MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute Dublin - Course Overview

If you aspire to become a registered physiotherapist, the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) course at Portobello Institute in Dublin offers a structured and rigorous pathway to becoming a qualified physiotherapist.

In this article, we dive into what the programme involves, who it’s for, how it’s delivered, and what your prospects will be after graduation.

Why choose this MSc programme?

Ireland’s health sector is the country’s third-largest employer, and there is a consistent need for skilled physiotherapists. The number of training places for physiotherapy remains limited, making targeted programmes like this one particularly valuable.

Physiotherapists are skilled professionals in high demand, listed on the Department of Enterprise Critical Skills Occupation List which documents employment areas where there is a shortage in respect of qualifications, experience or skills which are required for the proper functioning of the economy.

This MSc programme is accredited by HCPC offering you a guaranteed path to CORU registration through commonly aligned standards of MSc programmes.

The registration process with CORU takes two weeks and ensures you are eligible to work as a qualified and registered physiotherapist immediately after graduation.

By combining strong academic foundations with extensive clinical experience, the programme positions graduates for meaningful and impactful careers in physiotherapy.

Read More: Alan Flynn – Building a Future in Physiotherapy with Shelbourne FC Placement

Who is this programme for?

You should consider applying if you:

• Hold an honours (BSc) degree in a relevant science discipline (e.g. sport & exercise science, sports therapy, human biology, anatomy & physiology).

• Are a qualified professional in a related health field (such as nursing, midwifery, or allied health). 

• Are willing to commit to full-time, weekday in-person study over two years.

• If you are coming from a different undergraduate background, you can complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science to gain access onto the MSc Physiotherapy - talk to our career consultants about your pathway.

Entry is competitive: Applicants undergo a 15-minute interview (via MS Teams) and their undergraduate performance, experience, and commitment to the profession are taken into account.

Duration, structure & delivery

• Duration: 2 years (full time)

• Intakes: February and September (e.g. February 9, 2026, and September 21, 2026)

• Fees: €16,896.00 per year

Learning modes

The programme uses a blended learning approach, combining:

• In-person lectures and practical classes

• Online lectures

• Problem-based learning and case studies

• Clinical placements

• Practical work within on-site clinics

Placements & practical experience

A key strength of the MSc is its emphasis on real-world clinical training. Each year you’ll complete two seven-week placements, exposing you to a broad variety of service users and settings (both voluntary and private).

These placements are designed to build your competence, confidence, and readiness for professional practice, under the supervision of practising clinicians and educators.

Read More: Áine Barron – Focus on Flexibility and Work Experience with MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

Curriculum and modules

The MSc spans foundation, skills, and advanced practice modules across the two years. Some of the core modules include:

Professional recognition & career paths

By completing this MSc, graduates become eligible to apply for HCPC registration in the UK. The alignment with CORU means you can also follow a recognised route to physiotherapy registration in Ireland through a short two week process.

This dual recognition gives you flexibility in career geography and enables opportunities in public and private healthcare settings, rehabilitation, sports medicine, research, teaching, and private practice.

Application timeline & process

• Applications open for the 2026 intakes

• Interview period: online interviews at set dates in 2025 - check the course page for details.

To apply, prospective students must first submit an application via the course page, which then leads to securing an interview. 

Conclusion

The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute offers a robust, accredited, and professionally recognised route to becoming a physiotherapist.

With strong academic grounding, repeated clinical placements, and regulation alignment for HCPC and CORU, this programme is well designed for graduates keen to make a difference in health and rehabilitation.

If you’re ready to take this step, explore the course page, download a brochure, or book a consultation to get personalised career guidance from our team.