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Curtin School of Physiotherapy

Doctor of Philosophy

The School of Physiotherapy offers HDR (Higher Degree by Research) programs through research and thesis/publications, with students working independently under the guidance of an appointed supervisor. Past students report that completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree is one of the most rewarding activities of their life. It provides an intense and stimulating intellectual challenge. At the end of your studies you will have a deep understanding of your specialty area and may well be an international leader in the area. However this level of competence and the confidence associated with it only come after the investment of considerable effort.

Entry Requirements

For admission to the PhD program, applicants ordinarily should have successfully completed a Masters degree, or a Bachelor degree with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours.

Non-physiotherapists may be accepted into the program if the area of proposed research is within the domain of the School's expertise.

Duration and Availability

Enrolment shall be for a minimum period of two years and a maximum period of five years in the case of a full-time candidate. For part-time students, enrolment shall be for a minimum period of three years and a maximum period of seven years.

Enrolment may be internal or external to the School.

Applications for Admission may be made to the School at any time throughout the year, as Higher Degree by Research Programs do not run on a semester basis. The thesis committee may however require a candidate to undertake some preparatory coursework units, which are subject to normal semester dates.

Research Areas

Supervision by recognised researchers can be provided in the following areas:

  • Anatomy
  • Bioengineering/Bioinstrumentation
  • Bioethics
  • Biomechanics
  • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Continence and Women's Health
  • Developmental Paediatrics
  • Ergonomics
  • Functional Rehabilitation
    • Gerontology
    • Health and Social Issues
    • Manipulative Therapy
    • Neuroscience
    • Physiotherapy Education
    • Podiatry
    • Professional Issues
    • Sports/Orthopaedics
    • Selected areas of Medical Sociology

    Here are some useful links that will help you with your application for a Doctor of Philosophy.

    School of Physiotherapy Guidelines

    PDF documents - use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view

    Curtin University Links

    Profiles of Current/Recent HDR students

    Doctor of Philosophy

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