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.

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
• 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
• Sociology

Fourth Year

• Professional Physiotherapy Practice
• Physiotherapy in the Clinical Specialities
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy Clinical Education
• Pharmacology
• Legal Medicine
• Physiotherapy Research
• Elective modules

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

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.

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 above).

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.

• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  

UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Health Sciences Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: physio.therapy@ucd.ie