Undergraduate · Nursing & Health Sciences
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
About this program
UC's four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy is shaped by a Course Advisory Group drawn from Canberra Hospital, Calvary Hospital and the Australian Institute of Sport, which keeps the curriculum tied to what those services actually need from new graduates rather than a purely academic syllabus.
Clinical placements run in blocks, often outside normal teaching weeks, and students treat patients across all age groups and genders under full supervision, including through the UC Health Clinic on campus, which doubles as a low-cost physiotherapy service for the Canberra community. Before any placement, students must complete an immunisation schedule, hold current First Aid/CPR certification, and pass an AFP check for ACT placements, with additional state-based police checks for interstate rotations.
The course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and approved by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, so graduates can apply directly for registration to practise. High-performing students can also apply for the Honours pathway via academic record, interview and application.
Cost & duration
English test scores
Course structure
5 terms of coursework
- Year 1: Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
- Biomechanics
- Foundations of Musculoskeletal Practice
- Psychology for Health Sciences
- Year 2: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
- Exercise Prescription
- Clinical Placement Block 1
- Year 3: Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice
- Paediatric and Older Person Physiotherapy
- Pain Science
- Clinical Placement Blocks in hospital and community settings
- Year 4: Complex Clinical Presentations
- Professional Practice and Ethics
- Clinical Placement Blocks (including UC Health Clinic rotation)
- Research Project
- Optional: Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours (additional research year) for eligible students
Admissions
ATAR of approximately 85-90 (or equivalent); highly competitive limited-entry program with clinical placement compliance (National Police Certificate, immunisation).