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Sport and Exercise (Common Entry)
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU320 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 4 Years |
CAO Points | 317 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Our Bachelor of Science in Sports & Exercise with degree award options: Performance and Wellbeing or Physical Education, is a three-year programme that combines your passion for sports with a successful career progress through the course.
Studying sport or exercise at third level is an opportunity to harness your passion and combine it with the knowledge to build a wonderful career in either sports performance and wellbeing or physical education studies.
The first two years provide the core foundation of the degree, while the last two years allow you to specialise. Our performance and wellbeing stream pairs research theory with a range of applied performance related areas including strength and conditioning, psychology and nutrition. Meanwhile our education stream pairs theory with curriculum based instructional models that focus on how physical activity and sport can be taught through games, aquatics, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor adventure education.
Graduate careers include: Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, Leisure Centre Manager and Sports Development Officer.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Sports Study Skills 1This module aims to develop learners' interpersonal and transferable skills through professional practice and participation in a range of physical activity. This module will also provide the learner with practical knowledge of computer applications relevant to the sport, exercise and rehabilitation sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate acceptable written and oral communication skills in the context of their own discipline of study, using a range of ICT tools effectively for communication purposes |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology IThis is an introductory module that explores both Anatomy and Physiology, with a distinctive sports emphasis. The body will be examined with respect to its various systems and their interaction when participating in sports and physical activity. Learning Outcomes 1. Appropriately utilise anatomical and physiological terms; |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Health Related Physical ActivityThis module explores the significance of physical activity in relation to health, fintess and well-being. Learners will be provided with the underpinning knowledge and skills to perform assessments and provide clients with feedback pertaining to their health and fitness. Learning Outcomes 1. Define each of the health-related components of physical fitness and discuss the benefits of improved fitness for children and adults, including factors that affect fitness and barriers to participation. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sports Coaching PracticeThis module introduces the concept of physical literacy and conceptual frameworks that underpin participation in pedagogy, exercise and sport. The module provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop fundamental movement skills in an optimum learning environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Define physical literacy and discuss its value to contemporary society |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sport, Leisure & SocietyThis module introduces learners to the wider societal context in which sport and leisure are experienced, and explores the breadth of their reach and impact o n modern culture . Learners will examine and debate issues and controversies that arise including the commercialisation of sport, the use of performance enhancers, aggression and violence on the field of play and amongst spectators , with a view to deepening their understanding of the social origins of sport and leisure and their own roles as future leaders in the field. Learning Outcomes 1. Examine sport and leisure from a broad societal perspective and their impact on modern culture. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Exercise Prescription and Programme DesignThe aim of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and practice in designing and delivering safe and effective exercise programmes for a range of clients including children and adults. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the significance of the principles of exercise prescription in developing each of the components of fitness including necessary modifications in: frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, progression and adherence to meet PA guidelines for health, fitness and performance. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports Coaching LeadershipThe primary goal of this module is to provide opportunities for learners to build on the underpinning knowledge and skills developed in “ Sports Coaching Practice ” by applying their knowledge to a range of different sporting contexts (stages 1 through 4 of the LTAD Model) . An important aspect of the module is the development of a personal coaching philosophy and style through teaching children in sport. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the factors that affect learning and performance of participants and identify a personal coaching philosophy. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 2This is an introductory module that builds on the Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology, module. Additional body systems will be explored and examined in light of physiological adaptations to exercise, training, injury prevention and age. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the structures and physiological functions of the major systems of the human body. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports Study Skills 2This module aims to develop learners' study skills for successful learning, and provides support during their transition into higher education. It also assists students to become more effective, confident and autonomous communicators in key skill areas of writing, research, presentation, interpersonal, group work, and reflection. Learning Outcomes 1. Deliver a presentation to peers using PowerPoint |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Biomechanics & Movement AnalysisThis module aims to introduce students to the concept of biomechanics. It will help develop knowledge and understanding of how to apply biomechanical factors and its effect on athletic performance, injury reduction and neuromuscular training. Learners will attain skills required to conduct qualitative and quantitive analysis of human movement. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the role of Biomechanics in sport, exercise and injury |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sports & Leisure FrameworksThis module explores the policy, strategy and structural methodology that underpins sport and physical activity in Ireland. The module applies a marketing perspective to sport and physical activity through which the options and actions of the coach and the participant are explored. This is achieved through the application of a range of frameworks that underpin sports and physical activity coaching and leadership. These opportunities to explore unifying principles, themes and contemporary theories in sport and physical activity are aimed at expanding and deepening the learners understanding and analysis of the sport and physical activity industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse the policy, strategy and organisational structures of sports and physical activity in Ireland. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sports and Exercise NutritionThe aim of this module is to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the key role played by nutrition in health, sport and exercise. Learners will develop an understanding of the components of a healthy, balanced diet and relevant current evidence-based sports nutrition guidelines in relation to a range of athletes. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the fundamental principles of sports nutrition and the foundation of a healthy balanced diet. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Performance Analysis and Technology in SportLearners will develop an understanding of underpinning theories of performance analysis and technology used in sport. Students will develop the understanding of key performance indicators and gain knowledge on how to identify these through a range of sports. This module provides learners with an opportunity to develop computer software techniques and to apply notational and computer-based analysis skills through video feedback to assist the coaching process. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the historical development of performance analysis in sport |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports and Exercise PhysiologyThis module examines key physiological reactions and adaptions in response to sport and exercise stress. Learners explore physiological changes at rest and during various acute and chronic types of exercise. A range of assessment techniques will be employed to evaluate physiological responses to exercise and training. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify fundamental responses of physiological systems at rest and during exercise |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Foundation of Strength & ConditioningThe aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the concept of Strength and Conditioning. Learners will be provided with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to plan, prescribe and implement strength and conditioning programming to aid the development of the health and skill related components of fitness and performance. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the underpinning concepts and principles of strength and conditioning |
10 | Mandatory |
Progression
After successfully completing the common entry, students get to choose one of the following specialisms:
Sport & Exercise with Physical Education
Sport & Exercise
Sport & Exercise with Performance and Well-being
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions |
Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesCareers
Career Pathways
The main employers are:
Health Care
Leisure, Sport & Fitness
Physical Education
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
Fitness Instructor
Health Promotion Specialist
Leisure Centre Manager
Personal Trainer
Sports Agency Administrator
Sports Coaching
Sports Development Officer
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Tourism and Sport
Nicola Dunnion
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186645
E: nicola.dunnion@atu.ie
Tourism & Sport