Course Overview
Do you want to become a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or speech and language therapist or another related health science profession—but don’t have a health-related degree?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science at Portobello Institute is designed specifically for people like you: graduates from non-health backgrounds who want to enter a professional healthcare career. This flexible, supportive course provides the academic foundation and prerequisite modules needed to progress to postgraduate training in regulated health professions.
This course supports you to build a strong foundation in key areas like anatomy, physiology, human development, disease, psychology, and sociology, which are essential for studying allied health specialties at the Master’s level.
It provides insights into professional practice and the roles of allied health professionals, equipping you to understand the care needs of diverse patient groups. This knowledge will assist you in clarifying your career goals and aligning their further studies with specific career paths.
The programme emphasises developing research skills and transferable competencies through independent study and self-directed research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to succeed in further studies and dynamic clinical settings.
Who Is This Programme For?
This course is ideal if you:
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Hold an undergraduate degree (any discipline)
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Want to retrain in a healthcare profession (e.g. Physiotherapy, OT, SLT)
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Need the science and health credits required for postgraduate entry
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Are looking for a flexible, accessible route to a new career in health
This course is also suitable for those who already hold a degree in a related healthcare or science field but wish to refresh their knowledge, as well as healthcare professionals seeking continuous professional development opportunities.
Upon successful completion of this programme you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science. This is awarded by Health Sciences University (HSU) and is aligned with a level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Progression Opportunities
This programme equips you with the entry requirements needed to apply for a range of MSc programmes in:
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Speech and Language Therapy
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Other health science fields
Our academic advisors will support you in identifying suitable postgraduate pathways in Ireland, the UK, or internationally.
*CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science is tailored for online learning, offering one-on-one tutorial support and modular webinars to guide you through each module. Ideal for busy professionals, it allows flexibility while pursuing your postgraduate qualification.
Each module starts with an induction webinar, providing an opportunity to meet your lead lecturer. With the convenience of online access, you can attend lectures remotely and revisit them later.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.
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3You will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place by email.
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4Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed.
Course: €3,795
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€1,316.70), 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 €195.
- €668.33 due in month 1
- €668.33 due in month 2
- €668.33 due in month 3
- €668.33 due in month 4
