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Program handbook

Description

Physiotherapy is a health profession concerned with the prevention, assessment and treatment of human movement disorders. Clinical problems encountered by the physiotherapist are wide ranging and often challenging, but usually involve musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory disorders. Physiotherapists are people with effective interpersonal skills, including communicative and empathic abilities, highly developed problem solving skills, proficient manual handling skills and a motivation to continually improve and learn. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) curriculum integrates the clinical and basic sciences, focusing on evidence-based physiotherapy practice. The program involves case-based learning with a strong inter-disciplinary focus. The program prepares graduates for professional physiotherapy employment undertaking evidence based practice as well as providing a pathway for ongoing research and further learning.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Demonstrated application of a defined body of knowledge and procedural skills, to collect and interpret data, make appropriate clinical decisions, and carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely and effectively (Physiotherapy practitioner).
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and/or non-verbal communication skills to build effective partnerships and establish rapport with patients, care givers, health professionals, other sectors and stakeholders (Communicator).
  • The ability to effectively work in partnership with patients and others with respect to the care of individuals, specific groups, communities or populations (Collaborative practitioner).
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritise and effectively execute tasks through teamwork and make systematic decisions when allocating finite health care resources (Manager/Leader).
  • Recognised the importance of advocacy in responding to challenges represented by social, environmental, and biological factors that determine the health of patients and society (Educator).
  • Demonstrated skills that support lifelong learning in personal and professional development (Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner).
  • Competently applied a distinct body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, incorporating ethical action, to improve the health and well-being of others (Professional and ethical practitioner).

Details

Information correct as atMar 28, 2024 7:23 pm
Program code12337
AQF level

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan Campus97.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Assumed knowledgeEnglish Advanced, Chemistry and Physics or Biology
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD41,670 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code039298M

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

 

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

Please note that time restrictions apply to the granting of credit in this program.


Compulsory program requirements

Clinical placement is undertaken in each year of the program, and students complete approximately 1000 hours over the course of their studies. Programs generally have defined periods for their professional placements, based on negotiations between health providers and the University; however these may be at any time throughout the calendar year, not just within University Terms. Students are required to undertake rural as well as urban placements including, but not limited to, the University's Department of Rural Health, based in Tamworth and Taree. Travel, accommodation and related expenses for placements will be the responsibility of the student.

Post-admission requirements

  • First Aid Certificate

    First Aid Certificate

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements

    NSW Health Verification Requirements

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

PHTY2060 - Physiotherapy Clinical Practice I

PHTY3060 - Physiotherapy Clinical Practice III

PHTY4040 - Physiotherapy Clinical Practice V

PHTY4070 - Advanced Concepts in Physiotherapy

PHTY1020 - Physiotherapy II

PHTY4010 - Physiotherapy Clinical Practice IV

PHTY1040 - Introduction to Physiotherapy


Professional recognition

Australian Physiotherapy Council

Physiotherapy Board of Australia (under AHPRA)

Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

320 units

Program duration

4 years full-time.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

All students who complete the requirements of the program will be eligible for Ungraded Honours. High performing students (minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 at the end of Year 3) may be selected for admission into a Graded Honours stream. Positions within the Graded Honours stream are limited and entry is not guaranteed. Students selected into the Graded Honours stream are required to successfully complete 20 units of research courses as detailed in the Program Plan. The criteria for the determination of class of Honours are detailed in the Bachelor Honours policy [000990] section 5.2.2. Enquiries concerning eligibility for Graded Honours should be directed to the Program Convenor.

All registered health practitioners and education providers have a professional and ethical obligation to protect public health and provide safe healthcare. Students enrolled in this course should be aware that under the National Law (http://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/What-we-do/Legislation.aspx) there is a mandatory obligation for education providers and practitioners to report a student with an impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm while undertaking a professional practice placement. For more information please see the UON Student Placement Website or AHPRA Mandatory Notifications.

All registered health practitioners and education providers have a professional and ethical obligation to protect public health and provide safe healthcare. Students enrolled in this course should be aware that under the National Law (http://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/What-we-do/Legislation.aspx) there is a mandatory obligation for education providers and practitioners to report a student with an impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm while undertaking a professional practice placement. For more information please see the UON Student Placement Website or http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/Make-a-complaint/Mandatory-notifications.aspx.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Transition arrangements

Students who commenced in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program prior to 2023 who will undertake the ungraded Honours stream will continue to complete 20 units of electives. 

Students who have completed PHTY2010 in Semester 1 2023 and prior will not be required to complete INDH2490 and PHTY2010 will continue to count as a core course.

To ensure you enrol correctly, please refer to your program plan for the year you commenced your degree.


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
HLSC1000Transition to Health Sciences Education and Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS1105Musculoskeletal Anatomy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HUBS1403Biomedical Science Part 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Singapore)
10 units
HUBS1404Biomedical Science Part 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PHTY1020Physiotherapy II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
PHTY1040Introduction to Physiotherapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PUBH1080Studies in Population Health and Health Promotion
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
STAT1070Statistics for the Sciences
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS2103Neural and Visceral Anatomy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HUBS2503Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HUBS2505Human Pathophysiology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
INDH2490Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PHTY2020Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY2030Neurological Physiotherapy I
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY2040Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy I
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY2060Physiotherapy Clinical Practice I
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3020Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy II
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3060Physiotherapy Clinical Practice III
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3070Advanced Neurological Physiotherapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3080Physiotherapy Through Life Stages
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3090Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY3100Critical Thinking in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HLSC4120Research Methodology and Design
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PHTY4010Physiotherapy Clinical Practice IV
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
PHTY4040Physiotherapy Clinical Practice V
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
PHTY4070Advanced Concepts in Physiotherapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHTY4090Transition to Professional PracticeNot currently offered10 units

Ungraded Honours

Complete PHTY4080 and 10 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of this program

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
PHTY4080Advanced Concepts in Physiotherapy in Community Health
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Graded Honours

Complete the following courses to fulfil the requirements of this option.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
HLSC4310AResearch Project A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HLSC4310BResearch Project B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Honours

All students who complete the requirements of the program will be eligible for Ungraded honours. High performing students (minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 at the end of Year 3) may be selected for admission into a Graded Honours stream. Positions within the Graded Honours stream are limited and entry is not guaranteed. Students selected into the Graded Honours stream are required to successfully complete 20 units of research courses as detailed in the Program Plan. The criteria for the determination of class of Honours are detailed in the Bachelor Honours policy [000990] section 5.2.2. Enquiries concerning eligibility for Graded Honours should be directed to the Program Convenor.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The NSW Department of Health has issued guidelines that prevent health-care workers and students who have HIV or HbeAg from performing any exposure-prone procedures as defined by the Department's definition of exposure prone procedures. Consequently students with HIV, or HbeAg, may be limited in the range of procedures they can perform and there may be a potential problem with professional registration. Policies in this area are subject to regular review.

During clinical placement students will be required to wear properly fitted respirators. Fit testing is the process to ensure the respirator fits the wearers face snugly, creating a seal to minimise airbourne particles travelling through gaps between the wearer's skin and the respirator. Students will need to arrange and pay for their own fit testing before attending their first placement and every subsequent 12 months.  


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue.

The B Physiotherapy Honours Program and future professional practice are both mentally and physically demanding. Prospective students should be aware that physical mobility, sensory ability, motor coordination and manual dexterity, sufficient to undertake laboratory classes and all aspects of routine clinical practices are required in order to meet program requirements. The Physiotherapy program requires students to undertake extensive practical/clinical fieldwork.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

UAC Code , Program Code 12337

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 12337

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 12337

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 12337

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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