ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
1. What are the entry requirements of the course?
- 2024 CAO points: 588
- 2023 CAO points: 590
- 2022 CAO points: 601
- O6/H7 in Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, a Laboratory Science subject and 1 other recognised subject
- UCD general requirements: In order to be eligible to compete for any course, you must obtain a minimum of Grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. For all courses Irish and English are required (unless student has dispensation for Irish).
2. How many students are accepted each year?
56
3. What are the A-Level requirements?
- At least six recognised subjects (including all those necessary for the programme, see below)
- OC/O4/AE in English, another language, Mathematics, a Laboratory Science subject and 2 other recognised subjects
- Minimum of Grade C in two subjects at A-level (A2)
- Minimum of Grade C at GCSE in the remaining four subjects
4. Is there any other route into the course other than the CAO after Leaving Cert?
- Possible to do Graduate entry after completing a level 8 course – entry into 1st year
- Possible to enter as Mature Student if you are 23 or over on year of application
- HEAR and DARE entry routes are available
- The minimum academic requirement of a laboratory science subject at leaving certificate level applies to all entry routes
- The laboratory science subjects are: Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
5. How are Graduate Entry applications assessed?
- Academic Ability (Honours Bachelor’s degree [NFQ Level 8] at the minimum level of 2.2)
- Science background - a minimum of O5 (OD3) in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is required
- Motivation and Interest (a personal statement should be included explaining your reasons for wishing to undertake a physiotherapy degree, your knowledge of research and healthcare issues and how this degree will contribute to your plans for the future)
- Work Experience
- References (three letters of recommendation: academic, work experience and one other)
- Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend for interview.
STUDYING AT UCD
6. Is there a benefit to studying Physiotherapy at UCD, as opposed to at other universities in Ireland?
- State of the art facilities
- Top researchers in the field as lecturers
- Culture of academic excellence
- University-wide interest in sporting achievement
THE COURSE
7. Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that would be studied in the course?
- 1st year: basic and applied sciences
- 2nd, 3rd year: clinical skills
- 4th year: Preparation for professional practice
- 1,000 hours of clinical placement will be completed throughout 4 years of programme.
8. Could you provide a breakdown of modules that would be studied in the course?
First year
- Anatomy
- Physiology/Physics
- Chemistry/Biochemistry
- Biomechanics
- Introduction to Professional Physiotherapy Practice
- Exercise Science
- Psychology
- Elective module
Second year
- Basic Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory & Neurological Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
- Elective module
Third year
- Intermediate Musculoskeletal, Cardio-respiratory and Neurological Physiotherapy
- Clinical Exercise
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
- Sociology
Fourth year
- Professional Physiotherapy Practice
- Clinical Specialities
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education
- Pharmacology
- Elective modules
- Dissertation
9. Are there electives that students from outside the department can take?
- Most undergraduate degree students can take Elective modules.
- In-programme Electives are intended to deepen your knowledge by focusing on modules within your core degree area.
- General Electives give you the chance to study modules from outside your programme area.
10. How is the course assessed?
- Continuous assessment
- Reflective writing
- Practical examinations
- Oral examinations
- Presentations
- End of semester written papers
11. Is there a dissertation required for the course in the final year?
There is a Dissertation module in Stage 4 of the programme.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
12. What kinds of careers can graduates progress into?
- Eligibility for Registration with CORU as a Physiotherapist
- Hospitals and private practice
- Primary care
- Rehabilitation centres and nursing homes
- Non-governmental agencies
- Education
- Business, sport and leisure industries
13. Are there options for further study?
Graduates can apply for a range of disciplinary and general graduate taught (graduate certificate, diploma, MSc) and research (MSc and PhD) programmes in Ireland and abroad.