A dream to run her own physiotherapy clinic and work with Olympic-level athletes has been the fuel for study for Roisin McNulty.

The Masters of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy student is currently at the end of her first year of the two year Griffith program which allows her to study flexibly from her home in Sydney where she works full time in a physio practice.

“The program has been fantastic so far,” says Roisin, 30, speaking from the Australian University Games on the Gold Coast, where she was running a temporary physio clinic for participants.

“I originally completed a Graduate Entry Masters of physio in Sydney but after a couple of years I felt my learning had plateaued and I was keen to progress my knowledge in new areas and take my skills to a higher level.

Griffith one of only two universities offering the program

“Griffith was one of only two universities offering the double Masters of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physio by correspondence/part-time and I had heard some great feedback about it from members of previous cohorts, so I opted for this one as it seemed like a good fit for me.

“Being able to study part time, online and around my job is very convenient as it allows me to continue earning a wage whilst progressing my skills and career outlook in a manner that suits my schedule and commitments.”

In addition to the online study, Roisin says that students are required to attend six weeks of on-campus, face-to-face study at the Gold Coast campus each year of the two year program.

“The on-campus study blocks provide an opportunity to get to know our lecturers who have been really great,” says Roisin. “They provide great support to students, with lecturers that are available around the clock to listen to our issues and questions.”

Although she admits it’s sometimes pretty tough juggling full-time work and a challenging study timetable, Roisin says the pay-off is worth it. “Time management is obviously very important for people considering taking up the challenge of a specialist Masters, but the opportunities that the program opens up cannot be underestimated.

“I am excited about where the program is taking me and my development over the two year period. It’s a competitive world out there, so acquiring this depth of knowledge helps to gain an edge and opens up opportunities, especially in the elite sports realm. But more than anything it’s refining the way I practice incredibly, and making me a much more effective therapist.”

To see the video story accompanying this article, visit:http://youtu.be/mVMEnRR9CCw

For more information on returning to study as a mature-age or postgraduate student, please visit http://www.griffith.edu.au/return-to-study