Skip to content
Masters Degree

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Dublin

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Dublin
Apply
Chat

Course Overview

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute is a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree for science graduates seeking a career in physiotherapy. This Health and Care Professions Council-approved programme offers an innovative placement model and a clear and timely route to CORU registration in Ireland.

Due to a high level of interest for this programme, it is now fully booked for Autumn 2026 start dates in September and October. Applications for February 2027 are now open for a limited time.

The next start dates for this programme will be in February 2027 – In-person Weekdays Starting on Monday, February 8th and Blended Learning Starting on Saturday, February 13th. As demand is expected to exceed the number of places on this programme, early application is encouraged.

To prepare for your application please review the entry requirements and prepare the necessary documents including academic transcripts or certificates, your CV and a copy of your ID. If you need any guidance please book a call with our career pathway consultant.

Level Postgraduate Qualification Masters Degree
In-person Learning
Duration 2 years
1st Year Fees €16,896.00
Choose your start date
Register Interest
Blended Learning
Duration 2 years
1st Year Fees €16,896.00
Choose your start date
Register Interest

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute is a professionally recognised postgraduate programme for graduates seeking to progress into a career as a physiotherapist. Delivered full-time over two years, the programme is designed for applicants with a relevant science-based undergraduate degree, including sport and exercise science, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology, or healthcare-related studies.

At a time when pre-registration physiotherapy programmes in Ireland are extremely limited, Portobello offers a unique access route to the profession, reducing the need for students to travel to the UK to obtain this qualification. Graduates of Portobello’s BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy or BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science also benefit from a direct progression pathway to the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration), providing a clear and supported academic route into professional practice.

Career Pathways in Physiotherapy

This programme prepares graduates for entry into the physiotherapy profession across a wide range of clinical and healthcare settings. On completion, graduates are well positioned for roles in areas such as musculoskeletal practice, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, community health, private practice, and specialist rehabilitation services, with strong foundations for ongoing professional development and specialisation.

Teaching, Learning & Clinical Training

The programme is delivered by a highly experienced academic and clinical team, combining theoretical depth with applied clinical expertise. Teaching is closely aligned to contemporary physiotherapy practice, ensuring graduates are confident, competent, and practice-ready.

Learning Approach

Students engage in a blended learning approach that integrates lectures, practical workshops, clinical skills labs, case-based learning, and reflective practice. This approach supports the development of clinical reasoning, professional judgement, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Practical & Clinical Placement Experience

A key strength of the programme is its innovative placement model, which allows students to develop and practise clinical skills in a safe, structured, and closely supervised environment. Placements are designed to support progressive skill development and prepare students for the realities of professional physiotherapy practice, while ensuring high-quality supervision and continuity of learning.

What You Will Study

The curriculum is structured to ensure students develop competence across the breadth of physiotherapy practice, including core clinical areas, professional practice, clinical reasoning, and patient-centred care. Modules are carefully aligned to professional standards and regulatory requirements.

Research & Evidence-Based Practice

Students develop strong competencies in research literacy and evidence-based practice, enabling them to critically appraise research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and contribute to the ongoing development of physiotherapy practice. These skills underpin safe, effective, and ethical professional practice.

Academic Support and Expert Teaching

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised academic support, and close engagement with teaching staff. The programme team includes experienced clinicians and academics who provide mentoring, guidance, and feedback throughout the programme, supporting student success both academically and clinically.

Professional Accreditation and Registration

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.

Registration in Ireland

Graduates of this HCPC-approved programme can follow an established route to apply for professional registration with CORU. This is an efficient process made possible by the recent alignment of common standards between the two regulatory bodies of approved programmes, supporting a smooth and timely transition into professional physiotherapy practice in Ireland.

Award

Awarding body: Health Sciences University, UK
Award: Master of Science (MSc)
Qualification level: UK FHEQ Level 7 master’s degree

You will graduate with a master’s degree awarded by Health Sciences University. UK master’s degrees at FHEQ Level 7 are broadly comparable in level to Irish master’s degrees at NFQ Level 9, as outlined in the Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries guide.

*Credits Displayed as CATS/ECTS.

In this unit you will gain practical work-based experience working with a range of patients and
clients. You will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills that have been
developed while studying other units on this course, applying them in practical environments and
utilising your transferable skills. This practical placement unit is composed of two separate 7-week
placements focused on a specific area of physiotherapy practice. In the unit you will actively
contribute to the assessment and treatment of service users.

This unit will develop your understanding of functional anatomy, human physiology and
pathophysiology, to develop an understanding of the effects that key aspects of trauma and
disease can have upon the human body, and how these facts impact upon physiotherapy practice.
You will explore the principles of pathological change and healing, as well as considering the
impact of common health conditions on normal physiological processes.

This unit will provide you with a foundation for the rest of the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)
course. In the unit you will contextualise health and social care, including the promotion of good
health as well as the management of ill health. The unit explores ethical dimensions to reinforce
and develop respectful, reflective professional practice. You will also develop an understanding of
healthcare in the UK, as well as understanding the ethical, legal, moral, health and safety
constraints governing physiotherapy practice. Finally, you will begin to build fundamental skills to
underpin physiotherapy practice including communication, decision-making, self-awareness and
the required academic skills to complete the course.

In this unit you will begin to develop a practical understanding of assessment and screening
approaches in physiotherapy. You will also develop skills in patient history and context
assessment, and the production and maintenance of patient records. The unit will introduce you to
baseline observations and data collection. Building upon this knowledge you will also explore
physical activity assessment/screening tools, and common screening and assessment tools utilised
by other linked healthcare professionals.

This unit seeks to develop an evidence-based approach to understanding how clinical sciences
influence the management of problems commonly encountered by physiotherapists in clinical
practice. Building upon the ‘Concepts of Practice’ unit you will be introduced to the assessment
process and treatment of commonly occurring cardiorespiratory, neurology, and musculoskeletal
conditions. Learning in the unit will be facilitated by service user case studies. The unit will also
explore treatment options, advice to patients, participation and the use of physical activity and
exercise to manage a range of conditions.

This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of factors influencing the delivery of
optimal patient and therapeutic outcomes for patients and clients. You will develop an
understanding of the wider determinants of health and the health of the population and the
individual. A number of models, frameworks and approaches will be explored relating to supporting
and managing patients. You will develop specific knowledge and skills to optimise the effectiveness
of person-centred interventions for individual patients and clients.

This unit will enable you to develop an understanding of mental health and mental ill-health. In
particular, the unit will enable you to develop an understanding of common mental health
challenges faced and consider some of the specific challenges that are more prevalent in specific
populations. You will also explore key symptoms relating to a range of conditions, and crucially
develop an understanding of specific interventions and referral options whilst also reflecting on the
boundaries of your own professional competence relating to client mental health challenges.

In this unit you will gain practical work-based experience working with a range of patients and
clients, building upon your experience in the PHY601 Physiotherapy Practice 1 unit. You will have
the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills that have been developed while
studying other units on this course, applying them in practical environments and utilising your
transferable skills. This practical placement unit is composed of two 7-week placements focused on
a specific area of physiotherapy practice. These may include care of the elderly, neurology,
orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, outpatients, amputees, obstetrics and gynaecology,
musculoskeletal, oncology, palliative care, paediatric or community contexts.

