Course Details
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Brief Description
The School of Allied Health offers a two-year MSc (Professional Qualification) in Physiotherapy, Level 9 (NQAI).
Those in the final year of a Level 8 Degree can apply before graduation and may be offered a conditional place (depending on GAMSAT scores) subject to providing evidence of 2h2 or higher in their undergraduate degree.
The programme is approved by CORU, the state registration board for Physiotherapy in Ireland. Graduates of the programme are eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
The Programme was shortlisted as a finalist in the “Best New Postgraduate Course” category of the prestigious 2018 Grad Ireland Higher Education Awards and “Best Postgraduate Course” in 2019.
Those in the final year of a Level 8 Degree can apply before graduation and may be offered a conditional place (depending on GAMSAT scores) subject to providing evidence of 2h2 or higher in their undergraduate degree
In addition to academic modules at UL, students on the MSc Physiotherapy (Prof Qual) will complete 1000 hours of clinical placement. Clinical Placement modules will take place in Limerick, Portlaoise, Kilkenny, Ballinasloe and Co Galway in a range of settings (tertiary and secondary hospitals, rehabilitation units, primary care, schools etc. and with patients of all ages
The programme aims to develop graduates who are able to:
- Synthesise theoretical and conceptual knowledge of the cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal systems to the practice of physiotherapy.
- Be competent in the delivery of physiotherapy interventions for the effective rehabilitation and management of people with a range of conditions.
- Competently prescribe, and monitor physiotherapy interventions responsibly, based on a clinically-reasoned approach following an appropriate assessment and diagnosis.
- Apply specialist knowledge and understanding of movement and movement dysfunction to clinical practice.
- Use an innovative and creative approach to meet evolving service developments and healthcare needs.
- Perform effectively and professionally within a health care team.
- Adopt and facilitate a collaborative, holistic, proactive and professional approach to healthcare practice.
- Articulate and integrate the advanced critical thinking and reflective skills required to be autonomous lifelong learners.
- Use an evidence-based approach in practice which integrates research findings into patient assessment and management.
- Integrate the ethical, social and cultural dimensions of healthcare within clinical judgement.
- Articulate ideas clearly, effectively, collaboratively and professionally to patients, carers, the multidisciplinary team and other relevant stakeholders.
| Year 1 | ||
| Semester 1 - Autumn | Semester 2 - Spring | Semester 3 - Summer |
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| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 4 - Autumn | Semester 5 - Spring | |
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*Exemptions from modules will only be granted if the student has previously completed the same module.
Applicants for a Master's programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalents) or equivalent prior learning this is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.
For EU candidates who meet this requirement, the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test) will be used as the sole instrument to select students for this programme. GAMSAT scores are used to rank applicants and the lowest score we offer will change from year to year based on the number and scores of applicants.
For EU candidates, there is no preference for any level 8 degree – all level 8 degrees (e.g. sports science, business, arts) are similarly eligible.
Canadian and North American applicants who met the honours degree requirement must apply through Atlantic Bridge submitting a cover letter and CV within the application on their website. Please see their website for closing date details. https://www.atlanticbridge.com/eligibility/
International applicants not from North America or Canada apply through the online application form here.
Where you will be asked to complete your contact information as well as education background. You will be asked to upload their transcripts, passport/ID and GAMSAT if available along with any documents you may want to be considered as part of the application process (CV, Personal Statement etc).
Qualifications are assessed using NARIC. The minimum entry requirement is a 2:2 or above. If the applicants’ original transcripts are in a foreign language, a certified English translation is required. In addition, where English is not the national language, proof of English language is required. Acceptable English language qualifications can be found here. Physiotherapy has higher English language requirements so a requirement if IELTS 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in any component is required.
Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements* of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist applicants as deemed necessary.
Successful completion of the Garda Vetting process is required. Click here for information on Garda Clearance.
Immunisations
On practice education placement you will be considered a category A Health Care worker and must therefore fulfil vaccination requirements. Successful completion of the health screening, vaccinations certification and CPR certification are programme requirements for this degree. Health screening/vaccination certificates and the purchase of uniforms for placements will incur costs to the student.
Applications from EU applicants must include:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language - English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
EU - €12,900 per annum*
Non- EU - €25,800 per annum*
*Please not year two fees are subject to change
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
Graduates will be eligible to practice in Ireland and eligible for registration in other parts of the world. Graduates will be able to work in a diverse range of environments including schools, hospitals and community settings
The MSc Physiotherapy has received full accreditation from the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and has been approved by CORU and are eligible to work in the HSE in Ireland. Graduates will be licensed to practice in Ireland and eligible for registration in other parts of the world.
Thomas 1st year MSc Student - “I enjoy the small class size because it allows me and my fellow classmates to get to know our module leaders more. In my first semester, we have covered the introductions to musculoskeletal, neurology, and respiratory aspects of physiotherapy. I am happy to say that even with the pandemic, the staff has worked hard to ensure that we have in-person practical learning. Additionally, with this situation being new to us all, the staff have been altering the way the program material has been presented. I can confidently say that the staff want the best out of its students and are responsive to the feedback we provide.
Overall, I would say my experience here in Ireland has been amazing. The individuals and staff in the program are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I know that committing to a 2-year program is difficult, especially for international students, but I guarantee that you will not be disappointed”.
Sam 2nd year MSc Student - "I always felt a very strong sense of welcome at the University of Limerick. Incredible classmates and faculty provided a sense of comfort in the classroom that you wouldn't expect so far away from home. This environment gave me the confidence to approach my learning with a passion I hadn't in the past."