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Female student in learning in a clinical setting
DR-CLPHYT

Clinical Physiotherapy

Professional doctorate by research

We offer a range of postgraduate courses for physiotherapists looking to extend their knowledge and qualifications. They are clinically-oriented to enhance your clinical reasoning, diagnostic, therapeutic, assessment, management and rehabilitation skills.

See full course structure
  • Qualification
    Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy
  • Duration
    4 years full-time
  • Credit
    100
  • CRICOS
    096302C
  • Location
    Curtin Perth
See full course structure

Select your preferred campus:

2023

Research Term 1

On campus

Research Term 2

On campus

Semester 1

On campus

2024

Research Term 1

On campus

Research Term 2

On campus

Semester 1

On campus

2025

Research Term 1

On campus

Research Term 2

On campus

Semester 1

On campus

See full course structure

Why study Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin?

Top 1 %

Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022.

Get the Curtin edge

Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Global education

You’ll have access to a range of international study opportunities.

Clinical Physiotherapy

Outline

Outline

This inaugural coursework doctorate has been developed to allow you to develop your professional physiotherapy knowledge and skills, and complete a significant research program. As well as choosing from a range of specialist coursework units, you will study the philosophy of evidence-based practice and develop practical skills in identifying, acquiring, evaluating and using evidence. You will further your clinical decision-making skills through the use of statistical analysis, including the examination of various forms of statistical testing.

Clinical practice is a significant component of this course. During your placement you will detail a variety of case histories and evaluate each as a reflective practitioner.

In your second year your studies will prepare you for your doctoral thesis. You will explore research methods, learn to generate ideas for research projects and study the research process. You will also complete a minor research project and prepare a journal paper, oral or poster presentation of your findings.

Your final year will be devoted to your doctoral thesis.

Please note: Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

 

Why research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields.

What you'll learn

  • apply highly advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge to the delivery of physiotherapy services in diverse and changing settings
  • critically analyse information to plan, implement and evaluate highly advanced physiotherapy practice
  • locate, extract and critically appraise evidence and information at a highly advanced level from a range of resources and apply to practice
  • use appropriate written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills for effective interactions with individuals and groups
  • use new and existing technologies relevant to specialised practice responsibly and effectively
  • understand and implement varied learning strategies and take responsibility for ongoing highly advanced professional and personal development
  • understand and apply ways of practicing highly advanced physiotherapy internationally through continued development of cross-cultural awareness within a global health care perspective
  • demonstrate respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity
  • independently and collaboratively apply highly advanced professional skills in an ethical manner across a range of professional settings
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Under the Research Training Program (RTP), Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents undertaking higher degrees by research may be granted an Australian Government RTP Fee Offset Scholarship to assist with tuition fee liability.

You may be eligible for a scholarship or industry assistance (sponsorship) may be available from external organisations under special conditions.

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2023

Research Term 1
  • On campus
Research Term 2
  • On campus
Semester 1
  • On campus

2024

Research Term 1
  • On campus
Research Term 2
  • On campus
Semester 1
  • On campus

2025

Research Term 1
  • On campus
Research Term 2
  • On campus
Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now