health workforce studying a degree built upon more than 50 years of research and education. - Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body.
- Graduate with advanced skills by studying honours, choosing from a professional practice or research stream to further your career goals.
- Experience 45 weeks of practical experience with our wide variety of industry partners, including aged care and musculoskeletal rehab providers and student-led clinics.
- Graduate confident to work across the full suite of physiotherapy practice, including aged care and disability, paediatrics, sports and military, acute care, neurorehabilitation, and more.
- Learn from experienced academics, clinicians and researchers from a contemporary and culturally-informed curriculum.
What you'll learn
Learn foundational medical sciences, including courses on human anatomy and physiology. Explore social and psychological determinants of human health and function. Network with other health students studying podiatry, health sciences, occupational therapy and exercise physiology.
Build physiotherapy-specific skills, starting with biomechanics and muscle assessment. You’ll study pharmacology and movement analysis. Interrogate the biomedical model of health. Challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain. Learn how to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their best outcomes. Build valuable communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills to work in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Get a holistic view of health and recovery.
You're encouraged to build your practical skills and industry relationships from day one of your degree. You’ll advance your knowledge and skills through supervised clinical placements across metro, rural and regional health settings. You’ll complete 45 weeks of practical experience in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care, disability and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Build your confidence under the guidance of experienced academics and clinicians in our purpose-built facilities, including anatomy and physiology laboratories, student-led campus clinics, and laboratories. Your learning is carefully designed to gradually reduce your need for support as you move toward graduation. This ensures you have the confidence and capacity to walk into a job as a new graduate physiotherapist and immediately make a difference.
As an honours degree, you’ll also complete an advanced professional or research-based project of your choosing, depending on your career goals. This will help you develop advanced skills and give you a competitive edge when entering the workforce.
You’ll graduate as a successful physiotherapist who not only understands the human body, but who can also adeptly communicate, assess, manage and problem-solve to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities.
Note: This degree requires direct patient and public interaction, including fieldwork, clinical placements and work in our on-campus gyms. Because of this there are multiple conditions you must meet. These include a criminal history clearance, child-related employment clearance and immunisation requirements.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Program code: HPHYS
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 108 to 114 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 84 units for Work integrated learning
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 108 to 114 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 84 units for Work integrated learning
Complete 108 to 114 units comprising:
- 96 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 to 18 units from Core selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 200
|
Course code
BIOL2018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 101
|
Course code
HLTH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 100
|
Course code
REHB1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 101
|
Course code
REHB1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 200
|
Course code
REHB2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Studies 201
|
Course code
REHB2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Neurosciences in Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biopsychosocial Practice
|
Course code
REHB2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription and Activity
|
Course code
REHB2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pain Sciences
|
Course code
REHB3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Evidence Based Practice
|
Course code
HLTH3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics and Communication
|
Course code
REHB4006
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 78 to 84 units comprising:
- 60 units for all Work integrated learning courses, and
- 18 to 24 units from Work integrated learning selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults
|
Course code
REHB2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Acute Care
|
Course code
REHB3005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Rehabilitation
|
Course code
REHB3008
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB3009
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B
|
Course code
REHB4008
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Physiotherapy with Children and Families
|
Course code
REHB4011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Work Health and Safety Practice
|
Course code
REHB4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Promotion in Physiotherapy B
|
Course code
REHB4007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
|
Course code
REHB4010
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Physiotherapy is a challenging and rewarding field in demand across Australia and internationally. Physiotherapists can work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts.
You can consider roles in:
- Private practice
- Sport and exercise services
- Rehabilitation centres
- Hospitals
- Home and community services
- Disability services
- Aged care facilities
- Women’s health and paediatric services
- Occupational and health promotion units
- Research.
You could work in private or public clinics, helping injured workers recover from workplace injuries. You could be part of a multidisciplinary care team in a hospital, helping a person with Parkinsons to recover from brain injury. Perhaps you’ll help kids run, jump and play after injury, support older adults’ mobility as they age, or help high-performance athletes and military recruits operate to their fullest capacity.
Specific job roles you could consider include:
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Disability analyst
- Paediatric physiotherapist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Continence and women’s health physio therapist
- Health service manager
- Aquatic physio therapist.
You will also be well-prepared for further postgraduate study, research or specialisation, such as a Master of Research or Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy specialising in Sports or Musculoskeletal.
Industry trends
Physiotherapists are in-demand across Australia. This surge is driven by aging populations, heightened awareness of physiotherapy’s benefits for injury prevention and rehabilitation and rising rates of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and interfacing with health systems like the NDIS (Australia’s health 2026).
There are expanding opportunities within the field as physiotherapists play a larger role in preventive health and chronic disease management. New practice areas, including mental health physiotherapy, improved integration with multidisciplinary teams, and the adoption of telehealth technologies are also set to broaden the profession’s impact in healthcare.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Successful completion of the program is accepted for membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Dr Mark Catley
Senior Lecturer, Physiotherapy
College of Health
School of Allied Health and Human Performance
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
