Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences

Non-Award | 2026

Mode

Online

Start date

February, August Key study dates

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

0.25 year(s) part-time only (no full-time option)

Program code

PCPSC

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$4,600

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Previous completion of undergraduate courses in anatomy, physiology and neuroscience is assumed.

Entry requirements

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences?

Overview

This two-course post-graduate professional certificate is designed for health professionals seeking an opportunity to advance their understanding and skills in pain assessment, management, and communication. The courses will cover pain models, mechanisms and contributors to pain, clinical assessment and management of pain, and pain-specific education within a multidisciplinary treatment framework.

What you'll learn

The Pain Theory and Science courses teaches current models for the clinical engagement of pain; the biopsychosocial model of pain; working pain definitions; pain mechanisms and contributors; integration of the pain sciences into clinical reasoning models; pain deconstruction into pathobiological mechanisms; clinical pain states.

The Pain Education course focuses on pain-related communication and education. Most clinical guidelines clearly state that education is first line treatment and, as health professionals, we aim to assist our patients to make informed choices about their own care. Educational techniques and strategies are often glossed over in both the pain literature and undergraduate training. As a result, clinicians often don't understand why pain education is important and what it involves. They are also unsure how to go about it, unsure of what content it should include or how to tailor it to the needs of individual patients. Finally, they are often unsure how to evaluate whether their educational strategies have hit the mark. This course aims to address each of these issues

Degree Structure: Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences

Program code: PCPSC

Complete 12 units comprising:

12 units for all Core courses

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.

Choose your course type

Year 1

Full Year

REHB8002 | Pain Theory and Science ¹

Course type

1 Core courses

REHB8003 | Pain Education ¹

Course type

1 Core courses

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 12 units comprising:

12 units for all Core courses

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Pain Theory and Science	Course code REHB8002	Units 6
	Course name Pain Education	Course code REHB8003	Units 6

Ready to apply?

How to apply

Please note this program is not available to international students wishing to study on a student visa.

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Find an education agent in your country

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies. 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.

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.

Get in touch with us.

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Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences