Physiotherapy
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThis course leads to one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare, as a 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 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. Modules include:
First Year
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Physics
- Biomechanics
- Introduction to Professional Physiotherapy Practice
- Exercise Science
- Elective modules
Second Year
- Basic Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory & Neurological Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Professional Practice
- Exercise Science
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Intermediate Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory and Neurological Physiotherapy
- Clinical Exercise
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
Fourth Year
- Professional Physiotherapy Practice
- Physiotherapy in the Clinical Specialities
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
- Pharmacology
- Legal Medicine
- Physiotherapy Research
- Elective modules
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-trimester written papers.
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).
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Quick facts about studying Physiotherapy at UCD.
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, Asia and India.
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-governmental 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.
“I chose the BSc Physiotherapy degree mainly due to my interest in sports and sporting injuries. However, I quickly realised how much more the course had to offer. Throughout the four years, you will learn a range of skills applicable to becoming a practising physiotherapist, across a range of fields. The course is very student oriented, and staff are continuously encouraging feedback from students to improve the course. Students are provided with the opportunity to work with sports teams, events and with a range of patients with a large variety of disabilities and impairments. I would highly recommend this course to anyone.”
Huw Rees, Student
UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Health Sciences Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: physio.therapy@ucd.ie
