Q: I LIVE in Dublin and would like to do a course in sports therapy. What courses are available and what qualification would I get when I finish? I have a pass Leaving Cert - would this be sufficient to get me into a course here?
- Dublin student
A: THERE is a two-year full-time diploma course in sports therapy in Crumlin College, Dublin 12 (phone 01-4540662).
First year covers areas such as anatomy and physiology, health, hygiene and safety, exercise and fitness, physical education, water safety, body massage, communications, business studies and French or German.
Second year builds on these areas as well as introducing sports psychology, stress management, aromatherapy and sports therapy. Students also do work experience over the two years.
Entry level is pitched at Leaving Cert standard and there is also an interview. A proven ability in a science subject is desirable and biology is particularly useful but home economics (S&S) is also acceptable. Applications are accepted from March 1st on with a £10 non-refundable fee.
The qualifications awarded at the end of year one are National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) Level 2 as well as an ITEC diploma in massage and a certificate in diet and nutrition.
Most students continue on to second year and then qualify with a sports diploma in the practice and management of sports injuries (ITEC). The course can also provide a route for further study at RTC level. Students get ITEC diplomas in sports therapy, aromatherapy and stress management. They are qualified to work in sports clinics, sports clubs, leisure centres, gyms, alternative therapy clinics and health centres.
This is the first year of graduates going onto the job market. They will have an international qualification and the job prospects are good because of the growing interest in sports and leisure.
Q: MY SON would love to become a physiotherapist but I don't think he will get the high points for entry here. What are his chances of getting into a college in the UK? What would be his situation as regards fees?
- Concerned father
A: IRISH students have been going to British and Northern Ireland colleges for the past number of years to do physiotherapy. However, it's not an easy option and the grades required are quite high. He would need to apply to UCAS by December 15th of the year in which he would like to enter. Many of these colleges are in high demand so it would be wise to apply as early as possible next autumn.
In addition to a large number of universities, there are a few colleges and institutes of higher education such as Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, which offer a degree. Grades required are generally high but it's worth applying to a variety of colleges including all the Scottish colleges. The Robert Gordon University requires 2HB1 in two sciences and IHB2 in English 2HB3s and 1HC in Leaving Cert which is a very high standard; the University of Ulster wants 6As to include higher biology and any two of chemistry, maths, and physics.
Other colleges have more reasonable demands such as Brunel University in West London which asks for 3HBs and 2HCs to include biology, maths and English. The University of East London requires 3HBs and 3HCs but these must include biology, physics and chemistry. The main thing to keep in mind is that as well as high grades many of these colleges have a very definite requirement of at least one, and in many cases two, science subjects at specific grades at higher level.
Most courses are funded by local education authorities and EU students can avail of this but there are certain exceptions especially in the health care areas. In these cases physiotherapy courses in England and Wales are funded by the Department of Health, whereas in Scotland they come under the Awards Agency. In Northern Ireland they are funded by the education boards.
The situation is that the LEAs normally pay for EU students but this does not extend automatically to courses funded by the Department of Health: If such courses receive any funding it is usually only part fees which will be paid.
