University of Limerick - Physiotherapy

Course Overview/Contact:

Application Deadline:       Applications for the MSc Physiotherapy commencing in August 2017 will open in Autumn 2016 with a likely closing date of 9th February 2017.              Programme Specific FAQs

All applicants for this programme must sit the GAMSAT exam to be eligible to be offered a place (see entry requirements page). Further information on the exam format and dates is available from https://gamsat.acer.edu.au/gamsat-ireland
The test date is 14 September 2016 and 25th March 2017. You must either register to sit the GAMSAT exam OR have a test score from the last two years before you apply for the programme as you will be required to supply your GAMSAT ID Number on your application to the University of Limerick.  Please check the GAMSAT website for further information and registration dates.

Those in final year of a Level 8 Degree can apply before graduation and may be offered a conditional place (depending on GAMSAT scores) subject to providing evidence of 2h2 or higher in their undergraduate degree

Building on the success of the existing professional qualification programmes (BSc in Physiotherapy, MSc in Occupational Therapy and MSc in Speech and Language Therapy), from August 2015 the Department of Clinical Therapies are offering a two-year Masters (Professional Qualification) in Physiotherapy, Level 9 (NQAI).

The programme aims to develop graduates who are able to:

• Synthesise theoretical and conceptual knowledge of the cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal systems to the practice of physiotherapy.
• Be competent in the delivery of physiotherapy interventions for the effective rehabilitation and management of people with a range of conditions.
• Competently prescribe, and monitor physiotherapy interventions responsibly, based on a clinically-reasoned approach following an appropriate assessment and diagnosis.
• Apply specialist knowledge and understanding of movement and movement dysfunction to clinical practice.
• Use an innovative and creative approach to meet evolving service developments and healthcare needs.
• Perform effectively and professionally within a health care team.
• Adopt and facilitate a collaborative, holistic , proactive and professional approach to healthcare practice.
• Articulate and integrate the advanced critical thinking and reflective skills required to be autonomous lifelong learners.
• Use an evidence-based approach in practice which integrates research findings into patient assessment and management.
• Integrate the ethical, social and cultural dimensions of healthcare within clinical judgement.
• Articulate ideas clearly, effectively, collaboratively and professionally to patients, carers, the multidisciplinary team and other relevant stakeholders.

Contact
Dr. Susan Coote
Tel: 353-61-234232
Website: www.ul.ie/clinicaltherapies
Email: clinicaltherapies@ul.ie

Graduate Profile:

Graduates* will be licensed to practice in Ireland and eligible for registration in other parts of the world. Graduates will be able to work in a diverse range of environments including schools, hospitals and community settings

*programmes subject to accreditation by professional (ISCP) and statutory (CORU) bodies. 

Programme Content:

Year 1
Semester 1 - Autumn	Semester 2 - Spring	Semester 3 - Summer
Foundations of Physiotherapy Enquiry in Healthcare 1 Preparation for Practice Education Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care Neurological Physiotherapy	Exercise and Participation in the Community Enquiry in Healthcare 2 Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapy Neuromusculoskeletal cases	Practice Education 1 Practice Education 2 Research Project 1
Year 2
Semester 4 - Autumn	Semester 5 - Spring
Practice Education 3 Research Project 2 Chronic Inflammatory States Multisystem Physiotherapy Cases	Innovation in management for Health & Social Care Practice Education 4 Research Project 3 Engaging through Complexity

 *Exemptions from modules will only be granted if the student has previously completed the same module.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must have attained an award of at least a 2.2 in their undergraduate degree (Level 8 National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or an existing postgraduate degree. The type of previous undergraduate degree awarded is not a limiting factor in terms of eligibility.

For candidates who meet this requirement, the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test) will be used as the sole instrument to select students for this programme. GAMSAT exam takes place on the 14th September 2016 25th March 2017, and applicants must register for, and complete this, independently. All three components of the GAMSAT must be completed and will be used in the assessment. Registration for GAMSAT closes 5.15pm GMT on the 2nd of February 2017.

GAMSAT scores are used to rank applicants and the lowest score we offer at will change from year to year based on the number and scores of applicants.

Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements* of the University.   The University reserves the right to shortlist applicants as deemed necessary.

Garda Vetting

Successful completion of the Garda Vetting process, Health Screening & Vaccinations Certification and CPR certification are programme requirements for this degree programme. Health Screening/Vaccination Certificates will incur costs to the student.  Click here for information on Garda Clearance. 

*English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):
Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – composite score 8 and not less than 7 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

Applications must include:

• A completed postgraduate studies application form (online)
• Qualification transcripts and certificates, including certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• English language qualification if English is not your first language.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document).