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent empirical
study in a topic of interest related to physiotherapy practice. You will be expected to demonstrate
originality in the development and application of knowledge and research skills. A research
proposal will initially be produced that will outline the chosen focus for the research, the research
question and the specific method/methodology to be adopted. No data collection will be permitted
without ethics approval, which takes places after the proposal submission. Completion of the
research dissertation will demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the research process
and data collection, an ability to deal with complex issues creatively and systematically and the
ability to communicate information in a clear and appropriate fashion.

his unit will develop your understanding of the principles and techniques of research methods
typically used in the analysis of research. After exploring the philosophical underpinnings of
research approaches, you will explore research design and data collection strategies through the
contextualization of the ‘research process’. The detailed tools of both qualitative and quantitative
design and data analysis will be explored and applied to the types of data typically collected in
health science-focused research. You will also explore more advanced methodologies and
analyses. In addition, you will develop an understanding of and ethical considerations in conducting
research and be able to identify and describe ethical challenges facing the postgraduate
researcher.

In this unit you will build upon the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in the
‘Developing Physiotherapy Practice Skills 1’ unit within the context of managing and treating
complex clinical cases for musculoskeletal, neurological, cardio, respiratory, and special population
groups. In the unit you will further refine your critique and synthesis of the underpinning evidence
for both management and treatment. In particular, exploring in the context of larger multidisciplinary teams, and caring for patients with complex or long-term conditions. Service users will contribute to your learning by discussing their lived experiences of their condition and selfmanagement approaches

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop advanced evidenced-based knowledge of
the psychological factors that influence and determine the person’s response to injury or diagnosis
of a long-term condition, rehabilitation and recovery. Building on a strong conceptual foundation
you will explore the psychological and emotional responses to injury, physical trauma or diagnosis
of a long-term condition. In particular exploring the concept of pain and factors influencing the
experience of pain. You will also explore the psychological challenges experienced during the
rehabilitation process and consider approaches to helping the person to cope with these challenges.

Dr Courtney Feike


Dr Courtney Feike, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Programme Lead at Portobello Institute, bringing over a decade of experience across physiotherapy, rehabilitation, health promotion, higher education, and clinical leadership. An American Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical…...

Dr Courtney Feike, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Programme Lead at Portobello Institute, bringing over a decade of experience across physiotherapy, rehabilitation, health promotion, higher education, and clinical leadership.

An American Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), Courtney combines specialist musculoskeletal expertise with a passion for education, curriculum development, and preparing the next generation of physiotherapists for clinical practice.

Industry Experience & Career

  • Over 9 years’ postgraduate clinical physiotherapy experience and more than 10 years working across health, fitness, rehabilitation, and healthcare
  • Physiotherapy Programme Lead at Portobello Institute and Adjunct Professor with the South College Doctor of Physical Therapy Programme, Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Private practice Physiotherapist at Rehab Rooms Clinic, Dublin
  • Board Member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP)
  • Extensive experience across private physiotherapy practice, sports injury clinics, acute hospitals, rehabilitation services, cardiac rehabilitation programmes, and senior living healthcare services
  • Specialist expertise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation, manual therapy, and clinical education

Courtney’s Pathway in Physiotherapy

For Courtney, physiotherapy has been a rich and rewarding career path. Originally from the United States and now based in Dublin, her journey began in exercise science and cardiac rehabilitation, where she worked within health and wellness programmes before going on to pursue a Doctorate in Physiotherapy.

“Throughout my career as a qualified physiotherapist, I have worked across outpatient orthopaedics, sports injury clinics, acute care hospitals, and specialist musculoskeletal practices in both the United States and Ireland,” she reflects.

Alongside her clinical practice, Courtney discovered a strong interest in education, moving into university teaching, clinical supervision, curriculum development, and academic leadership.

Courtney says: “Education has been fundamental to every stage of my career. My undergraduate and master’s degrees in Kinesiology provided a strong foundation in exercise science, health promotion, and rehabilitation, while my Doctorate equipped me with advanced clinical skills across multiple healthcare settings.

“Postgraduate residency and fellowship training in orthopaedic manual therapy, together with specialist certification as an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist, enabled me to develop advanced expertise and contribute at a higher level – clinically, academically, and professionally.”

