Advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation for a changing world
Caring for an ageing population is complex.
In recent years, 68% of people aged 75 and over had a musculoskeletal condition, compared with 13% of people under 45.
Watch how Talia Clohessy is using her postgraduate education to advance physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment for those living with lifelong chronic diseases.
*Impact story reference: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) Chronic musculoskeletal conditions, Australia
Choose specialist career pathways in fields such as sports medicine, pelvic floor physiotherapy, child and maternal health, and clinical rehabilitation. Or, build on your existing skills and experience in medicine, exercise science, occupational therapy or nursing. Many of the below courses can be studied 100% online and part-time, so you can study while you work.
Professional entry course
Be work-ready after a comprehensive, integrated course in the theory and practice of physiotherapy with diverse clinical experience and knowledge of primary healthcare and community engagement. 4 years full-time, on campus (Parkville).
Physiotherapy courses for professionals
Targeted toward early and mid-career physiotherapists who wish to further their careers within this clinical interest stream of physiotherapy practice. The curriculum is designed for practicing clinicians, is internationally relevant, and can be studied part or full time.
Targeted toward early and mid-career physiotherapists who wish to further their careers within this clinical interest stream of physiotherapy practice. The curriculum is designed for practicing clinicians, is internationally relevant, and can be studied part or full time.
Recognised on the academic pathway for Australian Physiotherapy Association's (APA) Women's Men's and Pelvic Health career pathway. 18 months full-time / 3 years part-time.
Enhance your knowledge and clinical management skills as a means of improving professional practice in paediatrics. 1 year part-time.
Enhance your knowledge of epidemiology, health issues related to incontinence, and the anatomy, applied anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant for the assessment and treatment of incontinence. 1 year part-time.
Design and apply evidence-based exercise prescription skills across the lifespan of women, including adolescence, the childbearing year, menopause, older age and musculoskeletal disorders in athletes. 1 year part-time.
Rehabilitation courses for professionals
Deepen your skills and learn the principles of best practice rehabilitation, including how to help people regain lost skills, the physiology of fitness and conditioning, the pathophysiology of common conditions, and the specific needs of those affected by limited ability and function. 18 months full-time / 3 years part-time.
Engage with best practice methods in managing active people and athletes of all ages and abilities across the health illness-performance spectrum using a person-centred focus. 18 months full-time / 3 years part-time.
Enhance your skills and learn the principles of best practice rehabilitation, including how to help people regain lost skills, the physiology of fitness and conditioning, the pathophysiology of common conditions, and the specific needs of those affected by limited ability and function. 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time.
Engage with best practice methods in managing active people and athletes of all ages and abilities across the health illness-performance spectrum using a person-centred focus. 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time.
You will learn about the principles of rehabilitation and habilitation, the physiology of fitness and conditioning and the use of evidence informed clinical decision-making. 1 year part-time.
Why study physiotherapy and rehabilitation?
- #1 university in Australia and #20 in the world for Medical and Health (*Times Higher Education 2025 World University Rankings)
- Benefit from strong interdisciplinary collaborations across the University, and our hospital and research institute partners
- Learn from leading academics and experts in the field at Australia’s #1 university (QS World University Rankings 2026).
Looking for personalised advice?
Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Sophie Woodhouse
“I wanted to own my own physiotherapy business in a regional area and I am happy to say I have achieved that goal. I think there is such a lack of rural healthcare and that I have found a place where I am truly needed and valued. The University of Melbourne had great pathways for those from regional areas and regional schools, which was great peace of mind for me in Year 12. The university also supported me to complete placements in my hometown of Shepparton, where I now run my physiotherapy practice, and this enabled me to gain an understanding of the health situation. I was also placed in a private practice in Melbourne, and the two Directors at this practice were instrumental to my business plan and continue to support me as mentors.”