Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

General Information

This programme is designed to prepare graduates who will contribute to the development of Physiotherapy in Ireland through their expertise in research and through their ability to act as competent, reflective and innovative practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to ensure I have chosen the right career?
Physiotherapy is a wide ranging and varied profession and you are strongly encouraged to seek some work experience in a hospital to increase your knowledge of the wide spectrum of the profession.

Do you need to be interested in sport to be a physiotherapist?
You do not need to be athletic or involved in sport to be a physiotherapist.Treating sports injuries is only a very small component of physiotherapy and only a small percentage of physiotherapists work in this area.

How intense is the course?
Because the course leads to a professional qualification the level of the work load is high compared to many other courses at UL.

Are some school subjects more useful than others?
Students who have studied Biology often find it an advantage during their first year of study.

How many places are there on the programme?
Currently there are 30 places available, which includes 3 places for mature entry students.

What is the criteria for entry for mature students?
Mature applicants are advised to gain knowledge of the breadth of physiotherapy and should offer educational experience in a subject relevant to physiotherapy (normally in the sciences) as minimum requirements before applying.

Where do students undertake their clinical education placements?
Many, but not all, of the 1000+ hours of clinical placements will take place within the HSE Mid-West region. It is important that students gain a wide range of experience treating different groups of people in different environments and this will be facilitated by undertaking placements outside of this region.

Will I share lectures with other students?
Several of the modules will be shared with other health professionals and sports science students.As all students of UL are taught on the same campus, you will have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of students.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is a four-year degree programme which includes a total of 31 weeks clinical practice in the last three years of the course and a placement observing Clinical Practice at the end of Year 1.The first year provides a foundation in the basic biomedical sciences, including Human Physiology and Anatomy, Physics, Psycho-social aspects of Health and Illness and an introduction to Physiotherapy Clinical Skills.Over the remaining three years, students will gain experience in the various disciplines of Physiotherapy: respiratory care, clinical neurology, musculoskeletal problems and Disability and Impairment.

In the final two years, students will be introduced to principles of research in Physiotherapy, and students will complete a final year research project. During the 4 year programme there will be opportunity for students to be engaged in shared learning with other students at the University of Limerick.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English). In addition applicants will be required to hold at least an Ordinary Level B3/Higher D3 in the Leaving Certificate in any one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology,Agricultural Science.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme will be eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and will be equipped to work in clinical practice in Ireland and other countries where their chartered status is recognised. Graduates of the programme work in all areas of clinical practice in HSE, for voluntary bodies and in private practice.