Physiotherapy and Sports Science degrees

To become a physiotherapist in Australia, you must complete an accredited degree that qualifies you for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. At UniSQ, you can study the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), a four-year program combining academic study, simulation training, and professional placements so you graduate career-ready.

Entry into this physiotherapy degree usually requires an ATAR..  If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options you can explore, such as our UniSQ Ready pathway.   

Here at UniSQ, we pride ourselves on giving students access to industry-leading tools, theory and teachers. We believe in fostering the passion of our students in an inclusive, supportive and flexible environment. Whether you want to study on-campus or undertake a physio uni course or sports science degree externally, you have the freedom to create a tailor-made learning experience for yourself. Some key benefits of studying physiotherapy and sports science at UniSQ include:

• strong industry connections offering extensive career opportunities
• emphasis on practical, hands-on training in simulated environments
• comprehensive curriculum covering all facets of physiotherapy and sports science
• expert faculty committed to nurturing the next generation of health professionals.

When you study our Bachelor of Physiotherapy-Honours you will be recognised by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA) and will be eligible to apply for registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to practice physiotherapy within Australia.

Graduates of UniSQ’s Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology-Honours will graduate as an accredited exercise physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Studying physiotherapy and sports science at UniSQ is all about connecting what you learn in the classroom with real-world experience. From the start of your degree, you’ll build empathetic communication skills and confidence in patient assessment, treatment planning, and decision-making. These are essential qualities for working in health and rehabilitation.

You’ll gain practical experience through industry placements across hospitals, clinics, sporting organisations, and community health projects. These placements give you firsthand exposure to diverse patient care settings while making a positive impact in the community.

In addition, UniSQ provides training in state-of-the-art simulation environments that replicate real hospital and clinic scenarios. These allow you to practise in a safe, supportive space before working with patients. By blending theory with applied learning, UniSQ ensures you graduate with the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge to succeed in health and sports science careers. 

Yes, a degree in sport and exercise science can be a valuable pathway if you are interested in progressing to physiotherapy. While completing the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science alone does not qualify you to practise as a physiotherapist, it provides an excellent foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.

Graduates who want to become physiotherapists can apply for UniSQ’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). 

Your career path will depend on whether you choose physiotherapy or sports science, but both open up diverse opportunities in health, rehabilitation, and performance. 

With a physiotherapy degree, you could work as a:

• clinical physiotherapist
• rehabilitation specialist
• paediatric physiotherapist
• occupational health and safety advisor
• sports physiotherapist.

With a sport and exercise science degree, you could work as a:

• exercise physiologist
• exercise scientist
• fitness consultant
• rehabilitation specialist
• public health advocate or educator
• sports performance coach.

Physiotherapists are in strong demand in Australia, with opportunities in both urban and rural health settings. Sports science professionals are also valued for their role in preventing injury, promoting community health, and enhancing athletic performance. 

At UniSQ, the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) and the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) are both four-year full-time degree, with practical placements to give you the clinical experience you need to become career ready. Part-time study may extend the length of the degree, providing flexibility if you are balancing work or personal commitments. 

If you are interested in exercise and human performance, the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science is typically three years full-time (or part-time equivalent). This degree prepares you for roles in sports performance, health promotion, and rehabilitation.