Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

This two year full time Professional Master of Physiotherapy degree programme is offered by the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science and equips graduates with the expertise and clinical skills required to practice physiotherapy (physical therapy) via a dedicated Graduate Entry programme.

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

What is the programme about?

Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) 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. As a qualified physiotherapist from UCD, you will be in a position to pursue a rewarding career, providing services to people to develop, maintain and restore their maximum health and, ultimately improve their quality of life.

• This full time programme is designed to be completed over two academic years.

• Lectures will normally be held on Mondays - Fridays.

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

• UCD expects that students who register for its programmes are in a position to commit to attending and being available on scheduled programme and assessment dates.

What will I study?

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 in Semester 3 serve to consolidate knowledge and allow the student to further integrate theory with practice, to enable safe and effective practice.

The programme in 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.

How will I benefit?

Physiotherapy at UCD is based in the multidisciplinary School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science. Our philosophy is to foster excellence in all disciplines and to focus on student-centred learning in an environment where research and scholarship stimulate high achievement. UCD is the largest provider of undergraduate and graduate physiotherapy education in Ireland, and our high quality programmes are internationally recognised. Our graduates contribute to the physiotherapy profession worldwide. UCD has a strong international reputation in physiotherapy research with many national and international partners in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), clinical research, industry and academic arenas.

The academic faculty is made up of recognised experts in Physiotherapy education and research, providing leadership and innovation across the suite of taught and research programmes provided. The Professional Masters in Physiotherapy programme aims to provide a stimulating and collaborative educational environment which builds on existing graduate knowledge, skills and attributes. Student learning is facilitated through a student-centred approach, involving contextual and experiential learning so that graduates have the opportunity to achieve excellence in professional practice as competent, autonomous physiotherapists, critical thinkers and life-long learners.

The vision of the Professional Masters in Physiotherapy programme is to provide a stimulating and collaborative educational environment which builds on existing graduate knowledge, skills and attributes. Student learning is  facilitated through a student-centred approach, involving contextual and experiential learning so that graduates have the opportunity to achieve excellence in professional practice as competent, autonomous, compassionate physiotherapists, critical thinkers and life-long learners.

Students will demonstrate professional and ethical conduct, leadership and advocacy, using evidence and research to inform and advance physiotherapy practice. Students will develop as reflective, compassionate and innovative  healthcare practitioners with the ability to contribute to society through active citizenship and professional engagement, adapting to evolving healthcare systems nationally and internationally and the differing needs of members of diverse socio-cultural groups.

• Organise and manage health care provision in public and private practice, including record maintenance and use of information technology, with due regard for ethical and regulatory frameworks and data protection legislation.
• Work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• These graduate outcomes are guided by the requirements of the designated approval authority for physiotherapy education in Ireland, CORU, and are informed by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy guidelines for physical therapy education
• Possess sound research skills and have the ability to analyse the results of research and apply new
• Collaborate with other professionals in health care teams in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings and other designated authorities.
• Communicate their clinical and academic conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underlying these conclusions effectively with key stakeholders, including patients and fellow professionals, in ways that recognise and respect cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Meet the Standards of Proficiency as specified by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professions Regulator of Ireland.
• Integrate knowledge and formulate judgements in complex situations and refer to other professions when appropriate.
• Apply evidence-based practice, advanced clinical reasoning skills and a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.
• Practice in a manner that demonstrates autonomous, reflective and innovative thinking and lead on population health or service development initiatives.
• Apply knowledge and leverage technological advances in order to examine, diagnose and treat patients effectively and evaluate the efficacy of treatment, particularly in the domains of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, gerontology and paediatric physiotherapy (physical therapy).
• Integrate theory with practice to enable safe, effective, compassionate and competent practice across the spectrum of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, preventative healthcare, health promotion, rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
• Demonstrate detailed and advanced knowledge of the philosophy, values, skills and theoretical basis of the physiotherapy (physical therapy) profession.
• Engage and reflect on wider professional issues, including social and ethical responsibilities to adapt and develop services, responding to and planning for changing needs of healthcare provision and professional practice.

View All Modules Here

This is a 24 month, full time degree programme combining taught physiotherapy modules at the state-of-the-art UCD Health Sciences Centre and high quality research project, with over 1000 hours of supervised clinical physiotherapy practice at our partner clinical sites.

