Return to PLay – intensive
An immersive professional development program delivered inside the Western Bulldogs high-performance department.
An immersive professional development program delivered inside the Western Bulldogs high-performance department.
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.
Postgraduate Coursework
40 Hours of Applied Learning
Embedded inside elite sport
Strictly limited to 6 spots
immerse youself in the action
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
- A postgraduate unit delivered in partnership with Victoria University
- A pathway into the Graduate Certificate with credit transfer
stack YOUR STUDY into a graduate certificate
Key Dates & Delivery
Monday May 25 – Friday June 19
- 3 x 3hr Practicals Per Week at Victoria University, Footscray Park
- Industry Experience & Masterclasses delivered at Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray
Check Your Eligibility
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
View Unit Page
The finer details about this single unit of study.
Find out more about this focussed, industry-led professional development course, including learning outcomes and assessments.
BOOK A 1:1 CALL
Book a time that’s convenient for you.
Speak to a WB Institute team member for more information, about a specific question or your eligibility for the course.
Stack your study
Check out how this single unit can become part of a Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning.
Learn more about intake dates, units of study and career outcomes.
fast track your learning
MISSION WHITTEN OVAL, FOOTSCRAY
VU FOOTSCRAY PARK, FOOTSCRAY
COURSE DURATION –
4-WEEKS
(FULL TIME STUDY LOAD)
DELIVERY MODES –
IN-PERSON &
ONLINE LEARNING