Transition Arrangements - Bachelor of Physiotherapy to the new Doctor of Physiotherapy

The University of Melbourne is implementing the new Melbourne Model which involves curriculum reform aimed at creating an outstanding and distinctive "Melbourne Experience" for undergraduate and graduate students. The Melbourne Model commenced in 2008, will be implemented over a transition period of several years.

What are the transition options for physiotherapy in 2009?

In 2009, you can choose one of two pathways to study physiotherapy at The University of Melbourne. You can choose to apply for either a four year Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree or you can choose the Melbourne Model pathway to the Doctor of Physiotherapy (six years in total).

In 2009 the School of Physiotherapy will continue to accept school-leaver applicants into the current Bachelor of Physiotherapy. The final intake for the current course will be in 2009. There will be no intake into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2010. For further information on the current course, please see our Bachelor of Physiotherapy website.

The current course will be replaced from 2011 with a new graduate level professional degree - the Doctor of Physiotherapy. The education of physiotherapists at The University of Melbourne will be via the new Doctor of Physiotherapy.

What is the Doctor of Physiotherapy Program?

A Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPhysio) is a professional degree that provides the graduate with a higher level qualification than a Bachelor degree. As a professional entry-level program, it will build on existing prior knowledge including human anatomy and human physiology. The program combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess, diagnose and treat disorders of human movement. The curriculum will include integrated theory and evidence-based clinical practice in affiliated clinical teaching hospitals. Students will be exposed to a broad range of clinical experiences and will draw on the strengths of a world renowned research faculty.

After three years study in this graduate level professional degree, you will graduate as a qualified physiotherapist. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration in any state within Australia and may be eligible to study and work overseas.

What is the Vision of the Doctor of Physiotherapy?

The vision of the Doctor of Physiotherapy program is to be a world recognised leader in graduate entry physiotherapy in educational standards, research and practice. Graduates from the Doctor of Physiotherapy program will become leaders in physiotherapy clinical practice, research and knowledge transfer. They will be primary contact health practitioners who will be widely recognised for their ability to contribute to the health and well being of the community in which they practice. They will have high level knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to practice ethically, safely and effectively in both national and international environments.

What are the entry requirements for the new Doctor of Physiotherapy Degree?

The new graduate program in Physiotherapy will require previous undergraduate study in biosciences. Mandatory pre-requisites are human anatomy and human physiology subjects from a University undergraduate course, at the standard required by The School of Physiotherapy. The prerequisite subjects are currently part of the core program of the Bachelor of Biomedicine course and are available as subjects in the Bachelor of Science course at The University of Melbourne . Students from other universities will be required to satisfy the prerequisites. Selection will be based on Academic record – grade point average (GPA) from a completed three (or more) year university degree; and test results in an aptitude test. The Selection Committee may also conduct interviews. To be competitive it is anticipated that applicants will have achieved a standard of at least 70% or higher or equivalent GPA in their undergraduate degree.

International Applicants

International applicants will need to meet the entry requirements and pre-requisite subjects listed above. They will also need to provide evidence of the meeting the University of Melbourne 's English language requirements. Please see the International Student Services website of The University of Melbourne.

How is the new Doctor of Physiotherapy different to the Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy?

The graduate entry Doctor of Physiotherapy is different from the academic research-based degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) held by some Physiotherapy graduates in Australia and offshore. The Doctor of Physiotherapy will provide an evidence based physiotherapy degree that combines theoretical principles, clinical practice and high level abilities in knowledge transfer and professional leadership. In contrast, PhD graduates spend three or more years undertaking a very substantial piece of original research into Physiotherapy. The PhD will continue to be available at Melbourne for graduates, together with the Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy which is a three-year combined clinical coursework and research degree preparing qualified Physiotherapists for specialist recognition.

What benefits could I expect from the new Melbourne Model and the Doctor of Physiotherapy?

The first three years of the Melbourne Model provide students with an opportunity to obtain both biomedical science subjects in addition to a broader range of subject called breadth subjects. The combination of the three years new generation degree in biomedicine with a three year discipline-specific physiotherapy degree will ensure the Melbourne Doctor of Physiotherapy graduates will be professional leaders, and able to apply their discipline specific knowledge to a wide range of health care settings. Graduates with these dual qualifications will be in a strong position to enhance their careers in Physiotherapy.

How can I find out about the new generation Bachelor of Biomedicine or Bachelor of Science?

Please visit the relevant websites for more information on the new generation degrees the Bachelor of Biomedicine and the Bachelor of Science.

When will more details be available about the new Doctor of Physiotherapy Program?

The new Doctor of Physiotherapy program commences in 2011, so we expect that more detailed information will become available by the end of 2008, and throughout 2009. We would encourage you to keep checking this website regularly to keep up to date with new developments.