Curtin University

Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

Curtin University

Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level:
CRICOS: 00301J

While the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program caters well for physiotherapists intending to focus or realign their careers towards researching, not all physiotherapists seeking doctoral level studies intend to become researchers. Some intend to become leaders in highly advanced areas of clinical practice. Others already occupying positions of leadership positions in a variety of organisations may need to upgrade their qualifications. These potential students seek doctoral level study which will simultaneously provide them with advanced in-depth knowledge related to their profession and involvement in research work which is closely related to the improvement of their professional practice. The aims and objectives of the Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy (DClinPhysio) are to provide high-level clinical practice, inquiry and research skills for senior health professionals, enabling them to evaluate, commission, design, implement and administer research into different aspects of health.and to understand the policy implications of such research. The primary aim is to support the emergence of clinical expertise based on a solid foundation of evidence-based practice, 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 advanced clinical practitioners.

Structure

Detailed information about the course structure is available through official Curtin pages: http://handbook.curtin.edu.au/courses/32/321344.html

Subjects

  • It is a requirement that at least two-thirds of this course is undertaken by research and the remainder by coursework. There are three successive phases in this program: (i) four approved doctoral level coursework units are undertaken, (including a compulsory research proposal preparation unit in research methods and proposal writing culminating in the presentation and defence of a research proposal)
  • and (ii) a dissertation or series of scholarly papers that report supervised research in an applied area of education or training. Before being permitted to begin their research component students need to complete candidacy requirements as specified in Curtin Higher Degree regulations.

Standard entry requirements

Applicants for a Doctoral Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards. Applicants require a Master Degree (Research) or Bachelor Honours Degree (first or second class) or a high standard in either a Master Degree (Coursework) or Bachelor Degree with a Graduate Diploma (or equivalent).

Study information

CampusFeesEntryMid year intakeAttendance
Curtin Perth No
  • Full-time : 4 years

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