Teaching and Guiding Students

Courtney’s approach to teaching is practical, discussion-led, career-focused, and structured. She places a strong emphasis on helping students translate theoretical knowledge into clinical skills they can apply in practice.

“I believe students learn best when complex concepts are broken down into logical, manageable stages,” she explains. “This allows them to build confidence progressively.”

Her teaching fosters active participation, questioning, and professional discussion. By creating space for students to explore ideas, reflect on evidence, and consider different clinical scenarios, Courtney helps them develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Her approach is also strongly evidence-based and reflective. She encourages students to draw on research evidence and clinical expertise while keeping patient-centred care at the heart of their decision-making.

“I aim to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, challenging themselves, and taking ownership of their professional development,” Courtney says.

By remaining active in clinical practice and curriculum development, Courtney ensures her teaching reflects current evidence and the realities of modern physiotherapy.

Career Opportunities in Physiotherapy

A career in physiotherapy can take many different directions. This is something Courtney, as Programme Lead, has witnessed firsthand.

She explains that MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) graduates can go on to work across a wide range of areas, including musculoskeletal practice, sports medicine, hospitals, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care, paediatrics, women’s health, community healthcare, occupational health, research, education, leadership, and healthcare management.

As their careers advance, many physiotherapists also pursue postgraduate specialisation, advanced clinical training, private practice ownership, teaching, doctoral research, or leadership roles.

Student Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of Courtney’s role at Portobello Institute is seeing students grow from uncertain beginners into confident clinicians.

She shares: “I have worked with students who initially lacked confidence in clinical placements but, through structured support and feedback, went on to excel in practice and secure professional roles after graduation.

“Watching students recognise their own capabilities and succeed professionally is always meaningful.”

Advice for Students

For anyone considering a career in physiotherapy, Courtney emphasises the importance of being prepared for continuous learning and professional development.

Her advice to students is to focus on establishing effective communication skills, expanding clinical curiosity, and embracing opportunities to learn from patients, colleagues, and mentors.

“Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential as physiotherapy is fundamentally about working with people,” states Courtney.

“Beyond that, students should be dedicated to developing clinical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, professionalism, and adaptability.

“Evidence-based practice is also increasingly important. Being able to critically evaluate research and apply it appropriately is a key skill for future physiotherapists.”

Why Portobello Institute

Courtney was attracted to Portobello Institute by the opportunity to help develop a new MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme in Dublin.

“I was part of the first iteration of a new programme in the United States, so the parallels excited me,” she says. “Shaping programme development and helping prepare graduates for professional practice was particularly appealing.”

Portobello’s approach appeals to Courtney because it combines flexible study, personalised learning, career-focused education, and real-world relevance.

She explains: “Ultimately, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is being able to contribute to the development of the next generation of physiotherapists while remaining actively involved in clinical practice.

“I am passionate about helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and professional identity needed for successful careers in healthcare.”

Explore Physiotherapy at Portobello Institute

Is physiotherapy the career you’re ready to pursue? Discover how Programme Lead Dr Courtney Feike and the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme can help you take the next step into the field.

View the full programme details here.

8th February 2027 – In-person Learning

8th February 2027 – 24th May 2027  Semester 1

7th July 2027 – 24th September 2027 – Placement Preparation and Placement

4th October 2027 – 24th January 2028 – Semester 3

A provisional course schedule is available here. This schedule and dates are subject to change and are indicative of course delivery. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of this programme.

This MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) in-person weekdays delivery supports a mix of learning environments including in-person and online lectures focused on mid-week daytime delivery, practical in-person onsite classes, practical work experience, problem-based learning, common and complex case studies.

Formal teaching methods will vary depending on the relevant learning outcomes of specific units, but will include the following activity types: Lectures (Scheduled) Seminars (Scheduled) Tutorials (Scheduled) Project Supervision (Scheduled) Practical Classes and Workshops (Scheduled) Guided Independent Study (Independent).

First year begins with theory-based learning followed by a 14-week placement where you will take your theory into practice. You will then return to the class to study problem-based learning scenarios within a person-centred practice framework.

