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Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Physiotherapy - Neurology & Gerontology

This unique two-year part-time MSc programme aims to develop your professional knowledge base, skills and understanding, required to fulfil a role in the rehabilitation of neurological and elderly patients in the context of changing healthcare services.

Lecturers are experienced clinicians from a range of disciplines who promote interdisciplinary learning and practice.

On successful completion of Year 1 of the programme, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology and Gerontology (60 ECTS).

If you wish to gain an MSc (90 ECTS), you may continue your studies in Year 2 of the programme, in which you will undertake a module in Advanced Research Methods and complete a dissertation in the area of neurology and gerontology.

Entry requirements

Applications to this programme are invited from healthcare professionals (physiotherapy, occupational therapy) working in the areas of neurology and gerontology.

To be considered for entry into the programme, applicants must:

•Fulfil the National University of Ireland (NUI) entry requirements or be eligible for matriculation.

•Be eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists or AOTI.

•Be CORU registered.

•Have obtained at least a 2.2 award in a primary physiotherapy or occupational therapy degree or equivalent

•Have experience working in the area of neurology and gerontology

•Have a basic level of computer literacy, to include word processing, email and Internet skills.

Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Duration

2 years part-time

Careers or further progression

Your future

Higher professional qualifications are an essential element of continuous professional development and career advancement. This MSc is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of older people and neurological rehabilitation.

On completion of this course you will:

•Gain knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of key topics required to practice in neurological and older person rehabilitation.

•Have knowledge and skills in the application of research processes and scientific methodologies to inform evidence-based practice in rehabilitation.

•Be able to apply the knowledge of the research processes while conducting original research in a related area that is of a standard suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

•Demonstrate critical reflection and evaluation of clinical practice in the context of a changing health care setting; developing a foundation for on-going continuing professional development.

•Have the skills to act as a leader and innovator in neurological and gerontological rehabilitation.

Subjects taught

Modules

Year 1 (Postgraduate Diploma)

Neuroscience(10 ECTS)
This module will develop your knowledge in the area of neuroscience and will underpin clinical reasoning in the management of neurological and elderly patients.

Neurorehabilitation (10 ECTS)
The module will provide you with an advanced knowledge of current neuro-rehabilitation practice and develop your critical and analytical thinking processes when applying and developing treatment approaches for neurological patients.

Ageing/Gerontology (10 ECTS)
This module will advance your knowledge of contemporary major issues in gerontology and the application of this knowledge to your work settings.

Stroke Rehabilitation (10 ECTS)
This module will develop your knowledge in this area and will underpin clinical reasoning in the management of stroke patients.

Evidence-Based Practice and Healthcare Management(10 ECTS) Evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare ensures that clinical decision-making through to policy decision making, is informed by best available evidence, so the development of literature searching and critical appraisal skills is considered crucial to this and all modules. The healthcare management component will provide you with an overview of the current climate in which the Irish healthcare system is operating, with an emphasis on the configuration, delivery and evaluation of high quality healthcare services.

Research Methods (10 ECTS)
Postgraduate Diploma students who undertake this module will, in designing a protocol, gain a much deeper understanding of the research process. This module will prove particularly useful for students who go on to undertake the project in Year 2.

Year 2 (MSc)

Advanced Research Methods (10 ECTS)
This module is designed to equip you with the advanced practical skills of data management and presentation as you concurrently undertake you chosen research project.

Dissertation (20 ECTS)
You will develop, and fully execute, a research project based on your own research idea. This will extend your knowledge base of research methodologies to a related area of practice in neurology and gerontology.

Assessment method

Your learning on each module is assessed by one of a number of methods, including coursework assignments, research proposal and research dissertation.

Application date

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology and Gerontology is run every two years.

Applications for the October 2020 intake have not yet opened.

Course fee

Year 1: €5,750
•Year 2: €5,750
•Registration fee: €50

Please note

•The fees listed above are the 2018/19 rates and should only be used as a guide. Fees for the 2020/21 cycle have yet to be announced.

•There is a non-refundable online application fee of €100

•Once you have been offered and accepted a place on the programme, the RCSI Student Fees Office will be in contact with you regarding payment of fees.

•The first instalment (50%) of your fees will be requested prior to commencement of the programme – this must be received by early September in the year of entry to secure your place.

•The second instalment (50%) will be required at the start of Semester 2, normally 1 February.

•Fees are paid by electronic transfer.