Pre-University Physiotherapy - Sports Injury & Massage Therapy
This one year course provides students with the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and qualification to pursue further studies in the areas of sports injuries and physiotherapy.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Diploma at UK Level 4 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Diploma at UK Level 3 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Diploma at UK Level 4 | International Therapy Examination Council | ||
| Diploma at UK Level 3 | International Therapy Examination Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates from this course may apply for employment as sports massage therapists.
Alternatively, graduates may choose this course as a progression path to the Advanced Exercise and Sports Performance in DIFE.
Graduates may also gain entry to a range of physiotherapy and sports/health related degree programmes in a variety of universities and technological universities.
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
DIFE
Advanced Exercise & Sport Performance QQI Level 6
Ulster University
Physiotherapy
Wrexham University
Physiotherapy (Reserved Places for DIFE Graduates)
Wolverhampton University, UK
Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met)
IT Carlow
Sport Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy (Pathway to Physiotherapy), Physiology and Health Science
Winchester University
Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met)
Salford University
Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met)
Teeside University
Physiotherapy (specific conditions will have to be met)
AIT, WIT
Sport and Recreation
IT Sligo
Sport and Leisure
DKIT
Sports Exercise and Enterprise, Health and Physical Activity.
IT Tralee
Health and Leisure (Route to PE Teaching through the PME in Physical Education in UL)
TUS Athlone
Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy (Pathway to Physiotherapy)
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
This one year course provides students with the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and qualification to pursue further studies in the areas of sports injuries and physiotherapy.
The majority of students successfully completing this course progress to third level degree programmes.
Sports and Exercise Injury Prevention 5N5665
Sports Massage (ITEC Level 3/4 Diploma)
Sports Anatomy & Physiology 5N4648
Nutrition 5N2006
Sports & Recreation Studies 5N2667
Exercise & Fitness 5N2668
Communications 5N0690
Work Experience 5N1356
Body Massage & Figure Analysis
Kinesiology (5N4545)
5M2146 - Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Awards:
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation and Exercise - 5M2146.
ITEC Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (Level 3 & 4).
Sports First Aid.
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie