Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy) Neurological Physiotherapy major

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

This Masters course offers physiotherapists the opportunity to engage in graduate study in the field of neurological 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 neurological physiotherapy in health care.

The course focuses on the development of clinical knowledge and skills in neurological physiotherapy at higher level than the undergraduate course. The educational approach will be that of providing advanced knowledge in physiology, anatomy and biomechanics applicable to neurological 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 neurological physiotherapy.

This course will also enable physiotherapists to gain credit towards the clinical specialisation process of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

Duration of Course

Full-time - 1 year
Part-time - 2 years

Prospective applicants should contact the course coordinator to discuss their proposed study plan. (Typically, this course is undertaken part-time, see below.)

Admission Requirements

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

The Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy) Neurological Physiotherapy major is offered only in flexible delivery mode. Students are provided with readings, and workbooks with structured tasks, which enable them to work independently.

This course will require the completion of 48 credit points.

The award will consist of 8 units of study each valued at 6 credit points. Four units of study will be common to all Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy) majors, 2 units of study will be specific to this major and there will be 2 elective units of study. The 4 core units of study are Evidence-Based Decision Making, Theoretical Basis of Clinical Practice, Clinical Practice A and Clinical Practice B. The delivery and assessment of Clinical Practice A and B will have a neurological physiotherapy focus. There will be 2 specialist academic units and 2 electives to be chosen from the list of postgraduate Faculty electives. Students may be permitted to seek enrolment in relevant units of study offered by other institutions via inter-institutional agreements.

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

Outline of Neurological 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 and Dates

Co-ordinator of Neurological Physiotherapy major

Dr Sharon Kilbreath
Phone: +612 9351 9272
Email: