314446 v.1 Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

Introduction

This coursework doctorate has been developed to provide graduates with the opportunity to continue their professional development as a lifelong learner. It provides advanced theoretical knowledge, contemporary clinical practice and clinical research opportunities. It aims to support professional development of physiotherapists from the point where they are new graduates commencing practice to the point where they become expert clinicians with specialist clinical and professional expertise. The primary aim is to support the emergence of clinical expertise based on a solid foundation of evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills. It is anticipated that graduates will be expert consumers of research and evaluators of available research evidence and that as they progress through the program they will become expert in conducting clinical research. Students will also have the opportunity to acquire expertise in areas related to clinical practice to further enhance their professional development to the stage where they may be recognised as clinical specialists.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

For admission as a candidate in this doctoral coursework program an applicant shall satisfy the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee (FGSC) that at least ONE of the following eligibility criteria has been met (all in Physiotherapy) 1. graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Master within the University; 2. graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor with First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours within the University; 3. graduated with a degree of Bachelor and completed a Postgraduate Diploma or its equivalent with a course-weighted average of not less than seventy-five percent within the University and 4. obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to, or a satisfactory substitute for, any other qualifications prescribed in the points above. Applicants must either be registered physiotherapists, or eligible for temporary registration as a physiotherapist in Australia. Refer to University Higher Degree by Coursework Regulations for Doctoral Degrees.

Duration and Availability

A domestic candidate may enrol in the coursework Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy either full-time or part-time. International students, due to legislative and visa restrictions, will be required to enrol on a full-time basis. Enrolment shall be continuous with the exception of periods of leave of absence as approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee. The minimum course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time, and the maximum course duration is four years full-time or equivalent part-time. Only fee-paying places are available. The time limits shall be adjusted for approved periods of leave of absence.

Course Organisation

In preparation for the thesis, students must complete Physiotherapy Project 651 and Physiotherapy Project 652 or equivalent.

Professional Recognition

Students are required to be registered with the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Australia, which is part of AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), if they undertake a unit involving clinical practice within Australia. Students completing units within or outside of Western Australia must comply with legislative requirements and are responsible for any associated fees. Eligibility for limited registration with the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Australia is a prerequisite for acceptance into the course.

Additional Course Expenses

Thesis preparation and binding, and other costs as normally covered by doctoral students. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Costs associated with successful completion of an approved course in first aid (CPR). Costs associated with meeting immunisation requirements.

Further Information

Further information concerning doctoral research can be obtained at http://www.curtin.edu.au/research/futurestudents/ and for research graduate studies http://research.curtin.edu.au/guides/ at Curtin University

Special Note

Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where practical skills and topics are presented. Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately to act as subjects for their peer group. Curtin's Higher Degree by Coursework Regulations for Doctoral Degrees will apply in respect of enrolment, candidacy, the program committee and the examination process. For further information please refer to the General Information section at the front of this Handbook. A candidate shall comply with these regulations, except where the University Graduate Studies Committee is of the opinion that any candidate has been or may be adversely affected by a change in the regulations since initial enrolment. The candidate may be permitted to continue under such regulation or regulations in force at any time during the period of candidature and on conditions the Committee may prescribe.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.