Health Science Applied

Do you want to become a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or speech and language therapist or another related health science profession—but don’t have a health-related degree?



The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science at Portobello Institute is designed specifically for people like you: graduates from non-health backgrounds who want to enter a professional healthcare career. This flexible, supportive course provides the academic foundation and prerequisite modules needed to progress to postgraduate training in regulated health professions.



This course supports you to build a strong foundation in key areas like anatomy, physiology, human development, disease, psychology, and sociology, which are essential for studying allied health specialties at the Master’s level.



It provides insights into professional practice and the roles of allied health professionals, equipping you to understand the care needs of diverse patient groups. This knowledge will assist you in clarifying your career goals and aligning their further studies with specific career paths.



The programme emphasises developing research skills and transferable competencies through independent study and self-directed research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to succeed in further studies and dynamic clinical settings.



Who Is This Programme For?

This course is ideal if you:



Hold an undergraduate degree (any discipline)



Want to retrain in a healthcare profession (e.g. Physiotherapy, OT, SLT)



Need the science and health credits required for postgraduate entry



Are looking for a flexible, accessible route to a new career in health



This course is also suitable for those who already hold a degree in a related healthcare or science field but wish to refresh their knowledge, as well as healthcare professionals seeking continuous professional development opportunities.



Upon successful completion of this programme you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science. This is awarded by Health Sciences University (HSU) and is aligned with a level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

*CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.



Year 1

Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology 20 Credits

Biopsychosocial Approaches in Healthcare 10 Credits

Fundamentals of Professional Practice in Healthcare 10 Credits

Lifespan Health and Development (Optional) 20 Credits

Therapeutic Exercise (Optional) 20 Credits

Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 2.2 bachelor’s honours degree or equivalent award in any discipline.

Students who have not completed their primary degree through English will need to demonstrate IELTS overall 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component). Irish Leaving Cert English or GCSE English for UK students.

4 Months Blended Learning

Start date: 20th September 2025

Progression Opportunities

This programme equips you with the entry requirements needed to apply for a range of MSc programmes in:



Physiotherapy



Occupational Therapy



Speech and Language Therapy



Other health science fields



Our academic advisors will support you in identifying suitable postgraduate pathways in Ireland, the UK, or internationally.