The BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Portobello Institute is a career-focused undergraduate degree designed for students who want to become sports therapists or progress directly into postgraduate physiotherapy. Suitable for school leavers, career changers, and professionals already working in sport, the programme is available through in-person (weekday focus) and blended (evening and weekend focused) learning options to suit different life stages and commitments.
A key advantage of this degree is Portobello Institute’s direct five-year pathway to physiotherapy. Eligible graduates can progress seamlessly to the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), providing a clear, supported route to qualification and reducing the uncertainty often associated with postgraduate progression.
This three-year degree combines intensive hands-on clinical training with applied health science, rehabilitation, and business knowledge. Students learn how to assess, treat, and rehabilitate individuals and athletes across the lifespan, supporting occupational and sports-specific performance regardless of age, ability, or activity level. The programme prepares graduates to work confidently in clinical settings, sports environments, or private practice.
From the beginning of the course, students benefit from small class sizes, one-to-one guidance, and teaching led by experienced clinicians. Real-world learning is central to the programme, with early client contact through the Portobello Student Sports Clinic. Under professional supervision, students complete consultations, deliver sports therapy treatments, and support rehabilitation, helping them build clinical confidence, autonomy, and practical competence from an early stage.
In the final year, students complete a dedicated work placement module, choosing a sports therapy placement aligned with their career goals. For those intending to progress to physiotherapy, Portobello actively supports access to physiotherapy-led placements, helping to strengthen applications for the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration).
Graduates of this programme can pursue careers as sports therapists in private clinics, sports clubs and teams, leisure and fitness centres, or establish their own independent practice. They may also progress into roles in clinical exercise and rehabilitation, supporting populations such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or oncology patients. Many graduates choose to continue to postgraduate physiotherapy, using Portobello’s pathway to build on their applied sports therapy foundation and become professionally qualified physiotherapists.
Upon completion you will hold a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy awarded by University of Essex (UoE). This qualification is equivalent to Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Ireland and is recognised in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.
When you begin this course you are invited to become registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST). You may become a full member of the society when you complete your degree. Sports Therapists who are members of SST are recognised globally for the high standards they have attained during their training and are employed by leading clubs throughout the sporting world. Members of the Society of Sports Therapy are eligible for Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.
If you already hold a relevant level 6 qualification in pre-university physiotherapy or similar, or have extensive experience in a related area, enquire about our advanced entry pathway. Students seeking advanced entry must hold an approved qualification in sport or other appropriate qualifications – these are reviewed on a case by case basis as part of the application process.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202229 |
| Course Location | EU |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Category | Physiotherapy, Health Care |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Honours Bachelor Degree |
| Awarding Body | University of Essex |
| Awarding Body Details | Undergraduate Honours Degree |
| Course Start Date | 3rd October 2026 |
| Course Duration | Three years |
| Course Fee | €5,995.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. Leaving Certificate requirements – Minimum of grade O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects. Students are accepted onto this programme without a leaving certificate if they meet one of the following criteria; Hold a QQI level 5 major award containing a biology* subject, ITEC level 2 award containing anatomy & physiology, An undergraduate degree in another subject, Anatomy & Physiology – available through Portobello Institute. Those without a grounding in science and a previous academic qualification in science or biology, must complete Portobello Institute's QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology or equivalent. Potential candidates are required to demonstrate competence in the English language. Mature entry at 21 years. Mature students are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. Applicants who do not meet the criteria may be required to attend an interview with an offer of a place on the programme issued following a suitability assessment. |
| Career Path | Career Prospects Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across sport, rehabilitation, and health-focused environments. The programme develops practical clinical skills in injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. Through applied learning and hands-on experience, you graduate ready to support individuals recovering from injury and returning to activity safely. Sports Therapy Career Opportunities This programme prepares you for roles across sports therapy, rehabilitation, and performance support. Typical career pathways include: Sports Therapist Clinical Exercise Specialist Rehabilitation Therapist Sports Injury Rehabilitation Specialist Pitch-Side First Aider Strength and Conditioning Support Practitioner Private Practice Sports Therapist Health and Fitness Rehabilitation Specialist These roles involve assessing and treating injuries, supporting rehabilitation programmes, and improving recovery, performance, and long-term physical health. Employers Recruiting Our Graduates Graduates work across a range of sport, healthcare, and rehabilitation environments, including: Private sports therapy and physiotherapy clinics Professional and amateur sports teams Leisure and fitness centres Rehabilitation and clinical exercise facilities Community health and wellbeing organisations These employers value graduates who can apply clinical skills in real-world settings and support individuals at different stages of recovery and performance. |
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