My name is Leanne Ahern and I am a Physiotherapy masters student here at UCC. Although this is the first year of this masters programme, I did not hesitate in applying to the course because UCC has an excellent academic reputation and has good student facilities. The academic staff and lecturers involved in my course are experts in physiotherapy education and research providing us with leadership and innovation. All my lectures and practical sessions are held in Nano Nagle Place, just outside UCC main campus. Nano Nagle is a beautiful historically building with many facilities.

For the first semester we cover the many areas of physiotherapy, taking modules in respiratory physiotherapy, clinical anatomy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy of the lower quadrant, rehabilitation and exercise as well as principles of research.  UCC has developed a strong link with Cork University Hospital (CUH), this allows us as students to receive more of a hands-on experience in the practical sessions especially in anatomy which gives an advantage over other physiotherapy students studying in Ireland. In addition, we receive guest lectures from respiratory physiotherapists working in CUH and Mercy hospital about their specialised fields and their protocol and management of patients.

Currently, I am very interested in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and this course at UCC is one of the few courses in Ireland which provides musculoskeletal modules. Throughout the two years of this masters I will carry out 1000 hours of clinical placement and this will involve many different areas of physiotherapist both hospital and private practice based.

UCC campus is optimally located close to cork city. Cork is a vibrant and student friendly city with good transportation to help student enjoy the city attractions. UCC provides many clubs and societies but also academic facilities including the writing centre and the careers office. The key location and top class education here at UCC provides the perfect opportunity to develop yourself both personally and professionally. 

Check the online prospectus page for MSc Physiotherapy. 

Leanne Ahern - MSc Physiotherapy 

Blog Post 2  

In the second semester we study five different modules, some focus on providing more in-depth knowledge studied from the previous semester and others provide insights to a new area of physiotherapy. Second semester modules include clinical practice and professional development, clinical anatomy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, analysis and rehabilitation of human movement as well as principles of research and research methods.

Similar to last semester, we receive guest lectures from physiotherapists who are currently working in a hospital setting including consultant orthopaedic and upper limb surgeons from University Hospital Waterford, Senior physiotherapists from CUH and HSE South as well as paediatric physiotherapists about their specialised fields and their protocol and management of patients.

In addition to receiving these guest lectures, our lecturers have provided us with the amazing opportunity to have classroom sessions with patients who have neuromuscular diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and stroke patients. This opportunity provides a huge learning experience for me as a student and allows me to receive more of a hands-on experience when working with patients which not only gives an advantage over other physiotherapy students studying in Ireland but will also help prepare me for clinical placement in May.

Throughout the two years of this masters I will carry out 1000 hours of clinical placement and this will involve many different areas of physiotherapy including respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological both hospital and private practice based. My first clinical placement will begin in May, where I will carry out eight weeks of placements in one of these areas of physiotherapy. Throughout this semester I have many lectures and practical sessions including manual handling and emergency first aid to prepare me for this clinical placement.

Leanne Ahern - MSc Physiotherapy 

Blog Post 3

Currently I am completing my first placement where I have been assigned to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork. For this placement, the main area I will be working and gaining experience in is orthopaedics. This placement consists of working closely with a senior physiotherapist at South Infirmary for six weeks. The senior physiotherapist is my clinical educator and will provide me with support and feedback throughout the six weeks. My first week consisted of shadowing my clinical educator as well as observing patient sessions for different injuries and conditions including knee replacement surgery, wrist sprain and heel fractures.

In addition to shadowing my clinical educator, I have also gained hands-on experience by conducting and leading treatment sessions while my clinical educator observed and provided feedback to further aid my learning. Throughout the day, after seeing patients I am provided with time for note taking as well as reading relevant research articles. This time is crucial as it allows me to learn and gain experience by reflecting on my patient sessions but also to acquire knowledge about the most recent evidence-based treatments which I can apply to practice when working with patients.

As the weeks progress throughout this first placement I will be expected to work with at least one patient per day as well as helping with group exercise classes which I believe will provide me with invaluable experience.