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 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
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded an MSc in Physiotherapy from Health Sciences University aligned to level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202195 |
| Course Location | Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Masters Degree |
| Awarding Body Details | MSc |
| Course Start Date | 10th October 2026 |
| Course Duration | Two years |
| Course Fee | €16,896.00 |
| Entry Requirements | 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. |
| Career Path | 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. |
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science is designed to provide a rigorous academic foundation for graduates seeking progression into allied health professions at Master’s level.
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.
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.
The MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute offers a high-quality, professionally recognised pathway for those seeking to qualify and practise as Speech and Language Therapists in Ireland.
