Professional Doctorate of Physiotherapy

About this programme

Bond University's innovative Professional Doctorate of Physiotherapy offers a unique pathway for high-achieving students to attain an AQF Level 10 doctoral qualification in physiotherapy through an integrated, nested structure. The program builds upon the two-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), Bond's accelerated, extended masters-qualification, which provides students with eligibility for professional registration as a physiotherapist in Australia in just two years. The Professional Doctorate of Physiotherapy enables graduates to develop advanced clinical research capabilities, leadership skills and specialised professional expertise, positioning them competitively for roles across clinical practice, research, education, management and industry partnerships locally, nationally and globally. As an AQF Level 10 professional doctorate, this program focuses on the translation of evidence-based physiotherapy research into real-world practice. Students complete advanced research coursework, a doctoral research thesis and an industry-based Doctoral Capstone Internship, collaborating with sector partners to design and implement innovative, applied solutions to current challenges in physiotherapy practice. This experience contributes new knowledge to the profession while expanding students' research and professional impact. Graduates of Bond's Professional Doctorate of Physiotherapy will emerge as highly skilled clinician-researchers who are equipped to lead evidence-informed practice, able to advance the field, and pursue diverse career opportunities across health, education, research and broader community settings.