Program Overview
The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) is an accelerated two-year program designed for graduates from non-physiotherapy backgrounds. It provides a comprehensive education in physiotherapy principles, practices, and research, preparing students for professional registration and a range of career paths. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills, professional attributes, and a research foundation, enabling graduates to excel as competent physiotherapists.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) is an accelerated pre-registration program designed for students holding a relevant primary degree in a field other than physiotherapy. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience encompassing both academic and clinical environments. It emphasizes equipping graduates with the necessary clinical and research skills, as well as professional attributes, to excel as competent practitioners, researchers, and agents of change within the evolving healthcare landscape.
Outline:
The program is structured over two years, with three semesters per year. Students enroll in modules totaling 60 ECTS credits annually. All modules are compulsory.
Year One (60 credits):
- PP6001 Respiratory Physiotherapy (5 credits): This module focuses on respiratory physiotherapy principles and practices.
- PP6004 Rehabilitation II - Analysis and Rehabilitation of Human Movement (5 credits): This module delves into the analysis and rehabilitation of human movement.
- PP6005 Principles of Research & Research Methods (10 credits): This module introduces students to research principles and methodologies.
- PP6009 Critical Care (5 credits): This module covers critical care physiotherapy principles and practices.
- PP6012 Clinical Anatomy (10 credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of clinical anatomy.
- PP6014 Clinical Practice & Professional Development I (10 credits): This module integrates clinical practice and professional development.
Year Two (60 credits):
- PP6002 Research Dissertation (20 credits): This module involves the completion of a research dissertation.
- PP6006 Neurological Rehabilitation (10 credits): This module focuses on neurological rehabilitation principles and practices.
- PP6008 MSK II - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation of the Upper Quadrant (5 credits): This module focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation of the upper body.
- PP6011 Clinical Practice and Professional Development III (15 credits): This module integrates clinical practice and professional development.
- PP6013 Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion (5 credits): This module covers cardiovascular health and health promotion.
- PP6015 Clinical Practice and Professional Development II (5 credits): This module integrates clinical practice and professional development.
Assessment:
Assessment is conducted entirely through continuous assessment. This includes:
- Tutorial performance
- Small presentations
- Class tests
- Essays
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
- Work placement assessments
Teaching:
The program is taught by staff from the School of Clinical Therapies, HSE, and clinical specialist physiotherapy staff from regional and national hospitals. Experts from UCC within the College of Medicine & Health contribute to interprofessional teaching, and overseas guest clinical specialists also participate.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc Physiotherapy program are eligible to register with CORU (the Health and Social Care Professions Council) and become members of The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. They are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- HSE Hospitals & Clinics
- Industry
- Professional Sport
- Private Practice
- Education
- Research
- Working overseas The program also provides a foundation for doctoral study in physiotherapy, teaching in higher education, or pursuing research opportunities.
Other:
- The program is approved by CORU.
- Clinical education is an integral part of the program, with students completing over 1000 hours of placement in various healthcare settings.
- Students may need to travel and arrange accommodation for clinical placements, which may occur in the UK.
- Students are subject to Garda Vetting.
- Applicants must have evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.
University College Cork
Overview:
University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Library:
The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Campus Life:
UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.Accommodation:
UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.International Office:
The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.Adult Continuing Education:
UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.Continuing Professional Development:
UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.Micro-credentials:
UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.Scholarships and Prizes:
UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.Transition-In Programme:
UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.Graduate Attributes:
UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Education:
UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.Strong Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.Beautiful Location:
UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.International Reputation:
UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Education
- Music
Other:
- UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
- UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
- UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
- UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.
Entry Requirements:
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or a Master’s degree in a field directly related to the discipline of physiotherapy, such as but not exclusively, Anatomy, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Rehabilitation, Sports Science.
- Motivation Statement: Applicants must submit a motivation statement as part of the application process. The statement should explain their motivation for a career in physiotherapy, how their previous degree will contribute to their development as a physiotherapist, and provide details on their contributions beyond academia and experience related to healthcare and physiotherapy.
- References: Applicants must submit the name and email address of one referee from an academic institution.
- Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview, which may consist of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Applicants will be scored on their motivation for a career in physiotherapy, relevant academic qualifications and interests, knowledge and understanding of the physiotherapy profession, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and ability to express concepts and ideas.
- Vaccinations: All applicants accepted onto the programme will be required 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. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared.
- Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland: Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.
