Physiotherapy

Why Physiotherapy at RCSI Dublin?

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession focused on maintaining or improving mobility, physical abilities, fitness and quality of life. Physiotherapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to employ movement, exercise therapy and other physical methods. Some countries refer to physiotherapy as 'physical therapy'.

Physiotherapists work with people of all ages who are affected by injury, illness or disability. They are a key member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team and play an important role in preventive health and maximising function.

Our student body

RCSI's BSc in Physiotherapy is offered in two formats:

• School Leavers do a four-year degree programme
• Graduate Entry students do a three-year programme

The programme is open to applications from students from all over the world who want to become physiotherapists. As with other programmes at RCSI, we have a very international student body. Please read the entry requirements to see which programme you are eligible for.

As an RCSI Physiotherapy student, you will study alongside your future colleagues in Medicine and Pharmacy. This will ensure that the multidisciplinary nature of patient care is reflected in your education at RCSI.

On graduation, you will be career-ready and competitively placed to work across all areas of the healthcare system. This practical course will provide you with clinical and critical thinking skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing health sector.

Many of our graduates find employment in hospitals where they undertook their clinical placements in Ireland. A lot of them also go on to secure positions in countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK.

IELTS

Teaching in RCSI is through the medium of English. As a consequence, all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of English language competence. Applicants whose first language is not English must present a minimum overall average IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band (reading, writing, listening and speaking) lower than 6.0. IELTS Certificates must be less than two years old at the time of admission. Equivalent scores in TOEFL are also acceptable.

Applicants presenting programmes that are delivered entirely through English (e.g. International Baccalaureate or A Levels) are not required to supply an IELTS certificate as part of their initial application. Please note that applicants presenting A Levels must hold a GCSE English grade 4/ C or above to meet RCSI's English language requirement.

Your future

Physiotherapists are key members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. They work to develop, maintain or restore movement and functional ability of people affected by injury, illness or disability.

At RCSI, we pride ourselves on producing Physiotherapy graduates who are knowledgeable in the science of physiotherapy and also highly-skilled practitioners. This practical course will provide you with clinical and critical thinking skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing health sector. Uniquely at RCSI, our Physiotherapy class size is small, with only 35 students entering the programme each academic year.

Hear from some of our Physiotherapy Alumni below and find out about their experiences at RCSI:

Watch a video

Career development

RCSI has a dedicated Careers Development Team who will work with you on career planning as you progress through your studies.

Our careers service includes confidential 1:1 appointments with a qualified career professional. You will also be able to attend themed workshops and clinics, and presentations on topical events throughout the academic year.

All of our career-related activities and communications are supported by a dedicated CareerHub IT platform. Through this, we encourage and empower you to develop your own career plan and to build a personal career e-portfolio.

All of these supports are available to you from your first year at RCSI right up to three years after you graduate.

You will have the opportunity to undertake CV-enhancing electives involving direct patient clinical care in some of the world's leading hospitals. You can also develop your clinical or laboratory research skills at the RCSI Summer Research School. Read more about student opportunities at RCSI.

Your Physiotherapy degree

Upon completion of the Physiotherapy programme, you will be a fully qualified physiotherapist. You will have the opportunity to work in:

• Public hospitals
• Private clinics
• Community care
• Research
• Education

You will be able to specialise in areas such as: sports injuries, women's health, intellectual disabilities, respiratory care, neurology and gerontology, rheumatology, paediatrics, occupational health and ergonomics, oncology, and palliative care.

As an RCSI Physiotherapy graduate, you will have an internationally portable qualification. You can register as a physiotherapist in Ireland and throughout the EU immediately after graduation.

Your degree will also open doors for you and assist in securing positions in the health services in the following countries: UK, Singapore, USA, Canada, China, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Australia and New Zealand.

You will join a network of more than 30,000 RCSI Alumni. Our Alumni work across over 96 countries around the globe and are among the most sought-after healthcare professionals in the world.

Meet some of our current students below and discover how you too can become a future healthcare leader.