Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) in Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy, with a minimum result of second-class honours (2.2). Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in a relevant area will be an advantage.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.

An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

Next start date: September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

This course is designed to enable qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to upskill and gain expertise in the field of exercise physiology, which they can then apply in their practice of designing exercise programmes for rehabilitation.

This course is approved by REPS Ireland (Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland), and upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a Graduate Exercise Professional. Please note that additional criteria may be required for registration, and students are advised to visit the REPS Ireland website for further information https://repsireland.ie/.

Graduates also have an option to pursue certification by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), to qualify as an Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist. https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/exercise-physiologist/. Please note that ACSM certification requires candidates to pass an exam, and clinical experience is required to be eligible to apply for certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Students are advised to do their own research on this pathway, as requirements and criteria can change from time to time. Staff will offer students support should they wish to prepare for the ACSM exam.

In addition to supporting their clinical practice, graduates will have skills and knowledge that will equip them to pursue occupations in industry, education and research. Students on this course will also learn skills in research and critical thinking that will prepare them to pursue further research degrees in the field of exercise physiology.