Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport
Course information for - 2023 entry
- Study mode
- Multi-mode
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$22298 Fee-paying
- Start dates
- ACU Online Term 1 - January, ACU Online Term 3 - July
Overview
This double degree empowers physiotherapists to work with athletes and people of all ages, abilities and cultural contexts, in community, elite or high performance sport and exercise settings, in both the private and public sectors.
You will acquire advanced knowledge of normal and pathological human movement relating to sports, exercise, performance, injuries, pathology and disease. You will also better understand how wellbeing relates to performance, and critically analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge using an evidence-informed, person-centred approach to manage sports injuries or other health conditions.
Learn to integrate specialised technical skills with advanced principles and strategies of strength and conditioning, fatigue management and recovery to design, deliver and evaluate meaningful interventions to enhance athlete and team performance and reduce the likelihood and/or duration of injury and illness. This course emphasises the application of knowledge and skills in an ethical manner that promotes the dignity of the individual, athlete or performer.
This double degree is suitable for graduate physiotherapists eligible for registration in their own country, with a minimum two years’ experience post-graduation.
Professional experience
The Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport is designed as a program of relevant professional practice-experience related learning that includes a minimum 190 hours of clinical practice, including supervised practice, mentoring, case reflections, and self-directed field-of-play and side-line practice. The course also includes a program of independent research, as well as the opportunity for an industry-based internship in high performance sport.
Volunteer experience
You will be required to be working or be in a volunteer position in the sports environment for a minimum of 80 hours as part of a Term 3 unit.
Professional recognition
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport Graduates who are Australian registered physiotherapists and members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association are eligible to apply for Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled membership in the relevant stream.
Supervision arrangements
As a registered physiotherapy practitioners, you can undertake clinical practice activities related to this coursework without direct supervision by a clinical educator. ACU will provide mentoring and peer support during these clinical practicums which will include mentoring or virtual supervision provided by ACU staff, and/or external mentors/supervisors assigned and supported by ACU staff. The School of Allied Health at ACU will provide an appropriate supervisor for each independent research project.
Accreditation
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport graduates who are Australian registered physiotherapists and members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association may be able to apply for Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled membership in the relevant stream.
Careers
You will be able to apply the theory and practice you've learned to a range of health provider settings including but not limited to:
- professional and semi-professional sporting organisations
- community sport settings
- national and state institutes of sport
- academies of sport
- government and non-government funded sporting programs (e.g. university, school or post-school sporting clubs)
- government prevention and management of chronic disease through exercise programs
- international high performance sport organisations
- sport, health and disease-based research
Examples of potential employment roles include:
- sports and exercise physiotherapist for a club, a team or a sports event at national or international levels for visiting or host nation programs
- E.g. Australian Olympic Team, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Australian University Games
- sports medicine manager for a team, an event
- venue medical manager for major games
- performance analyst
- high performance manager
- fitness coach
- government advisor on exercise
- sports science manager
Course details
Course structure
To qualify for the Master of Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy / Master of High Performance Sport, a student must complete 160 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:
- 60 cp from Specified Physiotherapy Units (Part A);
- 40 cp from Specified High Performance Sport Units (Part B);
- 20 cp from Elective High Performance Sport Units (Part C);
- 40 cp from Research Units (Part D)
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY614 Advanced Principles of Human Movement for Exercise and Sports Performance | EXSC510 Strength and Conditioning for Performance and Rehabilitation data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
2 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 2 | EXSC651 Sports Injury Prevention data-versionlabel=3 > | HLSC640 Interpreting Health Research OR HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research | |||
2 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 3 | PHTY616 Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice for Physiotherapists | PHTY617 Physiotherapists Working in Sport | |||
2 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 4 | PHTY615 Clinical Exercise for Health and Performance Across the Lifespan | HLSC642 Biostatistics for Health Sciences or HLSC646 Qualitative Research Methods | |||
2 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY618 Leadership, Management and Advocacy for Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists | PHTY606 Physiotherapy Research Project A data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
2 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 2 | EXSC669 Exercise Rehabilitation for Return to Sports Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | *Elective offering | |||
2 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 3 | EXSC650 Fatigue, Recovery, Adaptation and Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | *Elective offering | |||
2 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 4 | PHTY607 Physiotherapy Research Project B data-versionlabel=3 > | EXSC674 Contemporary Practice in Strength and Conditioning data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
4 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY614 Advanced Principles of Human Movement for Exercise and Sports Performance | ||||
4 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 2 | HLSC640 Interpreting Health Research or HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research | ||||
4 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 3 | EXSC510 Strength and Conditioning for Performance and Rehabilitation data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 1 ACU Online Term 4 | PHTY615 Clinical Exercise for Health and Performance Across the Lifespan | ||||
4 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 1 | HLSC642 Biostatistics for Health Sciences (not available 2023) or HLSC646 Qualitative Research Methods | ||||
4 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 2 | EXSC651 Sports Injury Prevention data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 3 | PHTY616 Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice for Physiotherapists | ||||
4 Year Option Year 2 ACU Online Term 4 | EXSC669 Exercise Rehabilitation for Return to Sports Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 3 ACU Online Term 1 | EXSC650 Fatigue, Recovery, Adaptation and Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 3 ACU Online Term 2 | PHTY606 Physiotherapy Research Project A data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 3 ACU Online Term 3 | PHTY617 Physiotherapists Working in Sport | ||||
