Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Studies

Applicants should hold a Level 7 award in Sports Studies/Sports Science and Health or relevant discipline. The programme is available as a specific add-on Level 8 for students on TU737 Sports Studies programme.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Graduates of this programme will have knowledge of the application of scientific principles to the sporting environment. Some of the potential areas include but are not limited to:

• Strength and Conditioning Coaches: It is expected that graduates would be prepared to undertake examinations for the accreditation of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) or American College of Sports Medicine which offer a number of accreditations in strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and personal training.
• Physical Education Teachers: The introduction of physical education as an examinable subject in the senior cycle at secondary level presents an exciting opportunity for Sports Studies graduates with a high level of practical knowledge to transfer to the teaching environment with the completion of a Masters of Education (PME).
• Coaching Scientist - Work in high performance sport, applying evidence-based practice to individual athletes and teams, development of coach – athlete relationships and optimising performance.
• Exercise Physiologists: People with severe chronic disease and older adults can have substantial decreases in quality of life (QOL) and a high dependency on the health care system. Exercise has been proven to improve activities of daily living among cohorts with chronic disease, leading to increased independence, and an increased QOL. Graduates would be employed in both private and public health care systems prescribing exercise to improve function, reduce symptoms, and improve overall QOL.
• Personal Trainers: Can be employed in a number of public and private sectors for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among the general public.
• Sports Development Officers - Promoting sports within the community, usually amongst particular target groups, or develops one sport on behalf of a local authority or sporting organisation.
• Administrator - Working within National Sports Agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland and abroad. Incorporating a significant emphasis on Sports Science Knowledge, Administrative and Financial aspects.
• Fitness Centre/Leisure Centre Manager - Fitness Centre Managers are employed mainly in commercial public and private sector health clubs and gymnasia to manage the provision of physical fitness and lifestyle courses.
• Health Promotion Officers - Working with the Regional Health Boards to promote the role of Sport and Exercise in Health and Wellbeing.
• Health and Fitness Advisors - Health and Fitness Advisors can find employment in either the public or private sectors. Opportunities include fitness testing, exercise prescription, fitness consulting, and exercise rehabilitation for specific populations providing broad-based health promotion and wellness education programs.
• Teaching - College teaching opportunities in sports studies and health science and other related fields in third level colleges, QQI Level Colleges and independent schools.
• Lifestyle Consultant - Employed mainly in the private sector to provide physical fitness instruction and prescription of exercise/fitness courses for individuals.
• Sports Coach - This work can also form part of the work of a sports development officer or a recreation assistant in a sports centre.
• Research Scientist - Conducts studies from either a basic or applied science perspective such as ways to increase athletic performance or how to improve health and reduce disease.
• Scientific Support Functions - Scientists are also required for many support functions such as information science, patent work, product registrations and technical writing.