The University of Queensland Physiotherapy School

Program Overview - Master of Physiotherapy Studies

University and Faculty:	The University of Queensland Faculty of Health Sciences
Program:	Master of Physiotherapy Studies
University Location:	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
City Population:	2 million
Student Population:	37,700
Campus Location:	St. Lucia, Brisbane
Program Duration:	Two calendar years (six semesters: four regular semesters and two summer semesters)
Semester Intake:	November each year
Next Intake:	November 2012
Application Deadline:	May 31, 2012 for the November 2012 intake
Est. Annual Tuition:	$40,625 (2011; over 3 semesters)
Est. Total Tuition:	$81,250 (2011; estimated, over two full years)

The University of Queensland Physiotherapy School offers a graduate-entry two-year Master of Physiotherapy Studies designed for those students who have a bachelor's degree and wish to gain qualifications to register as a physiotherapist.

The objectives of the Master of Physiotherapy Studies program are
- to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, skills and clinical competencies required of an entry-level graduate in physiotherapy; and
- to develop abilities to extend knowledge in physiotherapy practice and organizational management, and to provide skills in research for physiotherapy.

The University of Queensland Physiotherapy School offers a learning environment and has assessment requirements designed to facilitate the advanced and intensive learning appropriate for a master's-level program. The Master of Physiotherapy Studies introduces graduates to the profession of physiotherapy and its key concepts in intensive mode during an initial summer semester. It focuses on developing core knowledge and skills in the areas of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and physiotherapy across the lifespan, and integrates this knowledge and skill and application of clinical reasoning in supervised clinical practice. The program also incorporates advanced training in clinical reasoning, independent research, and health management.

There are 40 spots available in the program; 30 places for domestic Australians and 10 places for international students. For the past few intakes, eight of the 10 international student offers were awarded to OzTREKK students.

Unique Features of the Program

Students develop an understanding of the principles of scientific method, critical analysis and research design and apply them to professional practice. Students learn to appreciate the physiotherapist's role in health promotion, injury prevention and effective treatment planning, implementation and evaluation.

Graduates possess an integrated body of knowledge, the clinical abilities, problem-solving skills and professional attributes to provide competent physiotherapy service in a wide range of contexts. They are also committed to self-learning and professional growth, and adapt to change and respond to challenge.

Why Canadians Like the Program

"The program is amazing! The knowledge base of the professors and the design of the program really helps you get the most out of the program. There is a great opportunity to learn up-and-coming techniques, based on the leading research in the field coming from Australia."
K. Patel
University of Alberta graduate
UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies

"The program is wonderful. The standard of learning is high. Some of the world's leading research (on whiplash, telemedicine, low back pain) is being done here and the international students have friends at home who are learning the same concepts, but we're being taught by the initial researchers. I'm very happy that I'm here and not anywhere else."
S. Kerr
Dalhousie University graduate
UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies

"The thing I enjoy most about [UQ] physiotherapy is how hands-on it is from the get-go. It's not just lectures all the time; it is nicely broken up into lectures, practical classes and clinical visits. I wasn't expecting to have this type of experience in the first few weeks, so it was a nice surprise."
L. Tennant, OzTREKK student
University of Calgary graduate
UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies

"I enjoy the fact that it is renowned as an excellent school and that its graduates are highly regarded. The campus itself is absolutely stunning as well. The lecturers appear to be very knowledgeable in their respective fields and the people and fellow students are all great."
S. Theriault
University of Ottawa graduate
UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies

"The University of Queensland is one of the most renowned/presitigious universities in Australia and studying physiotherapy here is a great choice, since we are being taught by experienced professors and associate lecturers/researchers. UQ is also really known for its research and the teachers are very approachable and are always there to help."
C. Lau
McMaster University graduate
UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies

Other noted comments from OzTREKK students who are currently completing the UQ MPT program:
- Exams are very applicable, not just theory. Also performing abilities are examined.
- The fact that the professors are on a first-name basis makes them seem much more approachable.
- The campus is beautiful, which makes you really excited to study here.
- Everything is laid out well and easy to understand and follow.
- The school calendar is planned one year ahead, so holidays home can be figured out.
- Australia was an awesome place to spend Christmas!
- The holiday season in Australia felt very wrong with no snow, but I survived! We had all the Canadians in the program, mostly OzTREKK kids, over to our place for a turkey dinner, so it was great!
- One thing I really like about University of Queensland is how easily accessible it is. I'm fortunate enough to live very close to UQ that I can walk but I also have the option to ride my bike, take the bus or the ferry.
- Everyone is so friendly and helpful which makes for a very enjoyable experience!
- Everything I've learned seems so practical to the working world.
- The material is laid out in a very exciting way.
- Nice-looking campus right on the water, well-kept buildings, clean environment.

Professional Certification/Accreditation Information

Graduate qualifications in physiotherapy from Australian universities are recognized internationally. Canadian students who wish to practice as a physiotherapist upon their return to Canada should visit the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators' website for accreditation and certification information: http://www.alliancept.org/

Scholarships

Every student who applies (and accepts) via OzTREKK and commences his/her studies at an OzTREKK Australian university will receive a $500 scholarship from OzTREKK. Click here for more information about the OzTREKK Scholarship!

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

There are 10 places available in the program each year for international students, including students from Canada. Offers will be made to applicants with the highest academic rank.

To be eligible to apply, you must have

• completed an undergraduate degree (preferably in the fields of human kinetics/kinesiology or physical or biological sciences);
• have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your university studies; and
• completed the Master of Physiotherapy Studies prerequisite subjects as follows:
- one full year, or two semesters, of human anatomy (including systems and musculoskeletal anatomy); and
- one full year, or two semesters, of human physiology (including systems and integrative physiology); and
- one semester of psychology; and
- one semester of statistics.

Please note that the above criteria are minimum requirements. Once prerequisites are met, entry is via a competitive selection process based on grade point average (GPA).

OzTREKK recommends that you apply for this program if you have achieved a minimum 75% cumulative average in your university studies.

Past successful OzTREKK applicants achieved cumulative GPAs in their four-year undergraduate studies of approximately 78% to 82%.

Last year, nine of the 10 internaional students in this program applied via OzTREKK. Students who have not yet completed an undergraduate degree may apply, as long as they will have graduated prior to commencing UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies program.

 

Total Number of Places in the Program: 40

Number of Places Available for International Students: 10

Application Deadline for the November 2011 intake: May 31, 2011

OzTREKK Admissions Officer: Shannon Tilston

I want to:

• Apply
• Receive a UQ Master of Physiotherapy Studies Application and Info Package
• Ask a question about this program
• Have OzTREKK send me program updates
• Learn more about the University of Queensland