Explained: What Is a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science Conversion Course?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science is a tailored “conversion” programme designed for graduates from non‑health disciplines such as arts, business, or engineering who aspire to retrain as physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or other allied health professionals.

Hosted by Portobello Institute, in partnership with Health Sciences University, this Level 9, four‑month certificate, delivered entirely online to students anywhere in the world provides the essential academic foundation needed to progress into postgraduate healthcare training.

Who Is It For?

This course is ideal for:

• Graduates holding at least a 2.2 honours degree in any subject.
• Individuals aiming to enter regulated health sectors such as physiotherapy, SLT, occupational therapy or other areas without prior science or health qualifications.
• Those seeking flexible, blended learning to balance study with existing work or personal commitments.
• Career changers or professionals wanting to update their biological sciences, anatomy, psychology or sociology knowledge.
• It's also suitable for those working in allied health sciences looking to upskill or gain CPD.

What Will You Learn?

The programme spans four modules totalling 60 CATS (30 ECTS) credits:

• Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Biopsychosocial Approaches in Healthcare (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Professional Practice in Healthcare (10 credits)

• Choose one 20-credit optional module:

• Lifespan Health and Development, or
• Therapeutic Exercise

Together, these modules provide:

• Core scientific knowledge in anatomy, physiology, development and disease.
• Understanding of psychological and social factors affecting health (the biopsychosocial model).
• Insight into professional practice, patient‑centred care and ethical considerations.
• Research skills and academic study techniques essential for success in postgraduate healthcare programmes.

Why Choose This Conversion Pathway?

1. Build the Prerequisites
   Gain the scientific credits and academic base required for entry to MSc programmes in physiotherapy, SLT, occupational therapy and related health science pathways.

2. Flexible Format
   Designed for busy individuals, the course uses blended learning - online lectures, webinars and one‑to‑one tutorials - offering both structure and autonomy .

3. Clear Progression
   Graduates receive a Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate awarded by Health Sciences University. Academic advisors then support progression into postgraduate degrees in Ireland, the UK or internationally.

4. Short, Focused Timeline
   At just four months long, the autumn intake runs from September to January, enabling fast‑track advancement into master’s level study.

Entry Requirements & Fees

• Minimum 2.2 bachelor’s honours degree in any discipline.
• For non-native English speakers: IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 each band), or equivalent qualifications Portobello Institute.
• Course fee: approximately €3,795, with flexible payment plans available Portobello Institute.

Who Could Benefit Most?

• Career changers ready to enter allied health professions.
• Graduates who never studied science but are passionate about patient-centred care.
• Educators or social care professionals seeking to transition into healthcare.
• International students planning to pursue healthcare qualifications in the UK or Ireland.

Final Take

If you're keen to work in an allied health field but didn’t study a health science degree, this conversion course offers a direct, accelerated bridge into postgraduate training.

With robust academic grounding, flexible delivery and expert guidance, it's a smart first step toward a meaningful career in healthcare.

Visit our health science faculty to find out more.