Portobello Institute
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.
Subjects taught
*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 requirements
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.
Duration
4 Months Blended Learning
Enrolment dates
Start date: 20th September 2025
Post Course Info
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.