利莫利克大学

Why study Physiotherapy at UL?

This programme is designed to prepare graduates who will contribute to the development of Physiotherapy worldwide through their ability to act as competent, reflective and innovative practitioners, and through their expertise in evidence- based practice. During the 4 years, there will be opportunities for you to engage in shared learning with other students at the University of Limerick, and be involved in peer learning and assessment.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is a four-year degree programme which includes a total of 31 weeks clinical practice in the last two years of the programme. The first year provides a foundation in Anatomy and Physiology, communication and behaviour, and an Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice. Over the remaining three years you will undertake studies in the various disciplines of physiotherapy including cardiorespiratory care, clinical neurology and musculoskeletal disorders for people across the lifespan. Research and evidence-based practice are core elements underpinning the programme.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is a four-year degree programme which includes a total of 31 weeks clinical practice in the last two years of the programme. The first year provides a foundation in Anatomy and Physiology, communication and behaviour, and an Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice. Over the remaining three years you will undertake studies in the various disciplines of physiotherapy including cardiorespiratory care, clinical neurology and musculoskeletal disorders for people across the lifespan. Research and evidence-based practice are core elements underpinning the programme.

Programme Content & Structure

Year 1

Basic biomedical sciences form the major component of the first year of the programme and provide a basis upon which knowledge from other modules and later years are built. The modules studied are: Human Anatomy and Physiology; Health Informatics; Exercise and Health Fitness and Introduction to Physiotherapy Skills.

Year 2

The assessment, evaluation and management of disability provide the focus for this year of the programme. Physiotherapy modules therefore predominate, as the student is introduced to the management of respiratory musculoskeletal and neurological problems. The student will begin their study of research and evidence based practice in the Enquiry in Healthcare module.

Year 3

This year contains physiotherapy modules that encourage students to develop their practical, evaluative and interpersonal skills at a higher level and consider the needs of clients with complex problems, reflecting on their clinical practice experience. Research Methodology is studied in preparation for the final year research project.

Year 4

Year four introduces two case-based modules that provide students with the opportunities to engage in discipline specific and inter-professional learning through multi-complex cases scenarios. Independent learning is promoted through the work on a final year project.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme will be eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and will be equipped to work in clinical practice in Ireland and other countries where their chartered status is recognised. Graduates of the programme work in all areas of clinical practice in HSE, for voluntary bodies and in private practice.