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.

This is an overview of the modules in the programme, progressing 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.

First Year

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

Second Year

• Basic Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory and Neurological Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Physiotherapy Clinical Education
• Elective modules

Third Year

• Intermediate Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory and Neurological Physiotherapy
• Clinical Exercise
• Physiotherapy Clinical Education
• Sociology

Fourth Year

• Professional Physiotherapy Practice
• Clinical Specialities
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy Clinical Education
• Pharmacology
• Elective modules
• Dissertation

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.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

Professional Work Experience

You’ll 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 (see International Study Opportunities below).

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.

• Mature Entry Route

UCD Physiotherapy
Room A302
Health Sciences Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 6500
Email: physio.therapy@ucd.ie