Higher Certificate In Science - Physiology And Health Science

Course details

What is the Physiology and Health Science course about?

The Higher Certificate in Physiology and Health Science provides a unique opportunity to study for a career in the area of health and the allied health professions. The course is well established in providing a foundation in the applied health sciences, incorporating theoretical knowledge with practical skills and training. It also provides graduates with a means of access to a range of allied health profession degree courses in the UK. The course is also a route for entry to the BSc (Honours) in Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy and the BSc (Honours) Sport Science.

What will I be able to do when I finish the course?

Graduates may be employed as exercise and fitness instructors. However the vast majority of graduates go on to further study in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Sports Rehabilitation, Chiropractic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Radiography, Nutrition and Dietetics, Orthotics and Prosthetics or Podiatry.

What follow-on study opportunities are available?

The course can lead to the BSc (Honours) in Sport Science (CW178) or BSc (Honours) in Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy (CW188) at IT Carlow, which specialise in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Many Certificate graduates continue their studies in the UK on to degree and postgraduate courses in the areas mentioned above.

What exemptions are available from professional bodies?

Graduates may become members of the Exercise and Sports Sciences Association of Ireland.

What subjects will I study?

Year 1

Mandatory Subjects

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Exercise Fitness Instruction 1
• Cell Biology
• Physical Sciences
• Quantitative Methods
• Exercise Physiology
• Communication, Innovation & Team Work

Year 2

Mandatory Subjects

• Anatomy, Kinesiology & Biomechanics
• Exercise & Fitness Instruction 2 with Massage
• Pathology of Injury
• Exercise & Patho - Physiology
• Quantitive Methods 2 (T1)
• Motor Control (T2)

Plus One Elective

• Neuromuscular Skeletal Assessment
• Nutritional Biochemistry Pharmacology &Dietetics

Past Graduate Profile

• Derek O’Neill
• Course: Higher Certificate in Physiology and Health Science

‘I graduated from IT Carlow with a Higher Certificate in Physiology and Health Science in 2010. During the course, I gained experience in many health related subjects like anatomy, dietetics and exercises physiology. Having completed this, I applied and was accepted onto the BSc in Physiotherapy course at the University of Brighton.

I soon realised how beneficial my time at Carlow was; my first year in Brighton was a breeze. We were covering many subjects that I had already done, which meant that I could spend more time focusing on other modules that were new to me. The three years ew by and I graduated with a first class honours degree. I was also awarded with the Brighton Foundation Cup of Excellence for receiving the highest clinical marks of my cohort.

Since graduating, I quickly found employment with the NHS and am currently completing my clinical rotations. I also work part-time with the academy at Queen Park Ranger’s football club. I have continued with my study and am currently completing my MSc in Musculoskeletal Medicine. I cannot thank the Institute of Technology Carlow enough for providing me with an outstanding education; it developed my skills and knowledge in such a broad range of areas which has allowed me to progress with my studies and chosen career.’

What are the minimum entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate: 5 subjects at Ordinary Level Grade D3 or better.

Subjects required: English or Irish at Ordinary Level Grade D3 or better and Mathematics at Ordinary Level Grade D3 or better.

Mature applicants: will be interviewed and assessed on an individual basis.