Physiotherapy

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and one other recognised subject.

• H indicates minimum grade at Higher Level Leaving Certificate
• O indicates minimum grade at Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate

Eligible applicants are awarded Irish Leaving Certificate points on the basis of their best six recognised subjects, from a single Irish Leaving Certificate sitting, as follows:

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The six highest subject scores will be counted to achieve a cumulative points score. The bonus points for Mathematics will only be relevant in cases where the subject Higher Level Mathematics is scored as one of the applicant’s six best subjects for points scoring purposes.

If you are an EU A-Level applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

• Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C) and four passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a laboratory science and a second language.

AND

2. Meet the minimum Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points calculated on the basis of the following:

• The best three A-Level subjects from one academic year and one AS Level in a different subject from the same or preceding academic year; or
• The best four A-Level subjects from one academic year. If four A-Level subjects are presented, the fourth subject is scored at a lower rate.
• Only A-Level grades awarded at the same date can be considered for computation.
• A maximum of four distinct recognised subjects will be counted.
• Applicants are scored on the basis of their best four A-Levels, or three A-Levels and an AS Level in a different subject from the same or preceding year (note one A-Level grade from the previous year may be substituted for an AS grade but will only be scored as an AS).
• Grades in the same subject in A-Level and AS Level cannot be combined.

As a guide, Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points are calculated using the following conversion table (please note that GCE A Level scoring is currently under review for entry via CAO from 2025 onwards):

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade E or above in A-Level Mathematics will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. This will only apply to one Mathematics subject out of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics and is only where that subject is used as one of the subjects for points scoring purposes. (N.B. Mathematics and Pure Mathematics cannot be combined for points purposes.)
• Points guide 2023: As a guide, the 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to RCSI’s Undergraduate Physiotherapy programme was 566*, which is approximately equivalent to 3 x A* in your three best A-Levels plus a D in your fourth best AS Level subject (or a similar combination).

*If the minimum points requirement has an asterisk (*), this indicates that all applicants with a score greater than that score (e.g. 567 and higher) were offered a place. In 2023, all applicants who achieved a combined score of exactly 566 were not guaranteed an offer however and random selection was applied instead.

If you are an EU International Baccalaureate (IB) applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

• Present three subjects at Higher Level (minimum Grade 5) and three subjects at Standard Level (minimum Grade 4), to include English, Mathematics, a laboratory science and a second language.
• Applicants presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 4 in Standard Level English (either English A1, A2 or B). Applicants not presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level English (either English A1, A2 or B). Alternatively, applicants must meet the English language requirements as outlined in the Minimum English language requirements below.
• Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable. 

AND

2. Meet the minimum points requirements, the calculation of which is outlined below:

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade 4 or above in Higher Level Mathematics only will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. The subject Mathematics Studies is not acceptable for bonus points purposes.
• Points guide 2023: As a guide, the 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to RCSI’s Undergraduate Physiotherapy programme was 566*, which is approximately equivalent to an overall score of 42 IB points.

*If the minimum points requirement has an asterisk (*), this indicates that all applicants with a score greater than that score (e.g. 567 and higher) were offered a place. In 2023, all applicants who achieved a combined score of exactly 566 were not guaranteed an offer however and random selection was applied instead.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and one other recognised subject.

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C or above) and four passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum of a Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a laboratory science and a second language to be considered for the programme.

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) recognised Level 6 Access to Science awards are accepted in lieu of the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school examinations for Mature Entry routes only.

If you are undertaking (or considering joining) a particular Access to Science course, please contact the Admissions Office to confirm the specific entry requirements required for entry via the Mature Entry pathway.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and one other recognised subject.

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C or above) and four passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum of a Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a laboratory science and a second language to be considered for the programme.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Applicants must present a minimum of three A-level subjects* with minimum grades of BBB, to include one of the following laboratory science subjects: Biology, Physics or Chemistry.

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at GCSE level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics.

*All A Level subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 12 and 13). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.

Applicants must attain a minimum score of 32 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points).

The IB Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include English, Mathematics** and at least one laboratory science subject (Chemistry, Biology or Physics).

*All IB Diploma subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 11 and 12). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.
**Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for application to RCSI

ATAR required: 75%

Applicants must present a minimum of 70% in two of the following four subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics in Year 12.

Australian Foundation Programmes

The following foundation programmes are eligible for consideration for entry to the School of Physiotherapy:

• Monash University Program*
• Trinity College Foundation Program at the University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland Foundation Program
• University of New South Wales Foundation Program

Students who have completed one of the above Australian foundation programmes presenting English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology and with a minimum overall score of 75% will be eligible for consideration to the Undergraduate Physiotherapy programme. No individual module score should be less than 65%.

Please note:
Other foundation programmes not listed above may be considered. Enquiries should be emailed to the RCSI Admissions Office.

*Both Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics will be accepted for those applying via the Monash University Program

Canadian High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum average score of 80% in Grade 12, which must include minimum scores of 75% in two of the following subjects: Chemistry or Biology and Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

Applicants presenting the CAPE examinations must have achieved the following scores in unit 2:

CAPE Exam Scores of I, II, II (with at least two science subjects from the group: Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Environmental Sciences).

Applicants will be expected to take the four core subjects plus three elective subjects and to achieve minimum scores of Levels 5, 5 and 4 from the subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Minimum scores of Level 3 must be achieved in all remaining subjects.

In addition, applicants must achieve HKDSE English Language Level 5 or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

Applicants must hold a bona-fide certificate of completion issued by the CBSE or CISCE.

Applicants must present a minimum average score of 75% across four subjects in Grade 12, to include minimum scores of 70% in Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics. 

Applicants must present a minimum of three S.T.P.M with minimum grades of BBB, to include Mathematics and one of the following laboratory science subjects: Biology, Physics or Chemistry.

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at S.P.M level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics.

Choueifat International School graduates are eligible for consideration for RCSI’s Physiotherapy programme, depending on their combination of subjects/education systems presented at the time of application.

Applicants must present at least two science subjects from the group: Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Physics, with minimum grades of B at A-level, 4 at Advanced Placement, or 5 in the International Baccalaureate.

Applicants must complete their Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement) and achieve minimum grades of BBBBC (66665).

American High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in Grade 12, including minimum GPA of 3.0 in two of the following subjects: Chemistry or Biology and Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

Students who graduate from government/public and bilingual high school programmes that are delivered throughout the Middle East cannot apply for direct entry to RCSI. Such students must complete a recognised pre-university/foundation programme (see sample list below) prior to applying to RCSI.

Applicants who have undertaken A-Level or IB examinations may be eligible for direct entry to RCSI’s Undergraduate Physiotherapy programme and should refer to the relevant sections above.

Students who graduate from high school systems that do not meet the National University of Ireland (NUI) regulations for direct entry to the Undergraduate programmes offered at RCSI may undertake a recognised pre-university/foundation programme and apply to RCSI on the basis of the results obtained in their selected programme. RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

The following is a listing of pre-university/foundation programmes offered in a number of centres throughout Ireland, the UK and globally:

*Further information on the IFG Medical Foundation Programme is available on their website.
**In Ireland, the NCUK International Foundation Year is offered at DIFC. Further information on NCUK, including centres where the International Foundation Year is offered, is available on their website.

Below is a listing of UK-based pre-university/foundation programmes. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other foundation programmes not listed below may be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the RCSI Admissions Office. Again, RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.