Alternative Pathways

We have three Health Science programmes in ATU Sligo:

AU732 Higher Certificate in Health and Exercise Science

AU861 BSc in Health Science and Physiology

AU971 BSc (Hons) in Health Science and Physical Activity

These offer pathways into the areas such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging/Radiography. Students generally choose one of two paths – exit from our Level 6 or Level 7 programme and pursue undergraduate studies in their preferred Allied Health Profession OR complete our Level 8 honours degree and pursue Masters studies in their preferred Allied Health Profession.

Our Level 6 Higher Certificate in Health and Exercise Science has been developed because we know that students are looking for an alternative route into the Allied Health Professions. After completion of this Higher Certificate, undergraduates are eligible to transfer to Irish, UK, Dutch and Belgian Universities. The most common progression route colleges from ATU Sligo are University of Salford, Ulster University, Robert Gordon University, Northumbria University, Glasgow Caledonian and University of Derby.

A huge benefit of our Health Science programmes is that they all contain exit and progression options. If a student has a change of mind and in hindsight decides that they want to pursue Health Promotion/Public Health or a more tailored Physical Activity degree, they can continue their studies with ATU Sligo. Additionally, the opportunity to change mind mid-stream is a huge benefit to undertaking our Level 6 and 7 programmes. For example, we have seen students who were positive that they wanted to study Physiotherapy change to Occupational Therapy or Diagnostic Imaging after experiencing different module strands in the programme, or vice versa. This situation occurs each year, and it is extremely important to allow this flexibility.

Our Level 7 and 8 programmes also come with Professional Accreditation from the International Union for Health Promotion (IUHPE) and REPS Ireland, where students can graduate with embedded awards as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and exercise for health specialist.

We also offer Masters studies in this area for any students wishing to progress their studies at ATU Sligo:

MSc in Health Promotion

MSc in Public Health Nutrition

MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Below are some student stories from recent graduates who have taken this route to the Allied Health Professions:

Megan Creegan Student Story Megan studied our Level 6 Higher Certificate before progressing to the University of Salford where she is now studying a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.

Dearbhla Neenan Student Story Dearbhla studied our Level 6 Higher Certificate before moving to the University of Cardiff where she is now studying a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.

Niall Carr Student Story Niall studied our Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical activity and progressed to study a Masters in Diagnostic Radiography in University College Cork. Niall is now employed as a Radiographer in Sligo University Hospital.

Laura Dunlevy Student Story Laura studied our Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Health Science and Physical Activity and is now studying a Masters in Physiotherapy in University College Cork.