Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute.
An up-to-date CV outlining academic qualifications and relevant experience is required.
You will require a first or second class (2:1 or 2:2) BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant science-based subject. Examples of relevant subjects include sport and exercise science, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology, healthcare studies.
An existing qualification in nursing, midwifery or relevant Allied Health Profession (e.g: osteopathy or chiropractic).
Entry is interview based with a 15-minute interview conducted via MS Teams. We will look holistically at each applicant’s undergraduate degree, experience to date, interest in physiotherapy and commitment to completing this programme and working in the space in the future.
Applicants for whom English is not their first be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to level 7 of the International English Language Testing System, with no element below 6.5 applicants are required to achieve the equivalent of an IELTS (academic) score of 7.0 or above with no less than 6.5 in each section.

Who Is This Master’s Degree For?
This professionally recognised master’s is a strong fit for social and investigative learners who are passionate about helping people improve their mobility,?independence,?and quality of life.

Best suited to individuals who enjoy problem-solving, understanding human movement, and working closely with patients, the programme will appeal to those who are empathetic, motivated, and committed to evidence-based healthcare practice.

To enrol on the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), applicants will need a relevant science-based undergraduate degree, including sport and exercise science, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology, or another healthcare-related discipline.

Graduates of Portobello Institute’s BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy benefit from a direct progression pathway to the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration).

Start Dates:
21st 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.

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.

What Career Pathways Are Available?
The programme prepares students to practise as professional physiotherapists across a wide range of healthcare and rehabilitation settings, including musculoskeletal practice, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, community health, private practice, and specialist rehabilitation services, with strong foundations for ongoing professional development and specialisation.

Supervised placements support students in applying evidence-based learning in real clinical settings and graduating ready for professional practice.

On completion of the master’s degree, graduates can apply for CORU registration in Ireland and HCPC registration in the UK, allowing them to practise as qualified physiotherapists.

Graduates are well positioned for roles such as:

Physiotherapist
Sports physiotherapist
Rehabilitation specialist
Clinical physiotherapist
Neurological physiotherapist
Musculoskeletal physiotherapist

Professionals can pursue employment opportunities within public healthcare systems such as the HSE or NHS, private clinics, sports medicine, rehabilitation centres, and community health settings, or continue with further postgraduate study and specialist areas of physiotherapy.