Student Manual (Doctor of Physiotherapy)

Welcome to the Melbourne School of Health Sciences!

This manual provides information regarding the structure, content and submission of work for the Doctor of Physiotherapy, as well as many of the policies and procedures within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. This is important information for the successful completion of your subject and thus students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content of the manual. The manual should act as your first point of reference for any questions or queries, but also provides guidance about where to seek answers to any other questions you may have.

General Information

  • Contact Information

    The Melbourne School of Health Sciences is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. For general enquiries, including course information, visit the Stop 1 website for further details.

    Below is the contact information for the relevant academic and professional staff:

    Interim Course Coordinator of Doctor of Physiotherapy

    Jessica Stander

    Academic Programs Team

    Physiotherapy Enquiries

  • Stop 1

    Stop 1 is the first contact point for student support and offers a full range of services, including:

    • Administrative and information services including student ID cards, enrolment queries, fees, transcripts, scholarships and graduations.
    • Skills and development services including employability, academic development, and student development.
    • General support services including disability, housing, financial aid, and the Safer Community Program.
    • Academic support including academic adjustment plans and special consideration via the Student Equity and Disability Support which provides services for students who require ongoing support during their studies.

    You can access advice and support from Stop 1 via the following:

    You are also able to book an individual appointment with a student advisor by going here

    Alternatively, you may also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions through ask.unimelb: Home

  • Important Dates

    For a list of important semester dates such as University holidays, examination periods and results release dates, refer to the University of Melbourne's Key Dates page here.

    For the census date (ie. Last date to withdraw without incurring a withdrawn (WD) result on your transcript and a HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP/Fees liability) and the last date to withdraw without fail, please see the handbook entry for your subject, and click on the "Dates and Times" tab, as these dates can vary from subject to subject: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/

  • Email

    Email is the School's official mode of communication with students so it is imperative that you activate your student email account. Lecturers, tutors and administrative staff all regularly use the University email system to communicate with students. It is your responsibility to check this email account regularly to avoid missing important information relevant to your studies. If you have not yet activated your student email account or are experiencing technical difficulties, please visit Student IT at https://studentit.unimelb.edu.au/

    Please note that staff can only be expected to respond to emails during business hours and tutors only during their official employment hours. Please allow at least 3 business days for the staff member to respond and understand that responses may be delayed in some circumstances (e.g. sick leave, annual leave, overseas conferences, etc).

  • Student Portal (my.unimelb)

    Once you have attained access to your student email account, you will be able to access the University's main student portal: https://my.unimelb.edu.au/ . It provides a single place for you to access all the information you need. You can use the student portal to:

    • View and manage your personal and enrolment details
    • Check your exam timetable and results
    • Access your library borrowing records and the library home page
    • Apply for scholarships and grants
    • Access information regarding welfare, careers and accommodation
  • Learning Management System (LMS)

    The LMS is an online resource that provides important information about each subject you are enrolled in. You can only view the LMS sites for subjects you are enrolled in. Subject coordinators and lecturers will use the LMS to:

    • Post lecture notes
    • Post assignment details
    • Facilitate student discussion on the subject's discussion board
    • Upload audio and visual lecture recordings, and readings

    Like your student email account, it is very important that you regularly check the LMS page of each of your subjects to avoid missing important information relevant to your studies.

    The LMS is accessible via the student portal or via the University website here: https://lms.unimelb.edu.au/canvas

Course Information

  • Timetable

    Timetable is to be uploaded.

  • Orientation

    Orientation occurs during the week before the commencement of the university teaching period. Students are expected to attend the orientation session for their course, where they will receive important information such as timetabled classes, required course materials and pre-placement compliance requirements. Students are also encouraged to attend the Welcome to Health Sciences Event where they can meet other students from the School of Health Sciences.

    Information regarding Orientation and the Welcome to Health Sciences Event can be found in the Student Welcome Letter sent to your email.

