School of Physiotherapy

Report by Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head of School of Physiotherapy

The RCSI School of Physiotherapy delivers pre-registration physiotherapy education (BSc Physiotherapy), a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Rehabilitation, an MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Master’s by Research, Professional Doctorate and PhD programmes. Our vision is to create a positive educational environment that supports student learning whilst nurturing their physical and mental well-being.

Approval of new physiotherapy curriculum

An innovative new physiotherapy curriculum was approved by the Medicine and Health Sciences Board in May 2025 and will commence delivery in autumn 2025. The school completed a four-stage redesign process, partnering with students through a StEP project, and engaging in wide consultation with clinical partners and external stakeholders. The revised programme aligns with RCSI’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2023-2027.

Growth of Undergraduate programme with DFHERIS support

Due to the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Ireland, the School secured two separate bids from the Department of Further and Higher Education to increase our CAO intake, growing from 28 students in September 2023 to 48 in September 2025. This significant expansion has seen a concurrent growth in our staff numbers to ensure the delivery of a high-quality student experience.

First physiotherapy IEF event

In June 2025, the School hosted our first dedicated session at the International Education Forum (IEF), where we shared the new BSc Physiotherapy curriculum with RCSI academic and professional stakeholders as part of the programme’s implementation plan. The session generated valuable insights and feedback. Dr Dara Cassidy, Head of Digital Education, also led a productive workshop exploring generative AI and plans for updating assessment design, in response to the marked growth in student use of GenAI tools internationally.

Postgraduate developments

To meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce, there has been a significant expansion in our postgraduate programmes. Our MSc in Neurology and Gerontology underwent a review and redesign, resulting in a new name – PG Cert/Dip/MSc in Rehabilitation – with more flexible study options. This commences in autumn 2025.

A new MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy will also launch in Autumn 2025. In addition, our micro-credential offering has expanded, in collaboration with RCSI Online, offering innovative, tailored online/hybrid programmes. Notably, the micro-credential in paediatric disability welcomed 36 students in its first term, meeting the needs of advanced physiotherapy practitioners.