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Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BPhty

  • Course code

    3007320

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy develops physiotherapists who have the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively and ethically as primary contact practitioners.

You will study functional human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pain sciences, therapeutic exercise, psychology, pharmacology and develop an understanding of acute, chronic, acquired and developmental diseases and injury across the lifespan.

Throughout your degree you will learn and implement strategies and programs to prevent and manage illness and injury and optimise well-being, function and performance, using a person-centred and evidence-based approach.

Graduates will be progressive, adaptive, innovative, and able to incorporate up-to-date evidence and effective technologies, working autonomously and within a team in diverse health care settings, with people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate competencies that meet the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand), incorporating academic knowledge and skills, to enable registration for autonomous physiotherapy practice in a range of contexts across the lifespan.

GA2: Creativity

Apply digital literacy skills to ethically, critically, and effectively utilise and adapt current and emerging technologies within health care delivery.

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate skills in leadership, management and advocacy within the relevant legal, ethical, cultural, clinical and professional frameworks.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Analyse, synthesise and apply an evidence-based approach to provide person-centred, ethical, and culturally responsive practice in the management of people of all health status, across the lifespan.

Work autonomously and collaboratively in interprofessional teams and with all relevant stakeholders to deliver innovative and effective person-centred evidence-based physiotherapy practice.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Apply reflective practitioner skills, life-long learning and quality improvement to facilitate adaptability within diverse health care environments.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate effective communication and relationship skills that are culturally responsive and inclusive of all people across diverse contexts.

Educate and empower others, including clients, families, communities, interprofessional colleagues and other stakeholders to promote and optimise health and wellbeing.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural capability that is inclusive of Indigenous Australians and the wider multi-cultural community.

This course includes professional placements of approximately 1,000 hours.

Human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pain sciences, therapeutic exercise, psychology, pharmacology.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Term 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy has been approved by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia for the purpose of registration of graduates.

In order to register to practise, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [Ahpra] standards for English language must be met.  See the Ahpra website for further information.

As a Physiotherapy student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. See the details on the Physiotherapy Board website.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy will be registered by Southern Cross University with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study. Please see the Ahpra website for more details.

Ahpra is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide Ahpra with your details for student registration.

You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to Ahpra directly. You can find more information about Ahpra student registration and what we are required to report to Ahpra on their website.

Please be aware that as part of the registration process, Ahpra will collect your personal information (including your USI). Ahpra’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by Ahpra; complain to Ahpra about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. 

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Physiotherapy, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • All 28 core units (384 credit points).

Work Integrated Learning

This course includes work integrated learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Work Integrated Learning page, must be met prior to attending placement. All work integrated learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Progression

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with work integrated learning.

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with work integrated learning.

Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported work integrated learning to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Any student wishing to take a break of one or more terms must consult with the Course Coordinator

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

PHTY1001 Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006 Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term1,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,5
Term1,5
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term1,5
Term1,5
HBIO1006 Growth and Development
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1011 Regional Anatomy and Biomechanics
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
Term2,3,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,4
Term2,4
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,3,4
Term2,3,4
PHTY1002 Foundational Physiotherapy Practice
Term4
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PHTY1001 - Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice AND HBIO1011 - Regional Anatomy and Biomechanics
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4

Second Year

STAT2001 Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
Pre-requisites 36 credit points
HBIO2002 Motor Control
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PHTY2001 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 1

Not currently available

 12
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR PHTY1002 - Foundational Physiotherapy Practice
HBIO2010 Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies

Not currently available

 12
PHTY2002 Physiotherapy Practice: Cardiorespiratory 1

Not currently available

 12 Note 2
PHTY2003 Physiotherapy Practice: Neurological 1

Not currently available

 12 Note 2
PHTY2004 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 2

Not currently available

 12

Third Year

PHTY3001 Physiotherapy Practice: Neurological 2

Not currently available

 12
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisites Be admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
PHTY3002 Physiotherapy Practice: Cardiorespiratory 2

Not currently available

 12
HLTH3005 Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisites Be admitted to course: 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III ORREHB2002 - Clinics in Multimodal Intervention: Internal; OR be admitted to course: 3207309 - Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Pedorthics AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III; OR be admitted to course: 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery AND MIDW3006 - Midwifery Practice: Mentorship A; OR be admitted to course: 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) AND NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II; OR have completed 288 credit points in either 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
PHTY3003 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 3

Not currently available

 12 Note 2
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
PHTY3004 Physiotherapy Practice Across the Lifespan

Not currently available

 12 Note 2
PHTY3005 Work Integrated Learning Foundations: Integrated Physiotherapy Practice

Not currently available

 12 Note 2

Fourth Year

PHTY3006 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 1

Not currently available

 24 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3007 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 2

Not currently available

 24 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3008 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 3

Not currently available

 24 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3009 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 4

Not currently available

 24 Note 1, Note 2

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Core Units
PHTY1001 Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
HLTH1006 Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1006 Growth and Development
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO1011 Regional Anatomy and Biomechanics
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
PHTY1002 Foundational Physiotherapy Practice Note 2
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
STAT2001 Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
HBIO2002 Motor Control
PHTY2001 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 1
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
PHTY2002 Physiotherapy Practice: Cardiorespiratory 1 Note 2
HBIO2010 Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies
PHTY2004 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 2
PHTY2003 Physiotherapy Practice: Neurological 1 Note 2
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
PHTY3003 Physiotherapy Practice: Musculoskeletal 3 Note 2
PHTY3002 Physiotherapy Practice: Cardiorespiratory 2
HLTH3005 Interprofessional Health Practice
PHTY3001 Physiotherapy Practice: Neurological 2
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
PHTY3004 Physiotherapy Practice Across the Lifespan Note 2
PHTY3005 Work Integrated Learning Foundations: Integrated Physiotherapy Practice Note 2
PHTY3006 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 1 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3007 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 2 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3008 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 3 Note 1, Note 2
PHTY3009 Physiotherapy Professional Practice Placement 4 Note 1, Note 2