  • Program Structure

    The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) program aims to deliver a comprehensive, integrated course in the theory and practice of physiotherapy through the implementation of the 'constructive alignment' model, which aligns each learning outcome with a mix of teaching activities and assessment tasks. As a entry to practice degree, completion of the program allows graduates to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) and work as a physiotherapist in Australia and New Zealand.

    The complete program structure, including subject descriptions, can be viewed via the University Handbook.

  • Inherent Requirements

    In accordance to core participation requirements for the Doctor of Physiotherapy, students must comply with Fitness to Practice Rules which are accessible from  (Schedule 1) of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345).

    It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support.

    It is also a requirement of the course that students will be expected to physically examine their peers (of both genders) in classroom settings and patients (of both genders) in clinics and hospital wards. For more information regarding the core participation requirements of the Doctor of Physiotherapy course, refer to the University Handbook.

  • Placement Information

    Pre-placement Compliance

    Before undertaking a clinical placement, all students must satisfy certain pre-placement requirements set out by the University of Melbourne and its clinical partners. Compliance with these requirements is monitored and failure to meet these conditions may result in you being unable to undertake placement and therefore unable to complete your course.

    Information regarding these conditions, including the instructions for meeting them, can be found via the Faculty's Student Placement Information for Students page here.

    Any enquiries regarding pre-placement requirements can be submitted via the MDHS Student Hub Compliance Support enquiry form.

    Student Placement Information

    To refer to important information regarding undertaking a student placement, refer to the Faculty's Student Placement Information for Students > Important Information page.

    On this page, you'll be able to access information such as:

    • General obligations during your placement
    • Illness and absence during your placement
    • Impacts on student visas and working rights
    • Equipment and travel for placements
    • Key contacts
  • Course Fees

    Fees Overview

    Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for the Doctor of Physiotherapy course. Commonwealth supported students are still required to pay a discipline-based Student Contribution amount, set annually by the Australian Government.

    You can pay your student contribution amount upfront, or defer this cost through the Australian Government's Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP) if you are eligible.

    HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and Australian Fee Places are available for the Doctor of Physiotherapy course. Please note that the HELP loan limit is set by the Australian Government each year and, in the case where tuition fees surpass your available HELP balance, it is your responsibility to pay any outstanding amounts upfront by the census date.

    For more information regarding fees, refer the University's Student Loans, Fees and Charges Policy (MPF1325), or the Government's Study Assist website to learn more about Australian fee places, Commonwealth Supported Place and HELP Loans.

    Additional Costs

    All physiotherapy students are required to obtain the following (prices quoted are approximate):

    • Clinical uniform (polo shirt): ~$45.00 per shirt
    • Stethoscope: ~$110.00
    • Name badge: ~$15.00

    The Melbourne University Physiotherapy Polo Shirt is to be worn during the majority of clinical placements and is purchased through the Department of Physiotherapy. Students will need to provide their own uniform pants and shoes. Pants are to be dark navy dress pants and shoes are required to be black, waterproof and provide full toe coverage (no sandals, open-toe shoes/heels). Some clinical placements may incur costs for travel and accommodation, which are the student's responsibility.

    All students undertaking placements in a hospital, clinic or other health or community environment are also required to satisfy a number of compliance requirements, including:

    • Undergoing a recent National Police Record Check
    • Holding a valid Working with Children Check for the relevant state/territory, and
    • Being satisfactorily protected against infectious disease transmission

    Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes

    The Melbourne School of Health Sciences offers an extensive range of scholarships, bursaries and prizes across various disciplines to support students throughout their study. To find the list of scholarships offered by the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, visit the University's Scholarship page here

    Other financial assistance

    The University's Student Financial Aid Service can provide you with advice and information on student loans and bursaries/grants, cost of living, budgeting and tax advice

Assessment and Exam Policies

  • Hurdle Requirement

    A Hurdle Requirement is a condition that must be met in order for students to be able to pass the subject.

    Please note that meeting the Hurdle Requirement for a subject does not guarantee a pass mark, but that the student is eligible to pass if they perform sufficiently well in their assessment.

