FRequently asked questions
Here you can find some responses to queries other students may have had too! If you can't find an answer to your question, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email or on one of our social media platforms.
How many hours per week should I be studying in first year?
While some might say 25hrs a day... in addition to lectures and tutorials that you have during the week, one student recommends a minimum of 4 hours of effective study per day if you want to do well. Doing a little bit of study each day not only breaks up the heavy course load, but also assists with memory retention as you are continuing to refresh and revise the content frequently. This way you can allow yourself more time to relax and do something fun on the weekends and keep a well balanced lifestyle!
What is the best way to remember all of the information?
The amount of knowledge to remember can be overwhelming and each student has a different way of studying and recalling all of the info learned in class. Some of students have recommended the following strategies to help you out!
Anki Flash Cards
Review the Lecture Learning Objectives (LOs)
Teach Yourself or Others
Anki Flash Cards
- A computer app that you can use to quiz yourself with. We recommend doing some knowledge recall for courses, such as Foundations when learning anatomy, at least once a day. We like this app because it follows the forgetting curve so you can space your repetition over time and focus on the cards that you don't know well.
Review the Lecture Learning Objectives (LOs)
- Look at each lecture's LOs and create notes based on them. Understanding the main concepts will help you remember the fine details associated with it. A strategy that worked for one student was creating these notes after attending/listening to the lecture later that day to help solidify the material learnt.
Teach Yourself or Others
- "You can't teach it, if you don't know it." Practicing teaching the material to yourself or others is a good way to improve your memory, test your understanding of the material, and practice your communication skills. One of the most important abilities of a physio is clearly and concisely explaining why certain injuries/ailments occur or how to properly perform exercises. Teaching role-play can go a long way.
Can I work while I study?
Whether you work or how much you decide to work is entirely dependent on each individual. Being a graduate degree, the course load is quite intense. However, it's understandable that you may be living away from home and/or have financial commitments.
The University suggests that you work no more than 8 hours/week.
"So, you want to work during DPT?
First off, good for you! We highly support you in choosing to maintain or find a new job! However, a word of warning from someone who tried to do it all - work full-time, study full-time, be involved with MUPSS, and maintain a social life - it was too much. Working full-time put a lot of pressure on my mind, body, and studies even though I survived and got where I wanted, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
A good portion of my cohort and cohorts before and after mine, worked casual or part-time jobs, keeping the hours down to be able to study properly, sleep (VERY IMPORTANT), and maintain a good work/life balance. DPT will take up so much of your life, you will soon live, eat, and breathe by the words "How does that feel?", so as much as you can, try not to take up the rest with working. "
- Alex Hansford-Smith (Class of 2018)
The University suggests that you work no more than 8 hours/week.
"So, you want to work during DPT?
First off, good for you! We highly support you in choosing to maintain or find a new job! However, a word of warning from someone who tried to do it all - work full-time, study full-time, be involved with MUPSS, and maintain a social life - it was too much. Working full-time put a lot of pressure on my mind, body, and studies even though I survived and got where I wanted, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
A good portion of my cohort and cohorts before and after mine, worked casual or part-time jobs, keeping the hours down to be able to study properly, sleep (VERY IMPORTANT), and maintain a good work/life balance. DPT will take up so much of your life, you will soon live, eat, and breathe by the words "How does that feel?", so as much as you can, try not to take up the rest with working. "
- Alex Hansford-Smith (Class of 2018)
What type of jobs do DPT students usually get?
Common opportunities DPT students work in:
These are just some options that students look for to gain more practical skills, greater hands-on practice, and physio environment related exposure. However, this does not mean these are the only jobs you should be looking for! Other opportunities outside of a physio/health context can still help and challenge you to develop many essential physiotherapy skills, such as communication and person-to-person interaction.
For more information and employment offers, check out our MUPSS Jobs and Opportunities page on facebook.
- Sports Trainer
- Allied Health Assistant
- Physio Clinic Receptionist
These are just some options that students look for to gain more practical skills, greater hands-on practice, and physio environment related exposure. However, this does not mean these are the only jobs you should be looking for! Other opportunities outside of a physio/health context can still help and challenge you to develop many essential physiotherapy skills, such as communication and person-to-person interaction.
For more information and employment offers, check out our MUPSS Jobs and Opportunities page on facebook.
Don't see your question?
Message us via email or Facebook and ask us! We would be happy to help!
How do I check the census dates?
Always check the census date for each of your subjects as it can vary between subjects.
There are three ways to check your census dates:
There are three ways to check your census dates:
- my.unimelb – displays the census date for each subject you are enrolled in . To check your census dates, visit the Current Enrolments page in my.unimelb.
- Handbook - census dates are in each subject entry under 'Dates and times'
- Fee statements - your current Student Invoice and Statement of Liability show the census dates for your enrolled subjects with fees due.
