Physiotherapy - Neurology & Gerontology

Develop the 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.



On the MSc in Neurology and Gerontology from RCSI School of Physiotherapy you'll learn from experts from a range of disciplines who promote interdisciplinary learning and practice. Year 1 covers topics such as neuroscience, neurorehabilitation and ageing, alongside optional modules to tailor your learning to your personal goals.



Upon 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. This programme is two years, part-time.



Please note: this programme runs on a hybrid model: 1.5 days in-person attendance is required per module, with the remainder of content delivered online.



Suitable for

This MSc is designed for healthcare professionals and is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of older people and neurological rehabilitation.

What you will learn

Year 1 Module 1

Neuroscience (core)

This module develops knowledge in neuroscience, underpinning clinical reasoning in managing neurological conditions and older adults



Year 1 Module 2

Neurorehabilitation (core)

Provides advanced knowledge of current neuro-rehabilitation practice, developing critical and analytical thinking for neurological conditions



Year 1 Module 3

Ageing/Gerontology (core)

Advances knowledge of major issues in gerontology and applies this knowledge to work settings



Year 1 Module 4 (optional)

Stroke Rehabilitation

Develops knowledge in stroke rehabilitation, underpinning clinical reasoning in stroke patient management



Year 1 Module 5

Leadership and Management Essentials in Healthcare (core)

Delivered online, this module covers essential leadership and management skills in healthcare, aiding transition from clinical roles to leadership



Year 1 Module 6

Translating Evidence to Practice (core)

Develops skills to search, retrieve, and appraise evidence for professional practice, combining online and in-person workshops



Year 1 Module 7

Research Methods (core)

Enhances understanding of the research process through protocol design, beneficial for those undertaking a project in Year 2



Year 1 Module 8

Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations (optional)

Enhances knowledge of health behaviour change psychology, focusing on promoting physical activity in long-term conditions



Year 2 (MSc) Module 1

Advanced Research Methods (core)

Advanced practical skills in data management and presentation during a chosen research project



Year 2 (MSc) Module 2

Dissertation (core)

Involves developing and executing a research project, extending knowledge of research methodologies in neurology and gerontology

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



Be a healthcare professional.



Hold a bachelor degree. If you don’t hold a bachelor degree, please see the recognition of prior learning pathway.



Experience in neurology and gerontology desirable, but not essential.



Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.



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.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements 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.

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

2 years



Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

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.

Next start date September 2025

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.