    Since Hurdle Requirements vary by subject, refer to the University Handbook for more information.

  • Passing Grades and Reassessment

    As set out by the University's Assessments and Results Policy (MPF1326), 50% is the mark required to pass all University of Melbourne subjects (that have numerical marking.)

    In the event where re-assessment is offered, a student who has successfully undertaken reassessment can only be awarded a maximum mark of 50% (pass grade). Re-assessment is not available in all courses and is subject to the dean's discretion. Students cannot apply for reassessment.

  • Examinations

    All subject examinations will be held during the University examination period at the end of semester in which the subject is held. You must plan to be available during the entire examination period (including the special and supplementary period), as the exam timetable is subject to change. It is your responsibility to find out the correct information regarding the time, date and location of your examinations, and more information can be found via the University's Exams page.

    Some examinations will be coordinated by the faculty and will not appear on your exam timetable. If you have any faculty-managed exams, you will be notified by your subject coordinator. If you need further clarification on subject assessments, visit your subject's LMS page or contact your subject coordinator. For more information regarding exam timetables and exam clashes, visit the University page:  https://students.unimelb.edu.au/your-course/manage-your-course/exams-assessments-and-results/exams/exams-timetable

  • Final Subject Assessment

    In accordance to the University's Assessments and Results Policy (MPF1326), a student may be granted the opportunity to undertake a final subject assessment (FSA) if they have a maximum of 12.5 points required to complete their course and:

    • The failed subject was undertaken in one of your final 2 half-year periods of subject enrolment
    • The failed subject is worth up to 12.5 credit points, with a final result of 40-49%
    • Failure in the subject was not a result of:
      • a finding of student academic misconduct,
      • failure to participate in a component of assessment that was a hurdle requirement, or
      • failure to attend or participate in the subject as required.

    Application for final subject assessment is not required. Students eligible for final subject assessment will be automatically considered and notified if an offer is granted following the formal release of results.

    Students can only be awarded a maximum of 50% (pass grade) in a subject where final subject assessment has been offered and satisfactorily completed.

Academic Integrity and Use of AI

  • Maintaining academic integrity

    As outlined on the University of Melbourne's Academic Integrity website , academic integrity is paramount to maintaining and demonstrating good scholarship.

    Academic misconduct can occur in many forms, such as:

    • Plagiarism, where another person's work is used as though it is the student's own work without appropriate acknowledgement of the source. The following are examples that constitute as plagiarism and therefore academic misconduct:
      • Copying directly from paragraphs, sentences or significant parts of a sentence without appropriate citations and quotation marks (in the case of a direct quote)
      • Copying ideas, designs, research results, images or sounds without appropriate acknowledgement of the author or source
      • Inadequate paraphrasing, where another author's ideas is explained in your own words but has wording that remains too close to the original text, or paraphrasing without adequate citation
      • Submitting all or part of another student's original work as your own
      • Cheating in an exam, either by copying from other students or by using unauthorised notes or aids
    • Collusion, where unpermitted or illegitimate cooperation between more than one student occurs to complete work that is then submitted for assessment. Whilst discussion amongst students is encouraged, it is expected that the written submission be planned and completed by each student independently. The following are examples that constitute as collusion and therefore academic misconduct:
      • Supplying work for another student to submit as part of their own assessment
      • Using another person's work as your own for assessment
      • Co-write or share background information that will be used in your assessable work
  • Consequences of academic misconduct

    As set out by the University, the consequences of academic misconduct are severe and may result in failure of the subject, suspension, revocation or expulsion from the University. For more information about the penalties of student academic misconduct, as well as processes that are followed when a student is suspected of academic misconduct, view the University's Student Academic Integrity Policy (MPF1310).

