University College Dublin

Overview

University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading universities; an environment where undergraduate education, masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. UCD is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. It is also Ireland’s most globally engaged university with over 38,000 students drawn from 152 countries. The University’s main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares and offers world-leading facilities including the UCD O’Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business, UCD Moore Centre for Business, and the UCD Student Centre.

UCD Physiotherapy is part of the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science (SPHPSS), a multi-disciplinary school situated in the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences alongside the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems. Most of the academic program is delivered in the UCD Health Sciences Centre which houses many large modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms as well as a number of state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Human Performances laboratories.

Physiotherapy skills are taught in small groups (up to 20 students) by expert physiotherapists. Clinical training is provided in UCD teaching hospitals and other affiliated clinical centers around Ireland and commences towards the end of the first year. Students will undergo a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised Physiotherapy practice before graduation.

Professional MSc Physiotherapy — Graduate Entry

UCD’s Professional MSc Physiotherapy degree is a two year full-time course of study. The program is aimed at candidates who will hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy and Training or Sports and Exercise Science etc. Applicants should have a good knowledge of clinical and applied human anatomy and physiology, applied physics, chemistry and biochemistry, human biomechanics, exercise science, behavioral sciences as well as research methodology and statistics.

For more information visit: https://www.ucd.ie/phpss/

Professional MSc Physiotherapy Curriculum

In Year 1, students attend lectures, practical classes, problem based learning classes and tutorials, followed by practice (clinical) education placements. Most modules in first year (Musculoskeletal, Cardiorespiratory and Neurology) involve development of the theoretical basis and clinical skills required to practice as a physiotherapist and serve to develop a foundation in clinical reasoning skills. The practice education modules consolidate knowledge and allow the student to further integrate theory with practice.

Year 2 aims to prepare students for physiotherapy practice as competent and independent practitioners. During this year, emphasis is placed on advancing  students’ physiotherapy knowledge and skills via modules in pain management, rehabilitation, health promotion and management of non-communicable disease. In addition, the Advancing Professional Physiotherapy Practice module provides essential education in professional responsibilities and career planning. This module, together with the practice education placements in Year 2, strengthen clinical reasoning processes by consolidating and enhancing the learning achieved in Year 1.

All modules place a heavy emphasis on evidence based practice. Research skills are further developed through the Rehabilitation Research modules, whereby students conduct a research project.

Practice education placements occur in a variety of public and private clinical settings nationwide including acute hospitals, primary care, rehabilitation & disability services. Students will gain experience in neurorehabilitation, respiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy across the lifespan from pediatrics to care of the older person. Innovative models of practice placements in UCD include practice placement in Africa and India with UCD volunteers Overseas and in UCD Physio Hub at UCD Sport.

Entry Requirements

Applicants who hold (or expect to hold by August of the year of entry) an undergraduate degree in areas such as Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy and Training or Sports and Exercise Science etc. may apply to the two year Professional MSc Physiotherapy program. Details of entry requirements can be found on the UCD Professional Masters webpage.

Please note, students applying for the UCD Professional MSc Physiotherapy program must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Canadian students should refer to the OMSAS Conversion Table for equivalency.