Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

This course is in teach-out mode and is not accepting new applications.

The Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy (DClinPhysio) is a postgraduate coursework and clinical research degree designed to provide qualified physiotherapists with the opportunity to extend their knowledge, clinical skills and expertise in clinical research in a targeted area of physiotherapy, and to undergo advanced training under skilled supervision.

On completion of the doctoral degree, students will have developed advanced clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the expert assessment, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with disorders that are appropriate for physiotherapy management. They will have acquired the knowledge and skills in research design, research methodology and critical analysis of relevant clinical literature necessary to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions. This will also include a deeper appreciation of the role of research as a basis for evidence-based practice, and the ability to analyse critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment.

Please contact physio-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au for details.

Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy - Year 1

The first year of the course is the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework with eight subjects (each subject is 12.5 points) in either a specialist stream or general stream. Specialist streams include Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Paediatrics, Sports, Women's Health and Pelvic Floor. Please see individual Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework stream descriptions for further information.

Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy - Year 2

The second year provides the opportunity to deepen and broaden clinical knowledge and research skills with two core subjects - Thesis Design and Thesis Proposal - and a selection of clinical (4) and non-clinical (2) elective subjects from the list below. Please note that not all subjects run each year and additional subjects may be added throughout the year. Please check with Physiotherapy staff or the Physiotherapy website for the most current listing of elective subjects. Students must plan their course in conjunction with the cohort coordinator.

Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy - Year 3

In the third year of study, students work independently on an original research project and submit a written report (thesis) of no more than 30,000 words.

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:

• a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) with a minimum grade average of at least H2B (70%) across the degree which allows the applicant to practice as a physiotherapist in Australia and at least 2 years of full time, documented post graduate clinical experience, including for specialist streams one year in the area of specialisation, or equivalent; or
• a Master of Physiotherapy by coursework with at least a minimum grade average of H2B (70%), or equivalent, (students enrolling through this entry pathway will be granted advanced standing of 100 credit points); or
• a Master of Physiotherapy by research with at least a minimum grade average of H2B (70%), or equivalent.

To proceed to the second year of the degree candidates must achieve a grade average of 70%. Students who do not meet this performance requirement will receive a Master of Physiotherapy degree.

Applicants must also submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae, detailing academic achievements, clinical and professional experience and research activities and supporting documentation with their application which will be considered by the Selection Committee.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy seeks to develop graduates who have specialized knowledge in a physiotherapy discipline, leadership qualities and innovative and creative research skills. These graduates would have a capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for lifelong independent learning and would be expected to become leaders of the profession.

On completion of the doctoral degree, students will have had the opportunity to develop:

• advanced understanding of the scope of physiotherapy practice in a specialist area
• advanced knowledge of physical, biological, physiotherapy, medical and behavioural sciences
• advanced clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the expert assessment, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with disorders that are appropriate for physiotherapy management
• highly developed problem solving abilities and flexibility of approach
• the knowledge and skills in research design, research methodology and critical analysis of relevant clinical literature necessary to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions
• a deeper appreciation of the role of research as a basis for evidence-based practice
• the ability to analyse critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment
• the ability to further their academic developments and advanced clinical skills within the specialty disciplines of physiotherapy