Physiotherapy (DN420/MDS5)

Physiotherapy students have, on average, a 35-hour week. In first and second year you’ll spend your time attending lectures and practical classes. In third and fourth year the focus is on clinical education and advanced physiotherapy skills.

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

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.

Extensive international links offer you a variety of opportunities to widen your experience. You may choose to gain clinical experience in the USA, Botswana, Belgium or Canada.

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, the USA, Canada, South America, Australia and New Zealand.

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.

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

Mandatory healthcare screening and Garda/Police vetting required.

The following advice is for Non-EU applicants. For Irish/EU/UK students, please apply via MyUCD.

The following entry route(s) are available:
 

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