COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Physiotherapy at Flinders University is a 72-unit program designed to prepare students for professional practice as physiotherapists. The program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to assess, manage, and restore movement and functional ability across the lifespan. Students progressively study core areas including interprofessional practice, musculoskeletal practice, cardiorespiratory practice, neurological rehabilitation, professional practices within health systems, research in clinical practice, and complex case and chronic disease management.Teaching combines theoretical learning with practical, tutorial, workshop, and clinical simulation sessions on campus. Students also engage in self-directed learning, including online lectures, preparation activities, and independent skill practice. Assessments are authentic to clinical practice and include assignments, case studies, quizzes, group assessments, practical examinations, viva (oral) examinations, and clinical placement assessments. Some tasks are “hurdle tasks,” which must be passed to demonstrate safe and effective practice before undertaking clinical placements. These assessments develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional communication skills required for safe practice.Clinical placements are embedded in every semester, giving students hands-on experience across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health services, and other settings. Placements cover a range of clinical practice areas and patient populations of varying ages and conditions. This ensures graduates are competent, confident, and ready to enter the workforce as new-graduate physiotherapists.The program emphasizes the development of behavioural, cognitive, communication, sensory, and physical capabilities essential for safe and effective healthcare delivery. Students must provide consent to participate in practical skills teaching and maintain awareness of any factors that may affect their ability to perform clinical skills safely.By combining rigorous academic learning with extensive practical experience, the Master of Physiotherapy prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based care, work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, and positively impact the health, mobility, and quality of life of individuals and communities across metropolitan, rural, and remote settings.