In year two, your theory will involve building upon evidence-based physiotherapy practise through research, before completing another 14-week placement and returning to campus for your final dissertation.

You are normally expected to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.

Spring ’27 Blended Learning Delivery Mode

The induction day for this programme will take place on Saturday, February 13th 2027.

Each semester runs over 15 weeks. Classes are delivered through a combination of scheduled weekend in-person days (held on either a Friday afternoon/evening, Saturday or Sunday), and weekday online evening classes, with full-time (Mon-Friday) professional placement integrated into the programme in semester 2 of each year.

  • Semester 1: Runs from February 13th to May 22nd 2027 followed by exams/assessment. There are 19 in person Saturday classes during this semester, together with online classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
  • Semester 2: Runs from 12th June 2027 to 27th September 2027. 3 in-person full day Saturday classes alongside full-time professional placement (Mon-Fri).
  • Semester 3: Runs from 5th October 2027 to 12th January 2028 followed by exams/assessments. 6 in-person weekend (Saturday) teaching days, together with online classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

A provisional class schedule is available here. These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.

This MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) utilises a mix of learning environments including online lectures, practical work experience, problem-based learning, common and complex case studies.

You are normally expected to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.

Formal teaching methods will vary depending on the relevant learning outcomes of specific units, but will include the following activity types: Lectures (Scheduled) Seminars (Scheduled) Tutorials (Scheduled) Project Supervision (Scheduled) Practical Classes and Workshops (Scheduled) Guided Independent Study (Independent).

Clinical Placements

Our MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) programme offers an innovative, approved approach to physiotherapy work placements in Ireland, designed to meet HCPC and CORU practice-based learning requirements. 

From busy sports medicine clinics to community neuro rehabilitation settings, students train where it matters most in real clinical environments, with real patients. 

Across four structured clinical placements and a minimum of 1,000 supervised clinical practice hours, students gain hands-on experience across musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and older persons care, working alongside experienced physiotherapists in clinical, community and private practice settings throughout Ireland. 

Students complete two placement modules Physiotherapy Practice 1 and Physiotherapy Practice 2 with 14 weeks of placement activity in each academic year.  

The 14 weeks of placement per year are structured to include two weeks of placement preparation, seven weeks of work placement, one week of placement preparation and seven more weeks of placement per year.  

Placements include structured feedback, helping students progressively build the skills, confidence and clinical reasoning required for professional physiotherapy practice. 

Why Our Placement Model Is Different 

Portobello Institute has developed a dedicated physiotherapy placement hub model, where students work with resident patients requiring ongoing specialist physiotherapy care, including neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and musculoskeletal practice. 

Each hub is supported by a Portobello practice educator, providing structured supervision, clinical teaching and regular feedback. With small placement groups of six to eight students, learners benefit from personalised support and the opportunity to follow patient progress over time, developing deeper clinical reasoning and continuity-of-care experience. 

In addition to hub-based placements, students may complete specialist placements to broaden their experience across physiotherapy practice. 

Students are also exposed to emerging models of practice including telehealth, simulation-based learning, health promotion and evidence-informed rehabilitation approaches, ensuring graduates are prepared for the profession as it exists today. 

Student Placement Experience 

Recent student feedback highlights the supportive learning environments, hands-on experience and clinical exposure gained during placements. 

“The staff were dedicated and a pleasure to work with. I found the placement valuable in learning how to rehab neuro and cardiopulmonary patients through designed exercise.” 

“I loved the clinic. The owners were incredible; their knowledge was such a big bonus to my learning experience. I saw so many complex cases which was great. The supervisors were a great help in helping me increase my knowledge and they pushed me to go above and beyond. This heightened my hands-on skills.” 

These experiences help students graduate with the practical skills, clinical reasoning and professional confidence required for a career in physiotherapy. 

Garda Vetting

Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.

Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.

Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.

Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.

Graduates of the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute qualify to work as physiotherapists across healthcare, rehabilitation, and sport settings.

The programme provides the clinical training, placements, and practical experience required for professional registration, preparing you to work with patients across a range of healthcare environments.

Physiotherapy Career Opportunities

This programme prepares you for roles across healthcare, rehabilitation, and clinical practice.

Typical career pathways include:

  • Physiotherapist
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
  • Neurological Physiotherapist
  • Respiratory Physiotherapist
  • Paediatric Physiotherapist
  • Sports Physiotherapist
  • Rehabilitation Specialist

These roles involve assessing and treating physical conditions, supporting recovery following injury or illness, and improving mobility, function, and quality of life.

Employers Recruiting Our Graduates

Graduates work across a wide range of healthcare and rehabilitation settings, including:

  • Public and private hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Physiotherapy clinics
  • Community healthcare services
  • Nursing homes and elderly care facilities
  • Sports organisations

These employers require qualified professionals with strong clinical skills and experience working with diverse patient groups.

Why Physiotherapy Graduates Are in Demand

Physiotherapists play a key role in modern healthcare systems.

As demand for rehabilitation, preventative care, and long-term condition management continues to grow, there is increasing need for qualified professionals across both public and private healthcare sectors.

What You Will Develop

Through this programme, you will develop:

  • Advanced clinical assessment and treatment skills
  • Knowledge of musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory rehabilitation
  • Experience working with patients across a range of healthcare settings
  • Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making skills
  • Professional competencies required for registration

This combination of clinical training and practical experience prepares you to progress into physiotherapy roles across healthcare environments.

Professional Recognition and Registration

This programme provides the training and clinical experience required to qualify as a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered physiotherapist in the UK.

As an HCPC-registered physiotherapist, you can also apply for registration with CORU, Ireland’s health and social care regulator, allowing you to practise in Ireland.

Career Opportunities in Ireland

Ireland offers strong employment opportunities for physiotherapists across public and private healthcare services.

Physiotherapists work in:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centres
  • Sports clinics and performance environments
  • Nursing homes and elderly care settings
  • Community health services
  • Private practice

Opportunities also exist in sports teams, occupational health services, and academic or research roles.

Career Opportunities in the UK

In the UK, physiotherapists work across a range of healthcare and sport environments, including:

  • NHS hospitals and services
  • Private healthcare providers
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Sports clubs and fitness organisations

Physiotherapists may specialise in areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, paediatric, or sports physiotherapy, with opportunities in research, education, and management.

International Opportunities

HCPC registration supports international career mobility, with recognition in healthcare systems in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

This provides opportunities to work across global healthcare environments and patient populations.

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.
  1. 1
    This course is now fully booked for September and October 2026. Applications are temporarily closed while we guide our existing candidates through the interview stage. This allows us to give each applicant the necessary time, attention and consideration before progressing. The next start date will be in February 2027 and applications are expected to open on Tuesday, September 1st 2026.
  2. 2
    Complete the online application form.
  3. 3
    An interview will be conducted via MS Teams to verify suitability for this programme.
  4. 4
    Confirmation of the interview outcome will be given within 7 – 10 working days. To confirm acceptance of offer, successful applicants will be required to formally accept their offer and pay the required deposit – there will be a 14 day time allowance to complete this part of the process.
  5. 5
    Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. We are unable to hold places open for applicants unable to complete the final stage of the process.

*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.

In-person Learning

Course: €16,896

€16,896.00 Year 1 total fee

Year 2
Cost per academic year: €16,896

*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.

Blended Learning

Course: €16,896

€16,896.00 Year 1 total fee

Year 2
Cost per academic year: €16,896

*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.

In-person Learning

Option 1

40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.

Option 2

33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.

  • €2,896.24 due in month 1
  • €2,896.24 due in month 2
  • €2,896.24 due in month 3
  • €2,896.24 due in month 4

Option 3

30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.

