Physiotherapy (M.Sc.)

Overview

Course Overview

The MSc in Physiotherapy offers a modern, research-informed curriculum designed to fast-track entry into the physiotherapy profession. This full-time, two-year graduate-entry programme is delivered at NFQ Level 9 and comprises 180 ECTS credits, providing an accelerated pathway for graduates from health, science, and related disciplines to qualify as physiotherapists.

Developed in collaboration with our clinical partners, the programme builds on your existing academic and personal strengths, preparing you to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality, person-centred care across diverse healthcare settings. It combines rigorous academic education, hands-on clinical skills training, and a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical placement. Teaching is primarily in-person, supported by a limited online component to enhance flexibility and independent learning.

A key focus of the programme is chronic disease management and community care, equipping you to help individuals and populations live well and manage long-term conditions. You will also develop advanced competencies in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.
Through a blend of academic study and clinical placements, you will gain the clinical knowledge, research skills, and professional attributes needed to thrive in a wide range of health and social care environments.

Is This Course for Me?

This professional Master’s programme is designed for graduates with a science or healthcare-related degree who wish to qualify as physiotherapists in an accelerated two-year timeframe.

Ideal candidates are motivated to work in healthcare settings and committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care. Applicants should demonstrate:
•    Strong motivation for the profession
•    Suitability for clinical practice
•    The ability to meet professional and regulatory requirements

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Physiotherapy will:

•    Be qualified to work as physiotherapists across a broad range of sectors, including public, private, and voluntary healthcare services
•    Have opportunities for career progression, specialisation, and leadership within healthcare
•    Be well positioned to pursue research pathways, including PhD study
•    Be eligible to work within emerging areas of practice such as social care, public health, sports and leisure

The programme directly addresses the national shortage of physiotherapists in Ireland. Physiotherapy is listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List, supporting strong employability prospects for graduates.

Course Structure

This full-time, NFQ Level 9 programme (180 ECTS) is delivered over two years (September to September), with students completing 90 ECTS annually through a combination of lectures and clinical placements.

Year 1

•    Six taught modules
•    One clinical placement block (Summer period)

Year 2

•    Six taught modules, including a research dissertation (worth 30 ECTS)
•    One clinical placement block (Summer period)  

Exit Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (on successful completion of 60 ECTS of taught modules in Year 1)

Course Content

The programme comprises 12 taught modules and two clinical placement blocks:

Year 1

•    Anatomy & Neuroanatomy (10 ECTS)
•    Foundations in Physiology and Exercise (10 ECTS)
•    Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (15 ECTS)
•    Neurological Physiotherapy (15 ECTS)
•    Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiotherapy (15 ECTS)
•    Research Methods (5 ECTS)
•    Clinical Practice & Professional Skills 1 (20 ECTS)

Year 2

•    Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan (10 ECTS)
•    Chronic Disease Management & Community Care (10 ECTS)
•    Exercise Medicine (5 ECTS)
•    Advanced Physiotherapy Practice (5 ECTS)
•    Sports Medicine (5 ECTS)
•    Research Project (25 ECTS)
•    Clinical Practice & Professional Skills 2 (30 ECTS)

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, practical skills labs, simulation, case-based learning, interprofessional education, and supervised clinical practice.

Assessment:

All modules are compulsory and assessed through written assignments or examinations, practical exams, and continuous assessment.

Clinical Placements:

Students complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice across two placement blocks in our clinical partner sites, meeting professional requirements for qualification.