UG Prospectus 2025

70 WhyDCU? − Option to select the integrated masters pathway and graduate with a dual award of Bachelor of Science andMaster of Science − Specialises inmanagement of musculoskeletal injury in sporting and non-sporting groups − Emphasis on pitch-side skills including initial injury assessment, emergency care and end stage sport-specific rehabilitation − Intensive training in the development of consultation, interpersonal and clinical skills − Extensive practical experience through placement with sports teams, variousmusculoskeletal clinics and rehabilitation clinics, plus an international placement option in Year 4 − Course accredited by Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), the Irish governing body for CertifiedAthletic Therapists About You Are you passionate about looking after the health of athletes and the general public, specifically in the area of musculoskeletal health? Do you have a keen interest in sport and/or physical activity? It is not necessary to be physically active yourself, but an interest in sport or physical activity is recommended. Can you clearly express yourself with strong verbal communication skills? Are you able towork professionally and convey your thoughts effectively? It is essential tomaintain professional communication and interactionwith patients throughout this course, as it will be crucial for their health and care. Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see page 174), the following entry requirements apply: minimum of O4 or H6 inMathematics PLUS minimumof O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science. Understanding: Athletic Therapy andTraining (ATT) We all know that physical activity is a necessary and important part of daily life. Unfortunately, injuries –musculoskeletal injuries in particular – are incurred by people during physical activity in sport, leisure andwork. An Athletic Therapist and Trainer (ATT) is an important part of the healthcare system, who specialises in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Such injuries can occur at all ages and standards of sporting ability and among all population types (including, for example, peoplewith disabilities). Wewant you to qualify with excellent medical knowledge, clinical skills, communication skills, confidence, problem-solving skills and extensive practical experience. Importantly, you should also develop a profound respect for patients and a highly professional approachwhen dealingwith them. Howdoes anATTdiffer from a physiotherapist? Physiotherapy is a broad-based healthcare profession that not only addresses musculoskeletal care of the physically active but also deals with a number of diversemedical fields, including oncology, obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, rheumatology, respiratory and neurological illnesses and burn injuries. In contrast, Athletic Therapy and Training specialises inmusculoskeletal injuries related to physical activity. Such specialisation allows students of Athletic Therapy and Training to examine this area inmuch greater detail than a student of physiotherapy. Course Structure This is a 4/5-year BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training degree (with the option to undertake an integratedMasters degree in Athletic Therapy and Strength andConditioning fromYear 4 subject to achieving aH2.2 or higher in Years 1 and 2). Year 1 begins with understanding the anatomy of the body and the basic sciences, giving you an understanding of the pathophysiology of injury. You will also study the theory and practice that underpin physical conditioning to prevent and rehabilitate injury, and enhance health and performance. In Year 2, youwill start to learn how to assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries and further develop the theory and practice of training. Youwill also undertake First Aid and Emergency Care to enable you to provide pitch-side assistance in various sports. In addition, youwill start the clinical modules that will continue each semester for the remainder of the course. Thesemodules will provide you with clinical field experience as well as allow you to assist in the student-led injury clinic basedwithin the School. Year 3will see you expand your knowledge, as well as learn in-depth principles of rehabilitation, therapeuticmodalities and soft tissue therapies. Therewill be an opportunity to undertake an integratedMasters degree in Athletic Therapy and Strength andConditioning fromYear 3 subject to achieving a H2.2 or higher in Years 1 and 2. In Year 4, youwill undertake a semester- long immersive placement, which can be in an athletic therapy clinic or a professional sports team. These placementsmay be completed in Ireland but many students go to theUS, Canada, Australia or theUK. You also have the opportunity to gain Cardiac and Emergency First Response certification with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council of Ireland (PHECC). Year 4 culminates with amajor research project. BSc inAthletic Therapy and Training Prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries in sport and physical activity