Doctor of Physiotherapy Research

The coursework component includes four compulsory research training courses (RSCH7000, RSCH7001, RSCH7002, and RSCH7003) to be completed as a prerequisite to your individual research project. The coursework will provide opportunities for you to formulate substantial elements of your planned research (e.g. topic refinement, identification and justification of the preferred research method(s), preparation of a draft proposal), and to develop personal competencies in critical analysis and scholarly writing relevant to your profession.

The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments, while the research component is assessed by examination of the thesis by three external reviewers. The research thesis is approximately 80,000 words and examines crucial issues and developments within the profession.

As a doctoral candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree. Your academic supervisors will be complemented by a professional mentor, who has expertise in the industry or profession relevant to your research area. Your supervisors and professional mentors will assist you with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

Yes. Most domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship for the maximum duration of the enrolment time. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships to help with general living costs. For international students, the University offers the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend) and the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential.

Applicants to the Doctor of Physiotherapy Research Award will need to have 'General Registration' or 'Limited Registration for Post-graduate training as a physiotherapist' with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as agent for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.