Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The MSc in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a postgraduate program designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and integrated care approaches. This program is ideal for those working with cardiovascular or pulmonary patients, including nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, GPs, hospital doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, and others.

Course Information

• Title of Award: Master of Science
• Course Code: MSC-CPR
• Average Intake: 20
• Delivery: Blended Learning
• NFQ: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Next Intake: September 2026
• Duration: 1 year, full-time
• ECTS Weighting: 90

Why Choose This Course?

• Clinical Placements: Gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings with expert supervision.
• Career Opportunities: Open doors to roles in rehab, research, and healthcare leadership.
• Employability: Graduate with skills in high demand across health and rehabilitation sectors.
• Research: Engage in evidence-based projects that advance cardiovascular and pulmonary care.

Course Structure

The MSc in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation involves students participating in a number of Level 9 modules totaling 90 ECTS.

• In Semester 1, students participate in three core modules (total 30 ECTs):
  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease (10 ECT)
  • Research Methods (10 ECT)
  • Reflective Clinical Practice (Part 1 Semester 1 & Part 2 in Semester 2) (10 ECT)
• In Semester 2, students are required to complete 30 elective ECTs from the following options:
  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (30 ECTS)
  • Lifestyle Risk Factor Modification (30 ECTs)
  • Tobacco Cessation in Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Management (10 ECTs)
  • Diet and Weight Management in Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Health (10 ECTs)
  • Physical Activity and Exercise in Chronic Disease Management (10 ECTs)
  • Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches in Cardiometabolic Medicine (10 ECTS)
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation (30 ECTS)

Unique Features

• Flexible Learning: Benefit from a dual delivery approach with a fully online option.
• Delivered in Partnership with the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC): Offers unique opportunities to learn from leading experts and engage in cutting-edge research.
• Interdisciplinary Expert Teaching Faculty: Connect with international leaders and clinical specialists across various disciplines.

Careers

There is an array of employment opportunities in public health, health promotion, healthcare management, academic and research settings, and the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates with a clinical background will also benefit from career advancement in cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and integrated care programs.

Accreditation and Awards

The MSc in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation at University of Galway is delivered in partnership with the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC), ensuring the program meets high standards and provides access to leading experts and research opportunities.

Who Teaches This Course?

This course is delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching faculty of leading experts and clinical specialists in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Learning and Assessment

• How Will I Learn?: The course starts in September and finishes in August, covering teaching and clinical placement components. Structured weekly directed study is coupled with a schedule of group-based lectures, tutorials, and interactive workshops.
• How Will I Be Assessed?: Assessments are carried out across all modules via MCQ, written papers, essays, assignments, poster preparation, and a dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: Successful applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 degree (or equivalent) in a healthcare discipline or related subject area.
• English Language Entry Requirements: For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required.

Fees, Costs, and Funding

• Fees for Academic Year 2026/27:
  • EU Tuition: 9,400
  • Student Contribution:
  • Non-EU Tuition: 18,800
  • Levy: 140
  • Total Fee:
    • Total EU Fee: 9,540
    • Total Non-EU Fee: 18,940

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: Valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from outside the EU.