CB85 - Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

Physiotherapy is a highly respected and evidence-based allied health profession. Physiotherapists work in partnership with patients and their families/carers, together with medical practitioners, nurses and health professionals, to assess, diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders.

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) provides high quality and contemporary tertiary education that includes extensive theoretical, clinical, and research experiences to develop highly competent and autonomous Physiotherapy graduates with advanced knowledge and skills. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is a four-year degree consisting of 26 units and upon successful completion you will be eligible for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as a Physiotherapist.

There is a strong demand for Physiotherapists with employment opportunities in hospital, community and occupational settings. Physiotherapists provide services that extend from health promotion to injury minimisation, acute care, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, occupational health, research, and education.

Career Information

Graduates of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, community health centres, private practices, schools and sporting teams. Graduates may also work in education and research.

Course Details
Duration 4 years full-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 192
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) B(Hons)
AQF Level Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,272
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,719
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,080
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $38,940
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,866
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $24,702
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,600
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,740
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,151
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,280
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,280
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,842
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,280
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,280

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2017

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2016

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2015

Bundaberg
Rockhampton
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Bundaberg
Cairns
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2017

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2016

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2015

Bundaberg
Rockhampton
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 77 | ATAR 77
Entry Requirements

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent; one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health or Physical Education (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA of 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United states of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum 7.0 in each subset; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBt - 94 or better overall and no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking; or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 65 with no sub-score less than 65.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Physiotherapy students’ English language skills are directly aligned with the requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Available at: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx

 

Assumed Knowledge

N/A

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CL13 - Diploma of Health Science CM51 - Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Science
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC)

    The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is fully accredited with the Australian Physiotherapy Council. On completion of the course students are eligible for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School This course is not offered via distance education, however, students will undertake some units via distance education and may be required to attend compulsory residential schools.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

PSIO14004 - Students are required to complete an extensive 5 week clinical placement in this unit. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placement. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.
PSIO14003 - Students are required to complete an extensive 5 week clinical placement in this unit. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placement. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.
PSIO13003 - Students are required to complete an extensive 5 week clinical placement in this unit. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placement. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.
PSIO14002 - Students are required to complete an extensive 5 week clinical placement in this unit. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placement. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.
PSIO13002 - Students are required to complete an extensive 5 week clinical placement in this unit. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placement. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 183
2023 168
2022 176
2021 186
2020 183
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

General Information

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating integrity in academic, professional and clinical experience settings.
Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating integrity in academic, professional and clinical experience settings.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Demonstrating that you are fit to practice and compliant with mandatory, legislative and registration requirements of a student physiotherapist.
  • Demonstrating that you are able to practice safely and properly throughout the physiotherapy course, to meet core learning outcomes.
  • Being reflective on personal behaviour appropriate for professional performance and be receptive to constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
  • Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations.
  • Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the clinical environment.
  • Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from the patients/clients, and situations in a professional setting.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Understanding and complying with all relevant policies and procedures applicable to physiotherapy.
  • Complying with the policies and practices of organisations (e.g. clinical settings) in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Recognising and positively responding to any legal compliance issues that arise and bringing them to the attention of the appropriate stakeholders.
  • Complying with the policies of clinical facilities e.g. vaccination requirements and obtaining a working with children check ("Blue Card").
  • Complying with the requirements for student registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Complying with the requirement for students to maintain currency of all immunisation and vaccine requirements plus maintenance booster shots e.g. COVID-19, Hepatitis B and MMR.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Communicating effectively during practice, and responding appropriately to requests from patients/clients, supervisors and other health professionals, in the clinical setting.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as clinical environments.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of personal space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and professional requirements.
  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, as well as other software such as Microsoft Office relevant to your course of study or workplace.
  • Using sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that includes participating in on-line forums, completing relevant on-line assessments and/or responding to emails.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and applying appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying evidence based practice, policies and procedures in professional practice.
  • Producing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, in accordance with appropriate academic conventions such as being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference.
  • Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in professional practice.
  • Producing accurate, concise and clear physiotherapy related documentation which meets legal requirements.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying sufficient mathematics knowledge and skills in prescribing adaptive equipment that correctly meets patient/client measurement requirements e.g. in the provision of assistive technologies.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements in patient/client notes.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of educational and professional settings.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Observing and detecting subtle changes in posture, movement and the ability to perform functional activities during assessment and treatment.
  • Safely operating electronic equipment e.g. splinting equipment - heat guns, mobile ultrasound and mobile stimulator units.
  • Using sufficient auditory capacity to monitor, assess and manage a patient's needs consistently and accurately, including engaging appropriately to a patients/clients responses during an assessment.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course and clinical placements.
  • Detecting changes in circulation e.g. temperature.
  • Detecting anatomical or movement abnormalities e.g. palpating joints, muscles and soft tissues.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Showing sensitivity to individual difference, thus conveying respect and empathy for others.
  • Accurately conveying information that meets legal and professional requirements to a wide variety of patients/clients and stakeholders.
  • Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the patient/client and/or stakeholder group.
  • Communicating effectively, and responding appropriately, to requests from patients/clients, supervisors and other stakeholders.
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Reflecting on topics taught during the course of study, including on situations that may be difficult or sensitive, yet still require reflective processing, judgement or action.
  • Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise.
  • Identifying when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Appropriately and actively participating in activities related to the course of study and professional experience.
  • Undertaking examinations and on-line quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Performing the tasks and duties of a physiotherapy student, with physical energy, mental energy and endurance required.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Maintaining your own and patients/clients balance simultaneously.
  • Providing patient/client support when transferring and mobilising individuals in a safe manner.
  • Evaluating patients/clients in a safe and effective manner who have varying physical capacities e.g. those who are positioned on plinths and hospital beds, on mats on the floor, on chairs and when standing.
  • Performing assessment techniques e.g. evaluation of hand sensation and joint movement.
  • Performing treatment techniques e.g. fabricating splints, demonstrating use of adaptive equipment, demonstrating fine motor tasks during activities of daily living.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Being able to communicate competently and appropriately, in a wide variety of contexts, in verbal, non-verbal and written formats.
  • Being able to recognise and interpret the non-verbal cues of others, and respond appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as in clinical environments.
  • Being able to use appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, and a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Being mindful of personal space boundaries.
  • Being responsive and professional in all communications with stakeholders.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, as well as other software such as Microsoft Office and EndNote, relevant to your course or workplace.
  • Having sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that includes participating in on-line forums, completing relevant on-line assessments, and responding to emails.
Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.

Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening.

Respirator mask fit testing is also an annual requirement for this course.

COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it is essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

Security Requirements

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance and working with children check.

Other Compulsory Requirements

Other mandatory requirements include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, adherence to AHPRA policies for a registered student professional, Fitness to Participate in WIL Student Declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Outline contemporary healthcare systems and the multi-cultural and societal factors underpinning modern practice
  • 2. Explain human body systems, disease processes, and the role of allied health practitioners in the healthcare continuum
  • 3. Demonstrate contemporary allied health skills, including communication, and their application in a multi-disciplinary environment
  • 4. Plan, implement and evaluate complex physiotherapy intervention(s) for individuals and groups
  • 5. Apply appropriate standards of ethical, social, and professional behaviour in the context of physiotherapy practice
  • 6. Critically analyse and reflect on advanced knowledge, principles, and concepts related to physiotherapy
  • 7. Investigate, analyse, and synthesise new information and evidence from a range of sources relevant to physiotherapy in order to inform and improve ongoing clinical and professional practice
  • 8. Advance health promotion and education activities pertaining to physiotherapy within the broader health care context
  • 9. Develop comprehensive knowledge of contemporary research methods used in the health professions.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. KNOWLEDGE Have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding
5. SKILLS Have technical skills to design and use research in a project
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
10. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 26 Total credit points: 192

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ALLH11001 Introduction to Allied Health Practice
ALLH11009 Research Methods for Health Professionals
BMSC11007 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 1
PSIO11004 Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 1
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ALLH11006 Life Course Development for Health Professionals
BMSC11008 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 2
PSIO11003 Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 2
PSYC11010 Fundamentals of Psychology 1: Understanding Human Behaviour
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ALLH12006 Evidence Based Practice for Health Professionals
PSIO12006 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics
BMSC12006 Cardiorespiratory Physiology and Measurement
PSIO12001 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PSIO12002 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
PSIO12004 Neurological Physiotherapy 1
PSIO12005 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2
MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ALLH13011 Rural and Remote Practice for Health Professionals
PSIO13001 Neurological Physiotherapy 2
PSIO13006 Physiotherapy Management of the Complex Patient
PSIO13007 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PSIO13002 Professional Physiotherapy Practice 1
PSIO13003 Professional Physiotherapy Practice 2
Year 4 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PSIO14002 Professional Physiotherapy Practice 3
PSIO14006 Research Project
Year 4 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PSIO14003 Professional Physiotherapy Practice 4
PSIO14004 Professional Physiotherapy Practice 5
More Details

Work Integrated Learning and Clinical Experience

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) course involves extensive clinical placement experiences embedded in the course. Over the third and fourth years students are expected to undertake five clinical placements, each of five weeks duration. Students may be required to travel to complete the 5 week clinical placements. Students will be financially responsible for clinical placement accommodation and travel costs.

During the first term of study, and before commencing any clinical placements, students must have gathered the following to provide to the Physiotherapy Clinical Educator Coordinator:

 

1.      Current Blue Card – Working with Children Check

2.      Current Australian Federal Police Check (National Police Check)

3.      Current approved first aid/CPR certificate

4.      Annually complete the CQUniversity Student Declaration

5.      Queensland Health Vaccination Evidence Form – proof of immunity or immunisations for Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Mantoux for Tuberculosis

6.      Queensland Health Allied Health Student Evidence Record

7.      Queensland Health Student Deed Poll

 

Application for Credit Transfer

Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies undertaken equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.

Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.

You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc.) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years old, you may not be eligible to apply for this as credit.

 

Computing Requirements

It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.

It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.

 

Pre-requisite Qualifications, Knowledge or Experience

QTAC applications for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) will accept any of the following subjects/qualifications to meet the subject prerequisite of 'one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health or Physical Education (Units 3 & 4, C)'