Sport Science and Health

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC202

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 16,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Sport Science and Health

About

Overview

Are you passionate about sport? Can you imagine supporting an elite athlete to the heights of their career or helping to coach a team to be among the best in the world? That’s exactly what many of our Sports Science and Health graduates do, while many others make a massive impact in the community, helping people of all ages to enjoy and benefit from sport and exercise.

During this course, you’ll learn how to enhance health and human performance, and how to advocate for and champion a healthy, educated and active society. You’ll encounter a range of teaching methods, including practical sessions, and develop key skills you can use in any career, including creative and critical thinking.

Understand the possibilities

You’ll study anatomy, behaviour change, coaching, nutrition, physiology, psychology, sociology and more, understanding these topics as they apply to people of all ages and in contexts from general health through to elite sport performance. To gain on-the-ground experience, you’ll do a six-month INTRA programme work placement in third year.

As a Sport Science and Health graduate, you could go on to work as a performance analyst, performance coach, laboratory technician or health promotion officer. Alternatively, you could go on to a masters or professional doctorate in elite sport, health promotion, strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology, physiology, physiotherapy or advanced entry medicine.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Additional Criteria

This programme requires evidence of competency in Mathematics and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science, which would equate to a O4/H6 in these subject areas. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes, or other third level qualifications. If applicants don’t have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement.

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. The specific criteria for entry may vary for each programme. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places, so early application is advised. Submission of an application does not guarantee an offer. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

You may opt for further study in related areas, including physiotherapy, nutrition, clinical exercise, strength and conditioning, coaching and education.

Our INTRA programme provides six months of paid, relevant work experience to students. This will give you a genuine competitive edge with employers when you graduate.

The course provides a broad foundation of knowledge, skills and experience for those wishing to pursue employment in:

Sport (e.g. coaching, sport development, sport science support, sports industry)
Health (e.g. health promotion, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate health advisor)

Several graduates from the course are employed as sports development officers at local, regional and national levels. They are involved in a variety of roles, including the development and implementation of programmes and strategies linked to increasing participation, improving skills, coaching development and improving the standards of coaching practice.

There are growing opportunities for graduates to gain employment as sport coaches. Coaches are required to have the capacity to improve and develop individual and team performances. Graduates who are employed in coaching have a broad understanding of all aspects of sports performance in a particular sport and, in addition to their degree qualifications, will normally hold coaching qualifications in that sport.

Graduates of the course also work as exercise consultants on specialist programmes in the gymnasium, sports or fitness clubs to help their clients to meet their goals and administer appropriate methods of assessment. After compiling and interpreting the results of this assessment, they design a suitable exercise or training programme. This could be of a technical, physiological or psychological nature.

The course will also provide you with opportunities for further study in a wide variety of related specialist areas, including physiotherapy, nutrition, clinical exercise, strength and conditioning, and coaching and education.

There are also opportunities for postgraduate study.

Career Areas

Coaching
Health (e.g. health promotion, corporate health advisors, exercise specialists)
Recreation - public and private sector
Education/Physical Education
Medicine
Nutrition/Dietetics
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Graduate studies – taught and research
Business

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.