Sports StudiesStaidéar Spóirt

If you are considering a career in sport, a Sports Studies degree from TU Dublin may be exactly what you are looking for. We have integrated our academic programme with the University's world-class sports facilities to provide a unique and rewarding study and sporting environment.

The BSc in Sports Studies Level 7 full-time is designed to meet the needs of coaching scientists, health practitioners and sports administrators. The course aims to develop, from evidence-based theory and practice, the students’ ability to manage and work with teams and individual athletes, understand the application of health for the benefit of the general population, and develop sport within National Sporting Bodies. In addition, Sports Studies examines the impact of coaching behaviours, nutrition and technology to enhance health and sporting performance.

Students will be provided with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in areas linked to individuals, teams and agencies from across the wider spectrum of sport and health. The course integrates Sport Science, Coaching Science and Sports Administration. Sports Studies is a relatively new academic discipline in Ireland and brings together the key disciplines which can support employments within the sport and health sector.

We enjoy strong partnerships with many National Governing Bodies in Sport, so you will benefit from seminars with industry experts and numerous opportunities to gain valuable networking and practical experiences. You will graduate with a breadth of knowledge and practical experiences that can be applied to a wide range of sports-related careers, from developing national sport to personal coaching.

Work Placement

The Sports Studies programmes includes a placement module in Year 3. Students will have an opportunity to gain practical experience with an employer of their interest and will be supported in the process during semester 2 (Year 3). In previous years, the placement module has provided the opportunity for students to work in areas related to physical education, high performance sport, strength and conditioning, coaching and sport development roles, healthcare promotion and clinics, sport administration roles, marketing and business of sport, gym and leisure centres.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

BTEC Level 3 Qualifications

Eligible to apply.

Applicants and elite athletes who do not have a formal Leaving Certificate or QQI qualification can still apply - See Alternative Entry Pathways.

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.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting through TU Dublin Required – see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting  

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates from this BSc in Sports Studies will provide leadership and scientific expertise in exercise planning, guidance, and prescription, sports coaching, low and high-performance training, health and nutrition for sporting success and related health areas, relevant sports administration and governance for NGB’s and not for profit organisations. The following are some of the areas where graduates may find employment.

• 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.
• Strength and Conditioning Coaches: It is expected that graduates would be prepared to undertake examinations for the accreditations 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: With the introduction of physical education as an examinable subject in the senior cycle at secondary level, this presents an exciting opportunity for Sports Studies graduates with a high level of practical knowledge to undertake a Level 8 on year add-on (TU141 or equivalent) and progress to a Masters in Education (PME).
• Coaching Scientist - Work in high performance sport, applying evidence-based practise to individual athlete’s and teams, development of coach – athlete relationships and optimising performance.
• Sport Nutrition: Graduates can be employed to work with athletes for optimal preparation for competition. Graduates are involved in the promotion of education around the current nutritional recommendations for optimal performance to athletes and coaches.
• Administrator - Working within National Sports Agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland and abroad. Incorporating a significant emphasis on Sport 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 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 sport studies and health science and other related fields in third level colleges, FETAC 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 Technician - 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.

We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. If this course opens for advanced entry, the following will apply.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

The BSc in Sports Studies  provided me with a foundation to go further into my education, the course has a wide range of topics from sports governance to coaching and science with a great blend of practical and theory based learning. The work placement during 3rd year of the course allowed me to branch out and broaden my connections.

The Sports Studies course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the sporting world, combining the physical aspects of performance and the business side of sport. The 3-year curriculum covers all essential topics and offers excellent opportunity to progress into the level 8 add-on.

I started the B.Sc. in Sports Studies in 2019, not knowing what I wanted but I had an interest in the modules in the course. After graduating in 2022, I have had since excellent opportunities as a performance coach and a route to Physical education teaching. I am delighted to have chosen the course which allowed me to work in areas which I am passionate about.

Upon successful completion of TU737 Sports Studies, a student may apply for the TU141 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Studies Level 8 (Add-On) programme.