Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation

The MSc in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation is for individuals who already have a professional qualification in physiotherapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy, and wish to expand their expertise in a more specialised area. It is suitable for recent graduates in the early stages of career development, as well as for mature learners looking to achieve more advanced or specialised career progression goals.



With its strong academic grounding in topics such as kinesiology, cardiorespiratory function, nutrition and cognition, as well as practical training in fitness assessment, dietary analysis and exercise prescription, it offers diverse opportunities for individuals looking to develop expertise in the field of exercise physiology for rehabilitation. It specifically targets professionals who wish to learn how to apply exercise physiology for the management of chronic disease conditions.



While students can take this course fully on-campus, it also facilitates students who wish to remain in employment, with online resources and lecture recordings made available. On-campus attendance is mandatory for practical sessions and some assessments however.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Optional ET1506: Research Project and Dissertation - 25 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ET1520: Placement Based Learning - 25 Credits - Semester 1

Required ET1515: Neurophysiology and Exercise - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required ET1516: Metabolism and Nutrition in Exercise - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required ET1500: Introduction to Exercise Physiology - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required ET1501: Integrated Physiological Responses to Exercise - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ET1511: Research Methods for Physiotherapists and Healthcare Professionals - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional ET1512: Community Engaged Learning and Outreach - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional ET1507: Personal Training and Gym Instruction - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required ET1519: Rehabilitation II - Exercise in Population Health and Rehabilitation - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Required ET1518: Rehabilitation I: Physiologic Basis of Exercise Testing and Prescription - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Required ET1505: Laboratory Methods in Exercise Physiology - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) in Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy, with a minimum result of second-class honours (2.2). Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in a relevant area will be an advantage.

1 year, full-time

Next start date: September 2026

This course is designed to enable qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to upskill and gain expertise in the field of exercise physiology, which they can then apply in their practice of designing exercise programmes for rehabilitation.



This course is approved by REPS Ireland (Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland), and upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a Graduate Exercise Professional. Please note that additional criteria may be required for registration, and students are advised to visit the REPS Ireland website for further information https://repsireland.ie/.



Graduates also have an option to pursue certification by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), to qualify as an Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist. https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/exercise-physiologist/. Please note that ACSM certification requires candidates to pass an exam, and clinical experience is required to be eligible to apply for certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Students are advised to do their own research on this pathway, as requirements and criteria can change from time to time. Staff will offer students support should they wish to prepare for the ACSM exam.



In addition to supporting their clinical practice, graduates will have skills and knowledge that will equip them to pursue occupations in industry, education and research. Students on this course will also learn skills in research and critical thinking that will prepare them to pursue further research degrees in the field of exercise physiology.