The aim of this programme is to graduate highly skilled physiotherapists capable of working safely and autonomously in an evolving profession, delivering evidence-based, person-centred care. The MSc in Physiotherapy will provide exemplary academic education and clinical training enabling graduates to work competently across a range of health conditions and sectors.

Applicants must:

• Hold a primary degree, normally at upper second class (2.1) level (or international equivalent) in a health, science, or related discipline. In exceptional circumstances graduates from other disciplines may also be considered based on experience.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Attend an interview if shortlisted. The interview will assess personal motivation for the course, communication skills, relevant qualifications and interests, and understanding of physiotherapy.
• Complete Garda vetting as per the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, for more information please visit: https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/student-registration/garda-vetting/
• Complete occupational health screening and fulfil vaccination requirements

The closing date for applications for entry to the course will be June 30th of the year of admission; however, late applications may be considered in the event of places not being filled.

Please note that this programme is not appropriate for those who have already completed a physiotherapy degree.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Physiotherapy has higher English language requirements. Applicants to this course are required to have an IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any component. 

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. Teaching is primarily in-person, supported by a limited online component.

Year 1

• Six taught modules
• One clinical placement block (May to July)

Year 2

• Six taught modules, including a research dissertation (worth 30 ECTS)
• Clinical placements begin in January, with students attending clinics four days a week until mid-April
• Final clinical placement runs full-time from May to mid-July

Exit Award

Students who successfully complete 60 ECTS of taught modules in Year 1, but do not progress to Year 2, are eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences.

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)

Clinical placements are a core component of the MSc in Physiotherapy programme and are formally assessed as part of practice education. To meet national and international professional requirements, students complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice across the core specialties of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

Placements take place in leading clinical partner sites such as St James’s Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, and a range of rehabilitation and community facilities. Students work under the supervision of CORU-registered physiotherapists and are supported by practice education tutors and academic staff throughout.

Placement Schedule

• Placement 1: End of Year 1 (May–July)
• Placements 2 & 3: Year 2, four days per week (January–April)
• Placement 4: Year 2, full-time (May–July)

Each placement will be assessed using the national standardised physiotherapy assessment form.

To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below

Apply for the MSc Physiotherapy (Professional Masters)

For further course information, please contact:

Programme Administrator: Ms Ciara McCabe physio@tcd.ie

School of Medicine Postgraduate Team: PGTMedAdmin@tcd.ie

Programme Director: Dr. Emer Barrett barrete@tcd.ie