4-week intensive

Return to play

Victoria University, CRICOS No. 00124K (Melbourne) | 02475D (Sydney and Brisbane) | RTO 3113 | TEQSA No. PRV12152

Masters Level learning to elevate your practice

Step inside elite sport and learn how return to play is actually executed.

This immersive professional certificate equips practitioners with the evidence-based frameworks and applied experience required to guide athletes from injury through to full performance.

Delivered in partnership between Victoria University and the Western Bulldogs, the program combines postgraduate study with direct access to a professional AFL high-performance environment - bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance.

Designed for experienced strength & conditioning coaches and allied health practitioners, this single-unit postgraduate subject develops the capability to confidently manage mid- to late-stage rehabilitation and prepare athletes for the demands of competition.

Participants will learn to interpret functional performance testing, understand the mechanisms and biomechanics underpinning common injuries, and design evidence-based return-to-play programs tailored to the athlete, their sport and performance demands.

This unit may also contribute towards professional CPD points with relevant industry governing bodies.

COURSE INFORMATION

QUALIFICATION

SINGLE UNIT OF STUDY

start date

LATE-MAY, 2027

duration

4 WEEKS FULL TIME

fees

FEE-HELP APPROVED

delivery

hybrid

COURSE BROCHURE

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LOCATION

MISSION WHITTEN OVAL & VU FOOTSCRAY PARK

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COURSE STRUCTURE

return to play

Unit code: SES7000

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COURSE INCLUSIONS

postgraduate coursework

The course consists of one unit from the Victoria University Graduate Certificate in S&C designed specifically to give graduates advanced rehabilitation knowledge that applies across all return-to-play settings.

Coursework is delivered in-person and online in the award winning VU Block Model format.

Industry Experience

This program offers a rare opportunity to step inside a professional AFL environment and understand how return-to-play is executed at the highest level.

Across four weeks, you will gain:

  • Exclusive access to the Western Bulldogs high-performance department
  • Direct exposure to rehabilitation sessions and practitioner-led Masterclasses
  • Insights from both leading academics and elite sport practitioners

Masterclasses

Practical learning is complimented by Masterclasses from key Western Bulldogs high-performance and medical rehabilitation staff.

The program also provides students networking opportunities to further develop industry understanding and future employment prospects.

CORE FOCUSES

postgraduate coursework

40 hours of applied learning

embedded inside elite sport

strictly limited to 6 places

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Course Outcomes & Pathways

outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Formulate a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts associated with return to play guidelines;
  2. Evaluate and report on common sporting injuries along with their mechanisms, appropriate tests and effect on performance;
  3. Compose and justify well designed return to play exercise protocols for common sporting injuries; and,
  4. Propose and present a clear and logical return to play plan to relevant coaching/playing staff including exercise protocols.

pathways

Become an expert in return to play principles with this post-graduate level single unit of study that will see you gain:

  • A direct pathway into the Graduate CERTIFICATE IN s&c - credit towards 1 OF 4 units
  • Invaluable industry experience & understanding of elite RETURN TO PERFORMANCE PROTOCOLS
  • Opportunities to strengthen network and industry connections
  • Credits towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points ACROSS A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES

Further things to know

This is a single unit of study delivered in the VU Block Model format:

  • 4 weeks of timetabled classes - including both in-person and online classes
  • 3 x 3 hr face-to-face classes and practicals per week
  • 2 x online classes, first and last class of the timetable
  • Industry Experience & Masterclasses delivered at Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline (i.e. exercise science, human movement or physiotherapy*).

OR

  • Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience in roles such as strength and conditioning/rehabilitation coach, sports scientist, personal trainer or
    something similar will be considered for admission to this course.

OR

  • Applicants who have completed an award accredited Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council, are eligible for registration as an osteopath with the Osteopathy Board of
    Australia, and with approved work experience.

For questions on eligibility and please email institute@westernbulldogs.com.au