  • Use of artificial intelligence software for assessment purposes

    With artificial intelligence playing a growing role in the healthcare industry, it is important for students to be able to develop skills around the productive and ethical use of AI. In the classroom, there may be opportunities where AI tools and technologies are used for learning purposes and form the basis of open class discussions and criticism. Recognising the capabilities of artificial intelligence and the importance of critical thinking helps develop proficiency in the responsible use of AI tools, which upholds the University of Melbourne's commitment to AI literacy.

    It is also important to acknowledge the risk that artificial intelligence can have on academic and research integrity. In accordance with the University's Student Academic Integrity Policy (MPF1310), all work submitted by an individual student for assessment purposes must be their own. Therefore, the use of artificial intelligence software such as ChatGPT or QuillBot to prepare material that is then submitted for assessment as one's own work constitutes as academic misconduct.

    If a student uses AI generated material in the preparation of their assessment submission, this must be appropriately acknowledged and cited in accordance with the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

    If your subject coordinator has advised that AI tools and technologies are permitted to be used in your subjects for assessment purposes, providing a declaration can give clarity to the reader about the extent to which AI tools and technologies have been used for research, writing and learning processes. Guidance around acknowledging the use of AI tools and technologies can be found here:

    Acknowledging the use of AI tools and technologies

    For the University's full statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence software in preparation of material for assessment, see below:

    View the University of Melbourne's statement on AI

Extensions and Special Consideration

  • Extensions

    In accordance with the University's Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326), students may apply for an extension of up to ten working days in circumstances where a student's capacity to prepare a piece of assessment has been affected by factors outside of the student's control. In order to be eligible for an extension, the student must submit an extension application that fulfils the following:

    • The application must be submitted prior to the assignment due date or date of the assessment. For the School of Health Sciences, extension applications should be made at least 3 days prior to the submission deadline. An extension is not normally granted on the day that the assessment is due.
    • Supporting documentation must be attached to the extension application. For medical circumstances, this will be a medical certificate. For other circumstances outside of a student's control, this may be relevant documentary evidence or a Statutory Declaration in cases where it is not possible to obtain other supporting documentation.

    Extension applications are managed by our Academic Programs Team and/or Academic Staff. Therefore, academic staff, including the lecturer and/or tutor of the subject for which you are seeking an extension for, should not be contacted directly for extensions. Students are advised to lodge an application as soon as it becomes apparent that an extension is required.

    Doctor of Physiotherapy students applying for missed placements are required to submit a medical certificate to cover any short absences.

    You can expect an application outcome via email within two working days of successfully submitting a correctly completed form. Please note that submission of an extension application does not guarantee approval.

    To apply for an extension under the School of Health Sciences, please read and complete the Student Assessment Extension Application form below:

    Student Assessment Extension Application

    If you have already been granted an extension for a piece of assessment, any further extension on the assessment will need to be assessed as part of a special consideration application (see below).

  • Circumstances for extension applications

    Eligible circumstances that may lead to an approval of an extension application include:

    • Illness, personal injury or disability, supported by a medical certificate.
    • Death, injury or diagnosis of a serious illness of a close family member or friend, supported by relevant documentation.
    • Illness of a child or parent/guardian for which the student is the primary caregiver, supported by relevant documentation.
    • Unforeseen events that substantially impacts on the preparation of an assignment, such as family breakdown or substantial change to economic circumstances (eg. bankruptcy), supported by relevant documentation.

    Ineligible circumstances that lead to the rejection of an extension application include:

    • Computer failure: software malfunction, disk failures and printing difficulties are an unavoidable aspect of computer use and should be anticipated and planned for.
    • Work commitments: normal employment commitments will not be considered a valid reason for the late submission of assessment. In the case of exceptional circumstances, a statutory declaration detailing the advanced notice given and duration of the special commitments or additional workload will be expected.
    • Personal travel/holiday: students are expected to be available during semester periods, including examination times.
    • Study difficulties: difficulties adjusting to university life or to the demands of academic work are not grounds for extensions. For additional support regarding the management of academic learning, consult with a student advisor or seek out University support programs such as Academic Skills.
  • Special Consideration and ongoing support

    For students who are experiencing exceptional hardship, special consideration applications can be submitted before or shortly after the assessment deadline and, if granted, provides one-off adjustments to a particular assessment. For more information about applying for special consideration, including the deadlines for submission, visit the University of Melbourne's Special Consideration page.

