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MSc in Neurology and Gerontology

€11,820

Develop the professional knowledge base, skills and understanding required to fulfil a role in the rehabilitation of neurological and elderly patients in the context of changing healthcare services.

A medical professional holding the hand of an elderly patient.
MSc in Neurology and Gerontology

€11,820

Develop the professional knowledge base, skills and understanding required to fulfil a role in the rehabilitation of neurological and elderly patients in the context of changing healthcare services.

Award

Masters

Duration

2 years

Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

Credits

90 ECTS

Next start date

September 2025

About

Develop the professional knowledge base, skills and understanding required to fulfil a role in the rehabilitation of neurological and elderly patients in the context of changing healthcare services.

On the MSc in Neurology and Gerontology from RCSI School of Physiotherapy you'll learn from experts from a range of disciplines who promote interdisciplinary learning and practice. Year 1 covers topics such as neuroscience, neurorehabilitation and ageing, alongside optional modules to tailor your learning to your personal goals.

Upon successful completion of Year 1 of the programme, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology and Gerontology (60 ECTS).

If you wish to gain an MSc (90 ECTS), you may continue your studies in Year 2 of the programme, in which you will undertake a module in Advanced Research Methods and complete a dissertation in the area of neurology and gerontology. This programme is two years, part-time.

Please note: this programme runs on a hybrid model: 1.5 days in-person attendance is required per module, with the remainder of content delivered online.

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Enhance understanding of complex neurological and gerontological conditions

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Develop advanced clinical skills and innovative care strategies

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Apply research methods to drive improvements in patient outcomes

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Gain expertise in interdisciplinary teamwork and leadership

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Focus on evidence-based practice

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Prepare to contribute to research and practice

Suitable for

This MSc is designed for healthcare professionals and is particularly suitable for those who want to assume a management and leadership position in the care of older people and neurological rehabilitation.

What you will learn

Year 1 Module 1 Neuroscience (core)

This module develops knowledge in neuroscience, underpinning clinical reasoning in managing neurological conditions and older adults

Year 1 Module 2 Neurorehabilitation (core)

Provides advanced knowledge of current neuro-rehabilitation practice, developing critical and analytical thinking for neurological conditions

Year 1 Module 3 Ageing/Gerontology (core)

Advances knowledge of major issues in gerontology and applies this knowledge to work settings

Year 1 Module 4 (optional) Stroke Rehabilitation

Develops knowledge in stroke rehabilitation, underpinning clinical reasoning in stroke patient management

Year 1 Module 5 Leadership and Management Essentials in Healthcare (core)

Delivered online, this module covers essential leadership and management skills in healthcare, aiding transition from clinical roles to leadership

Year 1 Module 6 Translating Evidence to Practice (core)

Develops skills to search, retrieve, and appraise evidence for professional practice, combining online and in-person workshops

Year 1 Module 7 Research Methods (core)

Enhances understanding of the research process through protocol design, beneficial for those undertaking a project in Year 2

Year 1 Module 8 Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations (optional)

Enhances knowledge of health behaviour change psychology, focusing on promoting physical activity in long-term conditions

Year 2 (MSc) Module 1 Advanced Research Methods (core)

Advanced practical skills in data management and presentation during a chosen research project

Year 2 (MSc) Module 2 Dissertation (core)

Involves developing and executing a research project, extending knowledge of research methodologies in neurology and gerontology

What our students say

Fiona Kennedy

"I reflect upon the MSc in Neurology and Gerontology programme in the RCSI School of Physiotherapy as a pivotal point in my career. I found the lecturers and RCSI staff and facilities provided a positive and supportive environment."

Faculty highlight

Register your interest

 

Are you interested in learning more about this course? Register your interest below and a member of the team will be in touch with you.

Data statement: By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by RCSI or our recruitment partners. RCSI may share your information with a third party to improve your user experience. You may withdraw consent at any time. To learn more about how we treat your data please see our Privacy Policy.

Course information

On completion of this course you will:

  • Gain knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of key topics required to practice in neurological and older person rehabilitation.
  • Have knowledge and skills in the application of research processes and scientific methodologies to inform evidence-based practice in rehabilitation.
  • Be able to apply the knowledge of the research processes while conducting original research in a related area that is of a standard suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
  • Demonstrate critical reflection and evaluation of clinical practice in the context of a changing health care setting; developing a foundation for on-going continuing professional development.
  • Have the skills to act as a leader and innovator in neurological and gerontological rehabilitation.

You will study across core modules in year 1, with the choice between two optional modules (Stroke Rehabilitation OR Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations).

