Requirements
To be shortlisted for interview applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
Educational Qualifications
Applicants will 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.

Please note:
The programme team reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who hold undergraduate or postgraduate degrees most relevant to physiotherapy.
All applicants must be in receipt of their final results (whether undergraduate or postgraduate) before 31st July.

Motivation Statement
Applicants will submit a motivation statement as part of the application process.

The applicant’s motivation statement will:
Explain their motivation for a career across the broad spectrum of the physiotherapy profession.
Indicate how their previous degree will contribute to their development as a physiotherapist and to their knowledge and understanding of the core areas of physiotherapy.
Provide detail on their contributions beyond academia.
Provide detail on their experience related to healthcare and to the physiotherapy profession (this can include, shadowing, observation, volunteering, etc.).

References
Once an application is submitted, applicants will be required to submit the name and email address of one referee from an academic institution in their supplemental item section. When this information is entered by the applicant, it will send a reference request to the academic referee to complete.

The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that the required reference request is completed by the referee before the closing date. Please note that the applicant will receive an email alert confirming when a reference has been duly submitted.

Applications will be regarded incomplete without the submission of this reference and will not be considered.

All additional supporting documentation for application to the MSc in Physiotherapy, including the academic reference, must be submitted by 20 January 2025. Failure to do so will result in the application being considered incomplete and not processed further.

Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview, which may consist of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).

Each applicant will be scored by an interview panel on the basis of:
Motivation for a career across the broad spectrum of the physiotherapy profession
Relevant academic qualifications and interests
Knowledge and understanding of the physiotherapy profession
Problem solving skills
Communication skills and ability to express concepts and ideas
Please note: Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications specific individualised feedback cannot be given after shortlisting or interview.

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 as relevant. 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 is 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 15 January 2024

Start Date 8 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.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

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.

Skills and Careers Information
What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Physiotherapy
By studying this course you have the opportunity to become a highly-skilled, evidenced-based clinician, who can use a range of resources and evidence to improve the effectiveness of clinical interventions. During the course you build on a wide base of transferable clinical skills which may enable you to specialise in a specific area of Physiotherapy following successful graduation.

Occupations associated with an MSc in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are employed in a variety of locations, providing opportunities in areas such as HSE Hospitals & Clinics • Industry • Professional Sport • Private Practice • Education • Research • Working overseas. Opportunities to work in research in physiotherapy are expanding and students may use their masters as a stepping stone to doctoral study in Ireland, the UK, or overseas, or teaching in higher education.