The MSc in Physiotherapy is a full-time programme which runs over two calendar years, with three 12-week semesters from the date of first registration. This programme qualifies graduates to practise Physiotherapy with both adults and children.

Applicants must satisfy the following:

1. Candidates will hold a minimum of an undergraduate Honours Degree, NFQ Level 8, at Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a field related to the discipline of physiotherapy, such as but not exclusively, Anatomy, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Sports Conditioning/Rehabilitation. Candidates who hold a Second Class Honours Grade 2 degree will be considered on a case by case by basis, subject to approval by the course director.
2. In exceptional circumstances candidates without an honours degree OR with an Honours degree in a field unrelated to the discipline of Physiotherapy may be recommended for entry to the programme after a review of their qualifications and experience by the programme lead. The admission of such candidates will be subject to the approval of the College of Medicine and Health Executive Committee.
3. Potential applicants will be invited for interview.
4. All applicants accepted onto the programme will need to have evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.

Garda Vetting
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Fitness to Practise
This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found here.

All modules are compulsory. Students will take modules to the value of 60 credits per year as outlined below.
Upon satisfactory completion of all modules in the first year to the value of 60 credits, students may proceed to the second year of the programme. On successful completion of all modules in the second year, to the value of 60 credits, students may graduate with an MSc (Physiotherapy).

Year 1

Students take 60 credits:
PP6012 Clinical Anatomy (10 credits)
PP6003 Rehabilitation I - Principles and Prescription of Exercise (5 credits)
PP6004 Rehabilitation II - Analysis and Rehabilitation of Human Movement (5 credits)
PP6007 MSK I - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation of the Lower Quadrant (10 credits)
PP6001 Respiratory Physiotherapy (5 credits)
PP6010 Clinical Practice and Professional Development I (15 credits)
PP6005 Principles of Research & Research Methods (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Year 2

Students take 60 credits:
PP6008 MSK II - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation of the Upper Quadrant (5 credits)
PP6006 Neurological Rehabilitation (10 credits)
PP6013 Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion (5 credits)
PP6009 Critical Care (5 credits)
PP6011 Clinical Practice and Professional Development II (15 credits)
PP6002 Research Dissertation (20 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2019/2020 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2019/2020.

Exit awards: Students who graduate with an Exit award will not be eligible to practise as a Physiotherapist

Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Minor award)
Students who pass at least 30 credits within non-clinical modules may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Minor award) at the end of First Year.

Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Students who pass 60 credits within non-clinical modules may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major award) at the end of Second Year.

MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Students who pass 90 credits within non-clinical modules may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major award) at the end of Second Year.

Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with UCC's Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning, students who have completed relevant modules of equal credit value in the College of Medicine and Health at UCC at NFQ Level 9, may apply for exemptions for modules taken within the last five years.

See also General Regulations for the Degree of Master.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Physiotherapy) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply a critical understanding and be proficient in the skills required for safe and effective physiotherapy practice including: assessment, intervention planning, intervention delivery, and clinical management and leadership;
• Demonstrate the professional attributes, leadership and clinical skills required to deliver physiotherapy practice across a variety of clinical settings and will possess the academic skills to critically evaluate the evidence underpinning current physiotherapy practice;
• Evaluate and demonstrate ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values which underpin a safe and high quality clinical service;
• Through critical analysis of audit, and clinical and academic evidence, be able to critically evaluate the organization and management of patient care in a variety of clinical settings in order to identify ways in which clinical services may be enhanced;
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and respond to complex and changing clinical situations in a professional manner;
• Apply in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key clinical and professional issues in physiotherapy practice;
• Through intelligent and critical analysis of original research sources, be able to synthesize the evidence base of clinical practice;
• Apply clinical leadership and autonomous professional practice commensurate with a staff grade physiotherapist;
• Synthesise an understanding of the ethical and confidentiality rules governing professional practice of Physiotherapy and will comply with all relevant professional standards, rules of professional conduct and regulations, and demonstrate a critical understanding of the theory and processes by which these standards are maintained;
• Conceptualise an understanding for ongoing personal and professional development and demonstrate critical understanding of the theory and practice of CPD.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Evaluate models and settings of rehabilitation within healthcare systems;
• Critically appraise the available literature on the principles of rehabilitation ;
• Plan, execute and disseminate research in the area of rehabilitation;
• Critically discuss the processes involved in choosing appropriate rehabilitation goals and in determining successful outcome;
• Reflect on the role of members of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, focussing on the commonalities and the unique discipline perspectives of each member.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify the collaboration within interdisciplinary teams in the rehabilitation of patients;
• Evaluate models and settings of rehabilitation within healthcare systems;
• Evaluate the principles of evidence based practice;
• Critically evaluate the evidence base and key literature sources underpinning the rehabilitation of movement and function;
• Critically evaluate the evidence for the use of exercise in health, health promotion and disease.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Relate structure and function of the human body to disorder and dysfunction at an introductory level;
• Apply human structural anatomy to function;
• Articulate the importance of an interprofessional approach to the rehabilitation of patients;
• Evaluate the evidence for the use of exercise in health, health promotion and disease;
• Discuss models and settings of rehabilitation within healthcare settings.