Outline

In this course, you'll learn how to prevent, treat and manage physical injuries and assist people of all ages with musculoskeletal conditions and chronic health conditions. You’ll graduate with an integrated honours-level qualification, ready to make a difference as a physiotherapist or to continue your studies as a researcher in a field of physiotherapy.

Your first year is interprofessional, giving you the skills you need to work as part of a dynamic healthcare team, while learning about the physical, structural and physiological aspects of human form and movement.

In the following years, you’ll study musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary cardiorespiratory and neurological sciences, as well as gerontology, paediatrics, gender health issues and pain management.

Throughout the course, you will learn how to select the best treatment option by analysing the available research evidence, the perspective of the person and the heath environment they are in.

You’ll become proficient in treating acute and chronic conditions and disabilities using hands-on treatment, prescriptive exercise and lifestyle advice. You’ll also build essential soft skills, such as empathic listening to help accurately diagnose an issue, problem-solving to address clinical obstacles, and reflective practice to critically analyse evidence, and monitor the success of your management strategies.

To put your skills into practice, you’ll develop your practical skills in laboratory classes and complete 1,100 hours in supervised placements in hospitals and community settings, including those in rural and remote locations.

You will also become part of a research group with your peers in your third and fourth years, and work to complete and potentially publish a small research study under staff supervision.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

What jobs can the Physiotherapy (Honours) lead to?

Careers

Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy researcher.

Industries

Education
Government
Health management
Hospitals
Local community practice
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation centres
Research
Schools
Sports organisations.

What you'll learn

ethically use research-informed / evidence-based physiotherapeutic strategies for individuals and groups across the lifespan
competently and confidently apply and lead physiotherapeutic practice in diverse and changing environments and across a range of practice areas for improved healthcare outcomes at individual and/or group level
effectively communicate with individuals and groups with diverse cultural, linguistic, ability, or gender perspectives, providing education and advocacy
competently and innovatively use digital technologies that enhance healthcare delivery
be curious, creative and responsive to emerging evidence and practice change, and engage proactively in lifelong learning
demonstrate awareness of and an ability to respond to the national and international healthcare environment and broader healthcare priorities
demonstrate cultural capability to improve healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in interprofessional teams to achieve optimal client/patient outcomes

Why study Physiotherapy (Honours)

Professional recognition

On graduating you can apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Work experience

You'll have access to specialised anatomy facilities and physical health laboratories to develop your practical skills, and will complete 1,100 hours in supervised placements in hospitals and community settings.

Get the Curtin edge

In your third and fourth years, you’ll become part of a research group with your peers, working on a small research study under staff supervision.

Professional recognition

You may also apply for registration in New Zealand. To work in the US, UK or Canada, you will need to provide details of your program of studies to the relevant bodies and you may be required to sit a licensing examination.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

Indigenous applicant
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

The preferred mode of study is full-time over 4 years but that a part-time study plan may be available under exceptional circumstances after discussion with the Course Coordinator. Fieldwork placement blocks must be completed full-time

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You are required to show evidence of having completed an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award and a Senior First Aid Certificate or respective equivalent before completing your first year. You are required to be able to swim to complete an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award.

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 a disability.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For non-school leaver applicants, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

TAFE entry
Not accepted. VET study cannot meet the equivalent ATAR requirement.

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course, but may be used to demonstrate English competence requirements.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Completion of a full-time load (75-100 credits within one semester or 150-200 credits over two semesters) with a SWA of 80% or higher and the science pre-requisite to be eligible.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Students who complete UniReady in Semester 1 should apply for a related course for Semester 2; e.g. BSc(Exercise and Sport Science) course or BSc(Health Science), and perform well to be competitive with their course switching application.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 90
This course has a minimum ATAR of 90
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics or Psychology.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This course only has a Semester 1 intake, entry requirements are published on the TISC website.

Students should be able to swim. If a prospective applicant cannot swim, they need to remedy this by the beginning of the second year of the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Ranking and Selection Process

Round 1: Friday 20 October 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 8 October 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 2: Friday 24 November 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 12 November 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
Round 3: Friday 22 December 2023
- Eligible applicants who applied prior to 10 December 2023 will be ranked and assessed for offer

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates

Please note:

Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right to close the application process.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

Many of our courses require students to comply with additional essential requirements. Failure to comply with any of the essential requirements may potentially prevent the successful completion of the course and/or achieving professional registration.

Fieldwork requirements during the course

Please refer to the following statements on the fieldwork component of this course:

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2023 Fee year:

$8,300*

Commonwealth supported

2024 Fee year:

$8,900*

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth

2023

Semester 1

On campus

2024

Semester 1

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

2026

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

Curtin Perth

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

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: BH-PHYTH
CRICOS code: 108991C
Last updated on: 28 November 2023

Physiotherapy (Honours)

Bachelor honours degree

Select your preferred campus:

2023

Semester 1

2024

Semester 1

2025

Semester 1

2026

Semester 1

Outline

Outline

What jobs can the Physiotherapy (Honours) lead to?

What you'll learn

Why study Physiotherapy (Honours)

Professional recognition

Work experience

Get the Curtin edge

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Find your pathway to Curtin

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

Fieldwork requirements during the course

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2023 Fee year:

2024 Fee year:

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

Location

2023

Semester 1

2024

Semester 1

2025

Semester 1

2026

Semester 1

How to apply

Useful links

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