Modules

Year 1 (Postgraduate Diploma)

Credits Description
Neuroscience
(10 ECTS)

 

This module will develop your knowledge in the area of neuroscience and will underpin clinical reasoning in the management of people with neurological conditions and older adults.
Neurorehabilitation
(10 ECTS)
This module will provide you with an advanced knowledge of current neuro-rehabilitation practice and develop your critical and analytical thinking processes when applying and developing treatment approaches for people with neurological conditions.
Ageing/Gerontology
(10 ECTS)
This module will advance your knowledge of contemporary major issues in gerontology and the application of this knowledge to your work settings.
Stroke Rehabilitation – optional module
(10 ECTS)
This module will develop your knowledge in the area of stroke rehabilitation and will underpin clinical reasoning in the management of stroke patients.
Leadership and Management Essentials in Healthcare (5 ECTS) This module is delivered by the RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management. It is delivered fully online to various healthcare professionals and managers through synchronous and asynchronous content. The module considers the essential components, competencies and skills of leaders and managers as applied to health and related contexts. It considers why leadership and management is necessary, their challenges and contribution to health and health improvement. It is of particular benefit to those transitioning from a primarily clinical / practitioner roles to positions where one is required to lead and manage others. The module is designed to help you understand what is likely to be expected in terms of how you related to, work with and support a wide range of people and processes.
Translating Evidence to Practice
(5 ECTS)
Evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare ensures that clinical decision making through to policy decision making, is informed by best available research evidence. This module aims to develop the knowledge and skills of the healthcare practitioner to become an effective user of research findings and to synthesise this knowledge for application to their practice. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills to search, retrieve and appraise appropriate evidence for application to professional practice. This module will be delivered through online asynchronous content and in-person workshops.
Research Methods
(10 ECTS)
Postgraduate Diploma students who undertake this module will, in designing a protocol, gain a much deeper understanding of the research process. This module will prove particularly useful for students who go on to undertake the project in Year 2.
Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations - optional module
(10 ECTS)
The module is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of the psychology of health behaviour change with a particular emphasis on the promotion of physical activity in those with long-term conditions.

Year 2 (MSc)

Advanced Research Methods
(10 ECTS)
This module is designed to equip you with the advanced practical skills of data management and presentation as you concurrently undertake you chosen research project.
Dissertation
(20 ECTS)
You will develop, and fully execute, a research project based on your own research idea. This will extend your knowledge base of research methodologies to a related area of practice in neurology and gerontology.

Assessments

Your learning on each module is assessed by one of a number of methods, including coursework assignments, research proposal and research dissertation.

Your learning on each module is assessed by one of a number of methods, including coursework assignments, research proposal and research dissertation.

On successful completion of Year 1 of the programme, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology and Gerontology (60 ECTS).

If you wish to gain an MSc (90 ECTS), you may continue your studies in Year 2 of the programme, in which you will undertake a module in Advanced Research Methods and complete a dissertation in the area of neurology and gerontology.

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI).

Recognition by ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.

Admissions

To be considered for entry into the programme, applicants must:

  • Be a healthcare professional.
  • Hold a bachelor degree. If you don’t hold a bachelor degree, please see the recognition of prior learning pathway.
  • Experience in neurology and gerontology desirable, but not essential.

Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination or equivalent, with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no individual band below 6.5. English language requirements for RCSI Postgraduate programmes are published here.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree at Level 7 or above you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.

Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.

RPL may be used to gain:

  • Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.
  • Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.
  • Year 1: €5,910
  • Year 2: €5,910

Payment structure

Year 1

  • First payment (on acceptance of offer): €2,200
  • Second payment (30 November 2024): €2,200
  • Third payment (31 January 2025): €1,510

Year 2

  • First payment (August 2025): €2,955 
  • Second payment (August 2026): €2,955 

Please note:

  • Fee includes all resources, access to our award-winning online learning portal and access to extensive RCSI-only databases.
  • Fee includes an NUI fee.
  • Fee is payable via the above schedule, where relevant.
  • If you have outstanding fees you will not be entitled to receive your grades or be eligible to progress and or graduate (VLE and Library privileges will be withdrawn in these cases).
  • RCSI accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, in respect of a student who chooses to withdraw from a programme.
  • If you choose to withdraw from a programme you are liable for full fees owed for the seat on that programme.
  • All NUI parchments are issued in Latin; you will be required to pay an additional fee of €50 to NUI if you wish to have a parchment published in English.
  • Fees are subject to review annually.
  • If you are being sponsored or funded by your employer you should upload a funding confirmation letter in the document upload section on the application portal.

View our Postgraduate fees policy.

Student Fees Office Sponsorship Form PDF | 401.2 KB

How to apply

Applications for the MSc in Neurology and Gerontology are now open for autumn 2025. There is only one intake each year, starting in September. Please begin your application by completing the form below.

Data statement: By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by RCSI or our recruitment partners. RCSI may share your information with a third party to improve your user experience. You may withdraw consent at any time. To learn more about how we treat your data please see our Privacy Policy..

Please ensure you attach the following supporting documents with your application:

  • Clear copy of a valid passport.
  • Copies of your academic transcripts/degree.
  • Copy of your CV.
  • English proficiency test (if required).

Already begun your application? Complete it via our application portal now.

 
Continue your applciation