Therapeutic Exercise
€750
Therapeutic exercise is a core treatment used in physiotherapy practice. This module aims to increase knowledge on the benefits of physical activity and exercise, and to develop skills and advanced reasoning of therapeutic exercise for use in physiotherapy practice.
Micro-credential
3 months
Hybrid - Part-time
5 ECTS
20 October 2025
About
This module uses a case-based approach to integrate knowledge, practical skills and advanced clinical reasoning to design, apply, justify and evaluate the outcome of evidence-based safe tailored physical activity and exercise programmes
The course, from the RCSI School of Physiotherapy, is delivered part-time in a hybrid model with online material for participants to access in their own time and prior to workshops/classes. This self-directed learning is followed by scheduled in-person workshops and classes in RCSI's St Stephen's Green campus.
This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
Apply advanced clinical reasoning to justify therapeutic exercise in the context of evolving evidence
Perform safe, appropriate and evidence-based assessment for exercise prescription
Design, apply, justify and evaluate the outcome of evidence-based safe tailored exercise programmes for a range of populations
Suitable for
This programme is ideal for physiotherapists hoping to expand their knowledge and skills in the area of therapeutic exercise.
Faculty highlight
Biography
Prof. Helen French
Prof. French is an Associate Professor in the RCSI School of Physiotherapy. She has extensive clinical experience, from her previous role as a clinical specialist physiotherapist. This has influenced research in advanced practice and delivery of best-practice evidence-based care for people with musculoskeletal conditions.
Find out more
Register your interest
Are you interested in learning more about this programme? Submit your details below and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.
Course information
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the benefits and risks of exercise and physical activity, and the physiological and psychological responses to exercise.
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to justify therapeutic exercise in the context of evolving evidence.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of therapeutic exercise in a range of populations.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform safe, appropriate and evidence-based assessment for exercise prescription.
- Demonstrate the ability to design, apply, justify and evaluate the outcome of evidence-based safe tailored exercise programmes.
This module can be undertaken as a micro-credential, or stacked to build to a higher award – MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Module content includes the following:
- Fundamentals of exercise testing and prescription (fundamentals)
- Principles of self-management and exercise adherence (fundamentals)
- Physiological impairments in bone, joint and neuromuscular health across the lifespan
- Pain and exercise across the lifespan
- Psychosocial effects of exercise
- Strength and conditioning
- Motor control training
- Optimal loading of neuromusculoskeletal systems
- Integrated rehabilitation programs for complex presentations
- Case studies
This programme is delivered part-time through a blend of online content and activities and four in-person classes of three hour duration.
Access to online material is available from October 2025 with your assignment due in January 2026.
An individual assignment (case study) makes up 100% of the assessement for this programme.
We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
Recognition by Ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.
Admissions
To be considered for entry into the programme, you must:
- Be a CORU registered physiotherapist (or equivalent)
- Hold a bachelor degree. If you don’t hold a bachelor degree, please see the recognition of prior learning pathway outlined below.
Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.
English language requirements for Postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree at level 7 or above you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.
Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.
RPL may be used to gain:
- Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.
- Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.
If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination or equivalent, with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no individual band below 6.5.
Total fees: €750 (needs to be paid on acceptance of the course).
Please note:
- Fee includes all resources and access to our online learning portal.
- RCSI accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, in respect of a student who chooses to withdraw from a programme.
- If you choose to withdraw from a programme you are liable for the full fees owed for the seat on that programme.
How to apply
Applications for this course are now open. Please begin your application by completing the form below.
Please ensure you attach the following supporting documents with your application:
- Clear copy of a valid passport.
- Copies of your academic transcripts/degree.
- Copy of your CV.
- English proficiency test (if required).
Already begun your application? Complete it via our application portal now.
Continue your application