Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy), Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy major

The Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy) is under review and there will be no intake in 2010.

Offered by flexible delivery (on campus block teaching and/or off campus distance education)

This Masters course offers physiotherapists the opportunity to engage in graduate study in the field of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. It aims to produce a body of graduates with advanced academic and clinical skills that promote a scientific approach to evaluation and practice and who will foster and develop the specialist role of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy in health care.

The course focuses on the development of clinical knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy at a higher level than the undergraduate course. The educational approach will be that of providing advanced knowledge in physiology, anatomy and biomechanics applicable to cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, as well as enhancing the student's skills in critical evaluation and practical techniques. The clinical component of the course will provide the opportunity for exposure to a range of complex cases enabling application of advanced skills in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy.

This course will also enable physiotherapists to gain credit towards titled membership as a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist within the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Admission Requirements

To enter this course, the applicant shall normally have at least two years clinical experience in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy and demonstrate ongoing participation in high quality continuing education within the field of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy.

To qualify for admission to this course applicants shall possess:

• An award of Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) from the Cumberland College of Health Sciences or from The University of Sydney; or
• An award of Master of Physiotherapy from The University of Sydney; or
• An award of Bachelor of Science with a major in Anatomy from the University of New South Wales, or its equivalent, and a Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy from Cumberland College of Health Sciences; or
• Such qualifications as are deemed to be equivalent to the above; or
• Other evidence of academic, general and/or professional qualifications as will satisfy the Faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue graduate studies.

Structure of Course

This course will require the completion of 48 credit points.

The award consists of 8 specified units of study each valued at 6 credit points. Four units of study are common to other majors in the Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy), and four units of study are specific to this major. The four core units of study are Evidence-Based Decision Making, Theoretical Basis of Clinical Practice, Clinical Practice A and Clinical Practice B. However, the delivery and assessment of Clinical Practice A and B will have a cardiopulmonary physiotherapy focus.

At the discretion of the course coordinator, students may elect to enrol in individual units of study as non-award application (.PDF document). Students may gain credit transfer for non-award units of study into the Masters Program within a 5 year period.

Unit of study descriptions can be found in Chapter 32 Postgraduate Units of Study, Faculty of Health Sciences Handbook (.PDF document).

Duration of Course

Part-time - 2 years

Prospective applicants should contact the course coordinator to discuss their proposed study plan. Typically students undertake this major part-time. (An example of a part- time study plan is shown below).

The specialist cardiopulmonary physiotherapy units of study are not offered every year.

Even Years (e.g. 2008, 2010 etc):
Topics in Specialised Physiotherapy and Physiotherapy in Pulmonary Rehab

Odd Years (e.g. 2009, 2011 etc):
Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapyand Physiotherapy Management in Acute Care.

Outline of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy major

Units of Study (Example of a Part-Time Study Plan)

Further Enquiries and Applications

For further enquiries contact:

Program Administrator

View Application information

Co-ordinator of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy major

Associate Professor Jenny Alison
Phone: +612 9351 9371
Email: