Candidates must have the following:
A primary degree in a relevant health care discipline* or an equivalent qualification and work experience to be approved by the Programme Team;
Ideally, candidates should have practical experience in their area of qualifications of at least one-year post-registration;

In some exceptional circumstances, candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.

*A relevant healthcare discipline includes but is not limited to, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing science, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology and social studies.

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. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Fitness to Practise
This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date
Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Non-EU Closing Date
Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Start Date 2 September 2025

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.

Progression to MSc in Older Person Rehabilitation
Following successful completion of the examinations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Older Person Rehabilitation, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, a student may opt to transfer to the MSc in Older Person Rehabilitation with exemptions granted for the modules already taken. A student previously conferred with the Postgraduate Certificate in Older Person Rehabilitation / Postgraduate Diploma in Older Person Rehabilitation (exit award from the MSc) may register for the MSc (Older Person Rehabilitation) within five years of completion, subject to the approval of the Programme Team, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years.

Skills and Careers Information
In today’s competitive workforce, higher professional qualifications are an essential part of continuous professional development and career advancement. The MSc is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of older people.