Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (SUSA)

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals responsible for developing, maintaining and restoring movement and functional ability in adults and children using evidence-based practice. Studying a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at UCD will provide you with the skills and qualifications required to practice as a physiotherapist upon graduation. With state-of-the-art facilities and globally recognised researchers as lecturers, you will learn in a culture of established academic excellence.

Digital technologies have the potential to make an enormous impact in the intersecting fields of health, wellness and sport. We are witnessing a global healthcare crisis, with an ageing and more sedentary population, rising healthcare costs and an undersupply of healthcare practitioners. At the same time, we also see the promise that digital transformation could bring to the healthcare sector, with the possibility of more proactive and preventive care in the home and community setting, and advanced personalised therapies in the acute setting. However, the process of digital transformation in healthcare is complex and slow, and we are yet to see a revolutionary transformation as we have seen in the entertainment and travel sectors. 

On the other hand, in the wellness and sports sectors we are seeing a rapid adoption of digital technologies - however in this case the value proposition is not always clear. In this module we will introduce the key concepts associated with use of digital technologies in these fields and will explore the benefits and challenges of digital transformation through examination of case studies in different contexts, with a specific focus on applications in Physiotherapy and Sport Science. The module will be delivered in a series of lectures and students will be tasked with reading targeted papers/reports and implementing tools in practice where appropriate. 

Why is this course for me?

The vision of the UCD BSc Physiotherapy Programme is to educate physiotherapists: 

• Who are highly skilled autonomous practitioners that demonstrate a whole-person and compassionate approach to patient care using evidence and research skills to inform and advance physiotherapy practice. 
• Who demonstrate advocacy and leadership for clients and the profession in local, national and global dynamic healthcare environments. 

Student profile

The BSc Physiotherapy Programme is recognised by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Regulatory Body, as an approved programme.

This course leads to one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare: Chartered Physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy is the study and application of the scientific knowledge and professional skills required for the promotion of optimal health and well-being of adults and children through physical means. In addition to UCD based learning you’ll spend over 1,000 hours on supervised clinical education in hospitals and clinical centres throughout Ireland and abroad (optional). UCD’s full-time BSc Physiotherapy degree is accredited by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, and will appeal to students who enjoy science and caring for people.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

• Understand key concepts associated application of digital technologies in key areas related to physiotherapy and sports science.
• Recognise the potential opportunities/benefits and implementation challenges associated with digital technologies in physiotherapy and sports science, focusing on issues such as digital and health literacy, clinical and economic impacts, data privacy and security with respect to appropriate legislation, ethical and responsible application of AI in healthcare, and change management.
• Apply evidence-informed practice by being able to synthesise available research evidence and apply structured evaluation frameworks to digital solutions for specific treatment/intervention applications in physiotherapy and sports performance, gaining an overall appreciation in how digital technologies can be incorporated into professional practice.
• Present, discuss and evaluate specific examples of digitally enabled pathways and solutions in different settings. 

Indicative module content

• Introduction & key concepts - the opportunity 
• Defining digital health, connected health, e-health, mobile health
• Challenges: adoption, change, sustainability, interoperability, privacy and security, digital literacy, ethical and responsible AI 
• Consumer grade wearables and associated mobile apps
• Digitally enabled wellness and lifestyle programmes 
• Digital supports for chronic disease management
• Virtual Reality supported Chronic Pain Management 
• Digitally enabled triage and screening services 
• Advances in measurement of human behaviour and performance 
• Interactive exercise biofeedback technologies and digitally supported rehabilitation 
• Digitally enabled sports performance capability measurement 
• Use of digital technologies to support clinical assessment 
• Use of robotic technologies in rehabilitation 
• Evidence synthesis and application of evaluation frameworks in digital health 
• Regulatory aspects of digital wellness and health 
• AI and large language models in the clinical setting

Professional work experience

You will complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical placements in Ireland, at our partner teaching hospitals, primary care clinics and specialist centres. There are elective placements in fourth year.

International Study Opportunities

These currently include Erasmus programme opportunities in third year with Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, as well as elective placement opportunities in fourth year in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates in Physiotherapy have found employment in different roles across the world, in:

• Hospitals and private practice
• Primary care
• Rehabilitation centres and nursing homes
• Non-government agencies (e.g. Goal, Concern)
• Education
• Business, sport and leisure industries

Graduates can also apply for a range of disciplinary and general graduate taught (graduate certificate, diploma, MSc) and research (MSc and PhD) programmes in Ireland and abroad.