Course overview
Help athletes and active individuals prevent injury, recover from injury, and safely return to the activities they value. This course is designed for qualified physiotherapists seeking to build expertise in athletic performance, injury risk reduction, and rehabilitation and return-to-sport.
You'll develop advanced knowledge and applied skills in:
- injury risk reduction and sports-related injury rehabilitation
- return-to-sport planning
- applied clinical sports science across different athletic populations
Through advanced study of anatomy, pathology, musculoskeletal and rehabilitation principles, you'll strengthen your ability to assess, diagnose and manage complex athletic injury presentations, and develop evidence-based injury risk reduction and performance programs.
You'll also develop your skills in evaluating and interpreting research.
Note: This Graduate Certificate does not include clinical placements and is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Sports and exercise physiotherapist
- Rehabilitation physiotherapist
- Private practice physiotherapist
- High-performance physiotherapist
- Return-to-work physiotherapist
- Defence / tactical performance physiotherapist
Industries
- Sports medicine clinics
- Professional and community sport organisations
- High-performance and athlete development programs
- Private physiotherapy practices and rehabilitation services
- Public and private hospitals
- Occupational health, defence and tactical performance settings
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is nested within the Master of Clinical Physiotherapy. By progressing your postgraduate studies and completing the full master’s degree, you can apply for recognition as a titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Titled practitioners can enrol into the Australian Physiotherapy Association Specialisation Training Program.
Why study at Curtin?
Access to specialist teaching and learning facilities
Study in Curtin's physiotherapy teaching facilities, including practical laboratories and learning environments that build advanced assessment and management skills.
Learn from expert physiotherapy academics
You'll be taught by academics with applied clinical and sports science expertise, delivering evidence-based, industry-relevant teaching.
Flexible postgraduate pathway
This course offers a flexible entry point into postgraduate study, with a clear pathway to the Master of Clinical Physiotherapy.
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
1 October 2026 to 13 October 2026
University for Adults Info Evenings
Armadale University Study Hub, Ellenbrook Study Hub and Mandurah Universities Centre (dates and times vary by location)
Come along to an info evening to get personalised answers to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about uni.
14 October 2026
MBA Information Evening
Curtin Murray Street
Expand your career with a Curtin MBA. Join our MBA Information Evening to explore Curtin’s internationally accredited MBA program and discover where the course can take you.
22 October 2026
Curtin Postgrad Expo
Medical Building – 410.101, Curtin University
Thinking about upskilling, changing careers or discovering new professional opportunities? The Curtin Postgrad Expo is your chance to explore your study options and get tailored advice to help you take your next step with confidence.
Entry requirements
Specifically, applicants require a four-year Bachelor degree in physiotherapy or equivalent from a recognised institution, plus a minimum of 2 years' relevant clinical experience. Applicants must either be registered physiotherapists, or eligible for temporary registration, in Western Australia. Students will be required to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.