School of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a science based healthcare profession which primarily adopts a physical approach aimed at the promotion, maintenance and restoration of the individual's physical, psychological and social well-being.

Physiotherapists have an important role to play in the health care of people of all ages who have lost movement or ability following an accident or illness. Using skills in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement re-education, and electrotherapy, physiotherapists aim to assist people to resume as active and independent a life as possible.

The BSc. Physiotherapy degree at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is a qualification for people who want to practice physiotherapy in the Irish healthcare system or in private practice. Graduates from this degree course are automatically eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Career Opportunities

A BSc in Physiotherapy is an internationally recognised qualification and physiotherapists are in demand in most areas of the world. Physiotherapists work in both the public and private sectors, in such locations as hospitals, health centres, private practices, nursing homes, schools, sites of industry and sports clubs. Physiotherapy encompasses many well established specialty areas such as orthopaedics, paediatrics, cardiorespiratory, care of the elderly, neurology, rheumatology, musculoskeletal, sports medicine and women's health; as well as newer specialties such as animal physiotherapy and intellectual disability.

Physiotherapy at RCSI

RCSI offers a three year BSc Physiotherapy programme to applicants with a primary degree. Applicants with school-leaving qualifications are required to initially complete a foundation year.

The aim of the School of Physiotherapy is to educate professionally safe, competent, reflective and analytical physiotherapists who possess a sound scientific knowledge base, an understanding of the value of research and analysis, are responsive to the needs of clients and carers and are aware of the dynamic diversity of healthcare environments in which they practice.