  • €1,238.37 due in month 1
  • €1,238.37 due in month 2
  • €1,238.37 due in month 3
  • €1,238.37 due in month 4
  • €1,238.37 due in month 5
  • €1,238.37 due in month 6
  • €1,238.37 due in month 7
  • €1,238.37 due in month 8
  • €1,238.37 due in month 9
  • €1,238.37 due in month 10

*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.

Blended Learning

Option 1

40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.

Option 2

33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.

  • €2,896.24 due in month 1
  • €2,896.24 due in month 2
  • €2,896.24 due in month 3
  • €2,896.24 due in month 4

Option 3

30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.

  • €1,238.37 due in month 1
  • €1,238.37 due in month 2
  • €1,238.37 due in month 3
  • €1,238.37 due in month 4
  • €1,238.37 due in month 5
  • €1,238.37 due in month 6
  • €1,238.37 due in month 7
  • €1,238.37 due in month 8
  • €1,238.37 due in month 9
  • €1,238.37 due in month 10
Through Portobello Institute’s partnership with Heritage Credit Union, eligible students may be able to access a Start Back Loan to help make course fees more manageable. It is one more way we support students to start, change or progress their career with confidence. Find out more here.

Who else has studied this course?

The alt tag
Health Science
Enya O’Carroll – Transforming a Passion for Healthcare into a Career in Physiotherapy
The alt tag
Health Science Sports
Alan Flynn – Building a Future in Physiotherapy with Shelbourne FC Placement
The alt tag
Health Science Sports
Megan O’Shea – ‘Career-focused, Practical Approach to Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy’ with Portobello Institute

MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Dublin FAQs

The full degree typically takes 2 years to complete.

This programme is available in both blended learning and in-person delivery. The blended learning option combines online learning with scheduled on-campus practical teaching, while the in-person option is delivered through weekday, on-campus lectures. Students on both delivery modes are required to complete mandatory work placements as part of the programme.

No, you will not be automatically registered to CORU upon completion of this course. 
 
This programme is HCPC-approved and offers an established route to apply for CORU registration in Ireland, but you will need to register before you become a practicing physiotherapist.

This qualification is designed to prepare you for a professional career in physiotherapy across settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health services, private practice, sports clinics and elderly care.

Yes. Payment plans are available, with an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments.

Yes. You need a relevant science-based degree to apply for this course. 
 
This includes subjects such as sport and exercise science, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, human biology, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare studies.

Whether you choose the blended learning or in-person delivery option, you should plan for a significant time commitment throughout the programme. The blended learning pathway offers greater flexibility by combining online learning with scheduled on-campus practical teaching; however, all students must complete mandatory placement blocks, which typically take place five days per week. We recommend considering your work and personal commitments before applying.

You will complete more than 1,000 supervised clinical practice hours across the programme through structured physiotherapy placements built into both academic years.

Yes. Graduates of BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy have a direct progression pathway onto the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), giving students a clear next step into a professional physiotherapy career.

Yes, you can apply directly, provided you hold a relevant degree that meets the academic standard for entry and can attend in-person modules. Portobello Institute cannot support student visa applications, but we can accept international qualifications. 
 
If English is not your first language, you will need to 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. 

Speak to an expert

Peter Doyle


I guide prospective students interested in Health Science at Portobello Institute, helping them explore their options with confidence and identify the educational pathway that best aligns with their future career ambitions. As an initial point of contact, I love introducing students to the Portobello Institute experience, learning about their goals, passions, and aspirations, and guiding them as they take the next step towards a rewarding career in health sciences. I am deeply passionate about widening access to education and recognise that every learner brings a unique story, background, and set of experiences. I take pride in offering supportive, personalised guidance that helps each student feel informed, encouraged, and empowered to pursue their goals.

Book a consultation

Our Partners

UOE
LJMU
HSU
IWFM
LMU
Approved QQI Award Provider