    Students whose studies are affected by ongoing circumstances such as disability, health conditions or eligible commitments are encouraged to register for ongoing support through the Student Equity and Disability Services. Once successfully registered, you will receive an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP) which provides recommended reasonable adjustments to your study that are made on a case-by-case basis. For more information regarding ongoing support, visit the Student Equity and Disability Services.

  • Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP)

    Students with an academic adjustment plan are encouraged to share this with the subject coordinator as soon as possible, preferably during the first week of semester, to discuss the implementation of reasonable adjustments made for their subjects. Students with Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEAs) must share their academic adjustment plan with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences so that arrangements can be made for examinations.

Support for Students

  • Student Enrichment and Support

    Within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, student enrichment and support opportunities are available for students to connect with members of the University community. Make the most of your time here at the University of Melbourne by exploring some of the following:

    • MDHS Student Advisory Council – be a part of the student voice that helps guide and generate new ideas for faculty-wide strategic initiatives
    • MDHS Student Hub – visit the Student Experience Team and Experiential Learning Student Support Team for enquiries such as pre-placement compliance, indigenous student support and student leadership training
    • Clubs and Societies  – with regular club events always happening around campus, join a new club and build new connections to foster life-long friendships with like-minded peers
    • Indigenous Graduate Student Support – get in touch and access guidance on Indigenous graduate pathways, advocacy and course support from a dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officer

    For more information about student enrichment and support services within the Faculty, see here: Student Enrichment and Support

  • Safer Community Program

    The Safer Community Program is the University's support service for people who have experienced inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours, and offers a respectful and confidential place to seek support and advice.

    For immediate, 24/7 help:
    • On campus: call Campus Security on 03 8344 6666
    • Off campus: call Emergency Services (police and ambulance) on 000

    The SafeZone mobile app allows you to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team who will be able to get the right assistance to you in the event of an emergency. Additionally, SafeZone carries a check-in feature and direct links to the University's mental health crisis support service to ensure the personal safety of staff and students whilst on the university campus, its affiliated hospitals and residential colleges.

    The Speak Safely portal allows you to speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, take notes, or seek action from the University.  You have the choice to remain anonymous and the University will take all reasonable steps to respect and protect your anonymity.

    For more information about the Safer Community Program and its available support services, visit the University's Safer Community Program website.

  • University Student Services

    The University also offers comprehensive student support networks to assist with areas such as health, finance, accommodation and employability skills. Whether you're looking for student-discounted health services, food relief or free expert legal advice,  the University is committed to helping you support your studies during your time here. For more information, or to access the Students Services Directory, visit the University's Student Support page.

Managing your course

  • Enrolment into subjects

    Enrolment into subjects for coursework students is managed by the Study Plan. The Study Plan the main portal that allows students to self-manage their course through the following:

    • Plan subjects for an intended course of study
    • Change, swap and enrol into subjects until the last self-enrol date
    • Withdraw from subjects until the last date to withdraw without fail

    Guidance around how to enrol and make changes to a Study Plan, as well as common troubleshooting tips, can be found below:

    Managing your Study Plan

    Once students have successfully enrolled in subjects and class timetabling is open, students will be able to access and select class preferences through MyTimetable. Note that some subjects have fixed classes and therefore do not require timetable preferences to be set. Enrolment changes may take up to 24 hours to appear in MyTimetable.

  • Deferrals

    Deferrals are not granted automatically, but are considered on a case-by-case basis to incoming students demonstrating compassionate or compelling circumstances. If a deferral is offered, it will be granted up to a period of 12 months and, once the deferral period has lapsed, you may have the opportunity to apply to extend the deferral period as appropriate. To find information regarding the University's deferral process, visit the Defer my offer page.