1 Year Modules 

Foundations of Physiotherapy Professional Practice  PHTY30330
Cardiorespiratory Foundations  PHTY41110
Neurology Foundations  PHTY41120
Musculoskeletal Foundations  PHTY41150
Advanced Cardiorespiratory  PHTY41130
Advanced Neurology  PHTY41140
Advanced Musculoskeletal  PHTY41160
Practice Education 1  PHTY30340
Practice Education 2  PHTY30350

2 Year Modules

Legal Medicine (MScPhysio)  FLME41040
Specialist Physiotherapy Practice  PHTY40780
Introduction to Research for Health Professionals  PHTY40980
Prevention and Management of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)  PHTY41080
Advancing Physiotherapy Professional Practice  PHTY41170
Pain Science and Practice  PHTY41180
Sports Physiotherapy  PHTY41190
App. Research for Health Profs  PHTY40990
Practice Education 3  PHTY30360
Practice Education 4  PHTY41090
Practice Education 5  PHTY41100
Practice Education 6  PHTY40760

ProfMasters Physiotherapy (X784) Full Time
nonEU    Year 1 - € 29100 ^zsf
EU          Year 2 - € 16545 ^aa
nonEU    Year 2 - € 29100 ^aa
EU          Year 1 - € 16545 <sup>zsf

aa</sup>Second Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2024 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2023/24
^zsfAll students entering X784, Masters in Physiotherapy, are required to pay a Healthcare Screening Charge on registration €310
***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

www.ucd.ie/fees

This programme is fully approved by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professions regulatory body of Ireland and accredited by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists; a member organisation of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

This programme is intended for applicants who hold an appropriate primary degree* (NFQ Level 8), with an upper second class honours or international equivalent required. Only applicants with a GPA of 3.3 or above will be considered 

Pre-requisites for the programme are: 

Clinical Human Anatomy,

Applied Human Anatomy,

Human Physiology,

Exercise Science,

Applied Physics,

Foundation Science**

Applied Human Biomechanics,

Behavioural Sciences,

Research Methods and Statistics.

*This programme is not appropriate for those who have already completed a physiotherapy degree. 

**For example, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics

• Motivation and interest must be demonstrated through providing a professional CV and a personal statement outlining motivation to study.
• Three letters of reference are required. These are a mandatory and non-negotiable requirement. They must include an (i) academic reference (from a university professor), (ii)  a physiotherapy reference (from a registered physiotherapist) and (iii) one other reference (this can be an additional academic or physiotherapy reference or else, a reference from an organisation external to academia and physiotherapy). 
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5, (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Graduate Profile
Amanda Olsen​, USA,
UCD MSc Physiotherapy Student

'Originally from the United States, travelling the world was always something I hoped to do when I was younger. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh, I decided that moving to another country while continuing my education would be a great way to achieve this dream of mine. Wanting to keep an open mind as to where my future would lead, I desired a program that would be transferable to places like New Zealand and Australia, as well as the United States, giving me the option to return if I wanted to. I researched many Physiotherapy degree options across Ireland and found UCD’s post-graduate master’s program the most compelling. To put it very simply, the course was rigorous, and the professors had high expectations of us as students. However, it goes without saying that these attributes pushed me to excel in my abilities as a clinician. The clinical tutors and educators instilled confidence in us by ensuring the theory was fully comprehended and our practical skills were executed appropriately and safely. There was a heavy emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice which we had to display across our 1000 hours of clinical placement. The placements also encouraged supervised autonomy, so that as a student, and future clinician, I felt both supported and independent, which prepared me for working in the “real world” after graduation. UCD’s campus is extraordinary – both spacious yet intimate – and offers top-of-the-line facilities and a variety of clubs and social opportunities. I know that this program gave me a strong foundation in the physiotherapy profession. It provided me with an experience I will never forget, sincere friends I will always have, and an increased cultural awareness I can take with me anywhere I go.'

Eva Jackman​, Canada
UCD MSc Physiotherapy Student

'I applied to the Professional Masters in Physiotherapy program at UCD with a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Therapy. During the two-year program at UCD I expanded upon my knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and furthered my understanding of neurology, women’s and men’s health, paediatrics and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. The first year was challenging with most of the coursework being covered, but I found the professors and guest lecturers knowledgeable in their subject and supportive in their areas of expertise. I feel this approach provided excellent preparation for my future career in a leading, research-based practice. I found the small class sizes hugely beneficial, especially for practical classes. The clinical placements were intensive, but I feel they prepared me to work confidently in any physiotherapy setting. I was fortunate to play on the UCD women’s rugby team, I thoroughly enjoyed travelling to play against other universities and making friends with teammates from other faculties. Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to travel with the Canadian women’s field hockey team and work in private physiotherapy practice in Dublin.'

The following entry routes are available: