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Physiotherapy

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
4 Years
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
8 (240 credits)
Level:
Undergraduate
Award:
Bachelor of Science
Next Intake:
September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level)

A*A*B / A*AAD / A*AA

+ D AS Level

 

General Entry Requirements (IB)

39

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

GCSE C / A Level E

(or AS Level D)

IB SL 4 / HL 3

Subject Requirements (Laboratory Science)

GCSE C / A Level E

(or AS Level D)

IB SL 4 / HL 3

CAO Points 2025

578

Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements

O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science subject and one other recognised subject.

For Graduate Entry Routes see Physiotherapy Graduate Entry

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals responsible for developing, maintaining and restoring movement and functional ability in adults and children using evidence-based practice. Studying Physiotherapy in UCD will provide you with the skills and qualifications required to practice as a physiotherapist upon graduation. With state-of-the-art facilities and globally recognised researchers as lecturers, you will learn in a culture of established academic excellence. If you enjoy working with people and would like to have a career in which you will relieve pain and treat or prevent physical conditions associated with injury, disease or other impairments, this course may be for you.

About This Course

The vision of the UCD BSc Physiotherapy Programme is to educate Physiotherapists;

  • Who are highly skilled autonomous practitioners that demonstrate a whole-person and compassionate approach to patient care using evidence and research skills to inform and advance physiotherapy practice. 
  • Who demonstrate advocacy and leadership for clients and the profession in local, national and global dynamic healthcare environments. 

This course leads to one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare: Chartered Physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is the study and application of the scientific knowledge and professional skills required for the promotion of optimal health and well-being of adults and children through physical means. In addition to UCD based learning you’ll spend over 1,000 hours on supervised clinical education in hospitals and clinical centres throughout Ireland and abroad (optional). UCD’s full-time BSc Physiotherapy degree is accredited by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, and will appeal to students who enjoy science and caring for people.

The BSc Physiotherapy Programme is recognised by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Regulatory Body, as an approved programme.

Physiotherapy students have, on average, a 35-hour week. In first and second year, you will spend your time attending lectures and practical classes. In third and fourth year, the focus is on clinical education and advanced physiotherapy skills. Your modules will progress from the basic and applied sciences in first year, to clinical skills in second and third year, and preparation for professional practice in fourth year. Modules include:

First Year

Anatomy • Physiology • Physics • Psychology • Biomechanics • Introduction to Professional Physiotherapy Practice • Exercise Science • Elective Modules

Second Year

Basic Musculoskeletal, Cardiorespiratory & Neurological Physiotherapy • Professional Practice • Exercise Science • Physiotherapy Clinical Education • Evidence Based Practice • Elective Modules

Third Year

Intermediate Musculoskeletal, Cardiorespiratory & Neurological Physiotherapy • Clinical Exercise • Physiotherapy Clinical Education • Sociology

Fourth Year

Professional Physiotherapy Practice • Physiotherapy in the Clinical Specialties • Sports Physiotherapy • Physiotherapy Clinical Education • Pharmacology • Legal Medicine • Digital Health • Physiotherapy Research • Elective Modules

A wide variety of assessment methods is used, including continuous assessment, reflective writing, practical examinations, oral examinations, presentations and end-oftrimester written papers.

Professional Work Experience

You will complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical placements in Ireland, at our partner teaching hospitals, primary care clinics and specialist centres. There are elective placements in fourth year.

These currently include Erasmus programme opportunities in third year with Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, as well as elective placement opportunities in fourth year in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Graduates in Physiotherapy have found employment in different roles across the world, in:

  • Hospitals and private practice
  • Primary care
  • Rehabilitation centres and nursing homes
  • Non-government agencies (e.g. Goal, Concern)
  • Education
  • Business, sport and leisure industries

    Graduates can also apply for a range of disciplinary and general graduate taught (graduate certificate, diploma, MSc) and research (MSc and PhD) programmes in Ireland and abroad.

    • Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

    Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

    Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 ANAT10110 Clinical Human Anatomy I Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 BIOC00010 Chemistry-Biochemistry Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PERS10170 Human Physiology Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY10160 Foundations of Health Care Practice 1 Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY10330 Introduction to Applied Biophysics Principles Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 SMGT20250 Psychology of Sport & Exercise Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 ANAT20010 Clinical Human Anatomy III Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY10040 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY10140 Applied Exercise Physiology Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY10170 Foundations of Health Care Practice 2 Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20310 Mechanisms of Disease Spring  5
    Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
    Students can select their final 5 credit module during a special registration period in Spring Trimester. You will then be able to select place on elective below or alternatively request a first year elective place on another module.
    		 FDSC10010 Food Diet and Health Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20300 Foundations of Physiotherapy Professional Practice 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20050 Exercise Programming Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20070 Musculoskeletal 1: The Upper Limb Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20150 Cardiorespiratory 1 Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20160 Neurology 1 Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20270 Evidence Based Practice Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20010 Musculoskeletal 2: The Lower Limb Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20020 Applied Physics and Biomechanics Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20040 Musculoskeletal 3: The Spine Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    		 PHTY20290 Fundamentals of Pain Science and Practice Spring  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
    Students must select minimum of two 5 credit modules. Students must select option module PHTY20110 Therapeutic Massage for Autumn trimester. For Spring trimester either select listed option or alternative elective module of choice.
    		 PHTY20110 Therapeutic Massage Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
    Students must select minimum of two 5 credit modules. Students must select option module PHTY20110 Therapeutic Massage for Autumn trimester. For Spring trimester either select listed option or alternative elective module of choice.
    		 PHTY20280 Born to Run: The Science of Human Endurance Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30470 Clinical Education 1 Autumn  15
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30480 Clinical Education 2 Autumn  15
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30090 Cardiorespiratory II Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30100 Neurology 2 Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30110 Clinical Exercise Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30120 Research Methods Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30320 Advanced Musculoskeletal Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30410 Health in a Global Society Spring  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 FLME41030 Legal Medicine (Physiotherapy) Autumn  2.5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHAR20030 Pharmacology Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30450 Digital Transformation in Physiotherapy & Sports Science Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY40780 Specialist Physiotherapy Pract Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY40790 Professional Career Development Autumn  2.5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY41190 Sports Physiotherapy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY41220 Advancing Physiotherapy Practice Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY30190 Physiotherapy Clinical Education VI Spring  10
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    		 PHTY40670 Physiotherapy Clin Ed VII Spring  10
    Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
    Please select option modules to the value of 10 credits or or alternatively request a fourth year elective place on another module.
    		 PHTY41010 Physiotherapy Research 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10

    I chose this course because of my passion for sport and helping people. It has nurtured these passions, allowing me to learn from expert lecturers with years of experience in different fields. I have particularly enjoyed the practical aspect of the course, where we get to apply what we have learned in lectures. The clinical placements have also given me great exposure to healthcare settings and have allowed me to use my skills in real life scenarios. Although I came into UCD thinking about a career in sport, this course has sparked an interest in other areas of physiotherapy, widening my options for my future career. I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking about a career in healthcare or sport.

    Fintan Ryan, Student

    Graduates of the UCD BSc Physiotherapy Program will:

     

    1. Function as highly skilled competent autonomous clinicians in diverse and local, national and global dynamic health environments

    2. Collaborate and practice as confident and competent members of inter-professional healthcare teams

    3. Demonstrate a whole-person and compassionate approach to patient care and self-care

    4. Critically evaluate and apply evidence and research skills to inform and advance Physiotherapy clinical practice

    5. Practice in a professional, safe ethical and legal manner

    6. Practice as a reflective clinician and demonstrate a commitment to life long learning and professional development.

    7. Demonstrate advocacy and leadership for clients and the profession

    8. Communicate in ways that recognise and respect cultural and linguistic diversity

     

    Please note: in any Physiotherapy programme (i.e. have not nmet academic or other requirements within the programme) will only be considered for admission to Physiotherapy in UCD on a case-by-case appeal basis, to be considered by the relevantProgramme Board.

    Other: Health Screening & Garda (Police) Vetting: Entry Information

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    General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Physiotherapy:

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    Physiotherapy
    Bachelor of Science

    Full-Time
    Commencing September 2026
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    Physiotherapy
    Bachelor of Science

    Full-Time
    Commencing September 2026
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