Program Overview

Our Diploma is equivalent to the 1st year of a La Trobe University degree – only with tailored learning and more support.

Diploma in Health Sciences
La Trobe University is one of Australia’s leading health education providers and can give you the best possible head start to your career as a health professional.

The Diploma of Health Sciences provides an introduction into a range of health professions, and can help you discover your ideal role in the rapidly evolving health sector. 

You’ll be introduced to the anatomical organisation of the body, the basics of cell structure and function, and the fundamentals of the nervous and endocrine systems. You’ll also begin to learn how the particular characteristics and actions of a person can impact health and welfare.

Gain direct entry into 2nd year of:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Movement is essential to our health, happiness and connection to others - and physios help us move better. Get ready to use exercise and movement to improve the lives of athletes, children, adults and people recovering from surgery, injury or illness.

With La Trobe's Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) you'll get a detailed understanding of the human body and develop the practical skills to launch your career in this rewarding and dynamic field of health. At La Trobe, not only will you learn from industry leaders and world-class researchers, you'll experience unique industry opportunities with our broad range of partners.

Start building your practical skills as soon as you start first year and finish your degree with clinical training equivalent to seven months of workplace experience. Graduate work ready and in-demand as a fully-qualified physiotherapist and step into your first job.

Throughout the course you'll gain quality hands-on experience with placements at leading hospitals and private practices. You could find yourself in acute hospital units, rehabilitation facilities, community health clinics, private practice, sporting organisations, educational facilities or research centres.

Choose to take your physiotherapy degree global with international placement or study opportunities - like students before you who've experienced Denmark, Italy, Vietnam and India. Or keep it local with placements throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

In your Honours year, you'll undertake research or industry-based project work where you'll solve real problems relating to human health and physical performance.

You'll learn:

• Bioscience - Gain an intricate understanding of the human body through the study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics of human movement and pharmacology.
• Physiotherapy skills - Discover how to assess, diagnose and improve people's movement, health and quality of life.
• Specialised areas - Learn how to apply your physiotherapy skills to help people with a variety of conditions which relate to cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, sports, neurological, women's, men's, paediatric and aged care health.