4 Year Option Year 3 ACU Online Term 4 | EXSC674 Contemporary Practice in Strength and Conditioning data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
4 Year Option Year 4 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY618 Leadership, Management and Advocacy for Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists | ||||
4 Year Option Year 4 ACU Online Term 2 | *Elective offering | ||||
4 Year Option Year 4 ACU Online Term 3 | *Elective offering | ||||
4 Year Option Year 4 ACU Online Term 4 | PHTY607 Physiotherapy Research Project B data-versionlabel=3 > | ||||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 1 ACU Online Term 3 | EXSC510 Strength and Conditioning for Performance and Rehabilitation data-versionlabel=3 > | HLSC640 Interpreting Health Research or HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 1 ACU Online Term 4 | EXSC651 Sports Injury Prevention data-versionlabel=3 > | HLSC642 Biostatistics for Health Sciences or HLSC646 Qualitative Research Methods | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 2 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY614 Advanced Principles of Human Movement for Exercise and Sports Performance | EXSC650 Fatigue, Recovery, Adaptation and Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 2 ACU Online Term 2 | EXSC674 Contemporary Practice in Strength and Conditioning data-versionlabel=3 > | PHTY606 Physiotherapy Research Project A data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 2 ACU Online Term 3 | PHTY616 Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice for Physiotherapists | PHTY617 Physiotherapists Working in Sport | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 2 ACU Online Term 4 | PHTY615 Clinical Exercise for Health and Performance Across the Lifespan | EXSC669 Exercise Rehabilitation for Return to Sports Performance data-versionlabel=3 > | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 3 ACU Online Term 1 | PHTY618 Leadership, Management and Advocacy for Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists | *Elective offering | |||
2 Year Option Mid-Year entry Year 3 ACU Online Term 2 | PHTY607 Physiotherapy Research Project B data-versionlabel=3 > | *Elective offering |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
* Elective units to be selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.
AQF framework
Exit Points
- A student who has completed 80 cp from the Schedule of Specified Unit Offerings, including a minimum 40 cp from Specified Physiotherapy Units, may exit with the Graduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy.
- A student who has completed 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, including a minimum 30 cp from Specified Physiotherapy Units, may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy.
- A student who has completed 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, including a minimum 30 cp from Specified and Elective High Performance Sport Units, may exit with the Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport.
Additional course information
The Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport double degree can be completed in 2 years (full-time), or part-time equivalent. It is delivered predominantly online with short, intensive on-campus block/s. The course is suitable for graduate physiotherapists eligible for registration in their own country, with a minimum two years’ experience post-graduation.
ACU Term 1 and Term 3 intakes will be offered. The majority of the units will be delivered in online mode with some units deliverd in multi-mode incorporating online, intensive residential workshops, practicums and a research project. All residential workshops and assessments will be scheduled for 1-2 weeks in the same ACU Term.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International applicants must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:
a. Bachelor degree or higher in Physiotherapy and:
- hold current registration with the required Authority in Australia, or Registration Authority in country of current practice; and
- have a minimum of 2 years clinical experience as a physiotherapist post-graduation (including minimum 1 year in musculoskeletal or sports areas);
OR
b. ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy
NOTE: Applicants having completed ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy will be eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to 40 credit points.
NOTE: Applicants having completed ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy will be eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to 80 credit points
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
English language requirements
IELTS: Overall score: 7.0; Individual score of 6.5 in all tests[EF1] [MC2]
PTE: 65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills
TOEFL: Internet based total of 94: minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading
ACU English Language Test: A (75-100%)
CAE: N/A
Or
Demonstrated current registration with an accredited body that has an English language requirement equivalent to, or higher than, the standards required by the University. Recognised registrations include:
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration other than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Practice registration;
Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Teacher registration;
Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Teacher registration; and
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Teacher registration.
Or
At least one full-time year of study of an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, and completed no earlier than five years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission;
Or
Demonstrated successful completion of at least one full-time year of study of an overseas qualification equivalent to an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, where the medium of study was English, and completed no earlier than five years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
People who have completed a Graduate Certificate in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy program at Australian Catholic University or a Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy at an Australian university may be eligible to enter the Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport program and be awarded up to 40 credit points in recognition of prior learning
Further study
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport is designed with research training as a pathway to higher degree research, for example, PhD and Masters by research.
Fees
Course costs
$22298 Fee-paying
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
Staff Profile
Dr Maria Constantinou
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Program Coordinator
Associate Professor Maria Constantinou (PhD, MPhtySt(Sports), BPhty, GradCertEd) is an Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and a Fellow of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation, with extensive clinical, teaching and research experience. Maria worked as a Sports Physiotherapist at several major sporting events including the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Melbourne 2006 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she was the Polyclinic and Team Physiotherapy Programs Coordinator. Maria served on the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy Executive Board (2011-2019) and the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Australia committee (2008-current). Maria’s academic career spans over 20-years and she has taught or presented in more than 25 countries. Her research interests comprise sports injury prevention and surveillance, sports and therapeutic taping, and gait and function in hip osteoarthritis.