Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

at University of Limerick

The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is a four-year degree programme which includes a total of 31 weeks of clinical practice in the last two years of the programme. The first year provides a foundation in Anatomy and Physiology, communication and behaviour, and an Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice. Over the remaining three years you will undertake studies in the various disciplines of physiotherapy including cardiorespiratory care, clinical neurology and musculoskeletal disorders for people across the lifespan. Research and evidence-based practice are core elements underpinning the programme.

Year 1

Semester 1    
 

• Anatomy 1
• Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice 1    
• Introduction to Major Physiological Systems

Semester 2
 

• Anatomy 2
• Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice 2
• Exercise and Health Fitness for Physiotherapists

Elective - choose one
 

• Broadening Module

Year 2

Semester 3    
 

• Enquiry in Healthcare 1
• Preparation for Practice Education (PPP1)
• Foundations of Physiotherapy*
• Neurological Physiotherapy*
• Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care    

Semester 4    
 

• Cardio-Vascular Physiotherapy*
• Neuromusculoskeletal Cases*

Summer
 

• PR4111 - Practice Education 1

Year 3

This year contains physiotherapy modules that encourage students to develop their practical, evaluative and interpersonal skills at a higher level and consider the needs of clients with complex problems, reflecting on their clinical practice experience. Research Methodology is studied in preparation for the final year research project.

Year 4

Year four introduces two case-based modules that provide students with the opportunities to engage in discipline-specific and inter-professional learning through multi-complex cases scenarios. Independent learning is promoted through the work on a final year project. Students will also undertake their final two Practice Education modules.

Semester 7    
 

• Research project 1
• Multisystem Cases in Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy Practice Education 3

Semester 8
 

• Engaging Through Complexity (PPP2)
• Research Project 2
• Physiotherapy Practice Education 4

Minimum grades    
 

• Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
• Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.
• As the entry is on a competitive basis for 30 places the actual entry-level will generally be substantially higher than the minimum requirements.

Subject requirements
 

• In addition, applicants will be required to hold at least an Ordinary Level O3/Higher H7 in the Leaving Certificate in any one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Agricultural Science.

The cost of studying at University of Limerick varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay €24316 annually, to study in University of Limerick.

Job titles for graduates with this degree

Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
 

• Chartered Physiotherapist
• Research Assistant