Physiotherapy

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants must apply directly to UCD. Please consult UCD Global for further information about the non-EU application process. 

EU Applicants

If you will hold a level 8 NFQ Honours degree with at least a 2.2 Hons award (or equivalent) in any discipline by end of June 2026, you are eligible to apply for entry to year 1 of the BSc Physiotherapy degree in UCD.

If your level 8 NFQ degree is in an Exercise or Health Science discipline, you may be considered for entry to year 2 of the BSc Physiotherapy degree if you can demonstrate equivalence with year 1 of the course on the basis of the UCD Recognition of Prior Learning policy. 

Applicants in the final year of their degree will be a considered on the basis of the information provided and a Conditional Offer may be made, subject to achieving the minimum overall grade in their degree. Final results must be submitted as soon as the applicant receives them.

A minimum grade O6 (previously OD3) in a laboratory science subject the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is also required. Please see the What is the application procedure? and How are applications assessed? sections below for futher information.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants must apply directly to UCD. Please consult UCD Global for further information about the non-EU application process. 

EU Applicants

EU applicants must apply via the (opens in a new window)Central Applications Office (CAO) for the course code DN420 Physiotherapy.

The application closing date is 5.15pm on 1 February prior to entry. Late applications will not be accepted. 

You must tick box 6 "Third-Level Higher Education" in the Qualifications & Assessment Summary section of the CAO application. In the subsequent Third-level Higher Education section, indicate in the "Brief Description" box that you wish to apply for the Graduate Entry pathway.

You must submit your supporting documentation to CAO within 10 days of applying online. Please see the How are applications assessed?  section for further details of what is required.

All previous third level attendance(s) must be declared on your CAO application – please see Transfer Restrictions - All Applicants for further information.

Applications will be ranked on the basis of: 

1. Academic Ability (Honours Bachelor’s degree [NFQ Level 8] at the minimum level of 2.2 Hons).
   A copy of your final award and a full transcript of degree must be submitted.
2. Science background
   A minimum grade O6 (previously OD3) in a laboratory science subject in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is required.
3. Motivation and Interest
   A personal statement must be included explaining:
   • Your reasons for wishing to undertake a Physiotherapy degree;
   • Your knowledge of research and healthcare issues;
   • How this degree will contribute to your plans for the future.
4. Work Experience
   Include a brief CV with details of any relevant work experience and/or involvement in social, medical or voluntary activities.
   You should show evidence of continuing professional development and achievements and details any experience or activities which demonstrate your ability to work independently and display initiative.
5. References
   Two reference letters/letters of recommendation (one academic and one relating to work experience).
6. Interview
   Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend for interview.

Applicants in the final year of their degree will be a considered on the basis of the information provided and a Conditional Offer may be made, subject to achieving the minimum overall grade in their degree. Final results must be submitted as soon as the applicant receives them.

• If you have any additional queries relating to this degree programme, please do not hesitate to contact the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science;
  Tel: +353-1-716 6500;
  Email: (opens in a new window)physio.therapy@ucd.ie
  
  
• You can find useful information on Physiotherapy (opens in a new window)course content and career opportunities at this link.
  
  
• All previous third level attendance(s) must be declared on your CAO application – please see Transfer Restrictions - All Applicants for further information.
  
  
• Applicants who accept an offer will need to verify their original transcript and evidence of degree award directly with UCD. This is called Qualification Check and is required for non-UCD degrees only - it is not necessary for UCD degrees.
  
  
• Healthcare Screening and Police Vetting: If you are admitted, you will be required to undergo a mandatory healthcare screening process & Garda (police) vetting.

Graduate entry programmes are not part of the “Free Fees" Initiative. Please see the UCD Fees website for full information about fees for this programme. This is an level 8 (NFQ) undergraduate degree programme so the undergraduate fees rules apply.

If you were born in, have at any time resided in or hold citizenship of a country outside of the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation/UK, you must complete a formal fee status assessment for UCD. You must complete this process in good time prior to the application closing date. Further information about this process, including a checklist of required supporting documentation, is available on the UCD Fees website. 

Non-EU applicants must apply directly to UCD. Please consult UCD Global for further information about the non-EU application process. 

For undergraduate programmes (including graduate entry routes to undergraduate programmes), EU applicants must apply via the (opens in a new window)Central Applications Office (CAO).