  • Leave of Absence

    For students undertaking graduate coursework, a Leave of Absence can be applied after the first six months of the course and prior to the census date to ensure you are not financially liable for any subject fees during the study period for which you are on leave. Coursework students may request a Leave of Absence for one or two half-year periods. Please note that the application of a Leave of Absence is not automatically approved and going on leave may impact:

    • Any loans or scholarships you currently hold,
    • Student visas (for student visa holders),
    • Accommodation and welfare arrangements for international students under the age of 18

    Once the census date has passed, you are able to withdraw from your subjects but still remain financially liable for any subjects you are enrolled in. You are not required to apply for a Leave of Absence after the census date has passed. However, if you withdraw from all subjects in a half year period after the census date, this will also affect your Academic Progress and you may be required to attend an At Risk or Course Academic Progress Committee (CAPC) meeting. If you plan on taking a longer break, you should apply for a Leave of Absence for the next half-year period.

    To get more guidance on the Leave of Absence process, refer the University's Leave of Absence page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I've received an offer. How do I enrol?

    To accept your offer, follow the instructions in your offer email. If your offer is conditional, you'll need to meet the conditions of your offer before accepting it.

    You can also find instructions on how to accept your offer and enrol in your course online here:

    Instructions for domestic applications

    Instructions for international applications

  • What pre-placement compliance evidence documents do I need to supply?

    The minimum requirements to undertake student placements include immunisation checks, Victorian Working with Children Checks, Australian and overseas police checks, fit testing (if applicable) and NDIS Worker Screening Checks (if applicable). To navigate some of these pre-placement requirements, visit the MDHS Pre-Placement requirements website. Any enquiries regarding pre-placement requirements can be directed to the MDHS Student Hub enquiry form.

    Alternatively, you can contact the MDHS Student Hub:

  • What happens if I am unwell during my placement period?

    If you are experiencing illness, even if only mild symptoms are present, do not attend your placement in order to protect others from infection. Seek medical advice, particularly if you have been exposed to serious illness through your placement.

    If you are not able to attend placement (due to illness or any other reason), contact your placement supervisor and University placement coordinator as early as possible to arrange make-up placement days wherever possible.

  • What are the different types of subject dates?

    There are four types of key dates to keep track of during your study program. Since individual dates vary from subject to subject, refer to each subject's dates in the University Handbook.

    • Teaching period: the period in which teaching occurs – you should aim to have enrolled into the subject by the start of the teaching period so that you are ready to attend classes. If you have enrolled in a subject after the teaching period, it is your responsibility to catch up on content that has already been covered.
    • Last self-enrol date: the final date in which you can enrol in or change subjects via your Study Plan. If you wish to enrol in or change subjects after this date and before the census date, you must seek approval from the relevant Subject Coordinator and submit an Enrolment Assistance Form.
    • Subject census date: the final date you can withdraw from a subject, withdraw from your course, or apply for a leave of absence without remaining financially liable for the subject and having the subject appear on your academic transcript and statements. If you are in a Commonwealth Supported Place or an Australian Full-fee paying place and accessing a HELP loan, any subjects you remain enrolled in past the census date will count towards the Australian Government's Student Learning Entitlement requirement.
    • Last date to withdraw without fail: the final date you can withdraw from a subject without receiving a fail grade on your academic transcript and statements. You will receive a grade of WD (withdrawn) on your academic record.

    For further information regarding key dates, visit the University's key dates page.

  • Who is the GSA?

    The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) is an independent representative organisation for all graduate coursework and research students at the University of Melbourne. With regular on-campus events, advocacy groups and support networks, the GSA aims to provide an active postgraduate student voice and enhance the quality of the postgraduate student experience. Additionally, with over 160+ Grad Groups affiliated with the GSA, students are able to join in on a diverse range of student-led societies to make professional connections and interact with like-minded people. To learn more about the Graduate Students' Association, see the Graduate Student Association page.