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 Level 8 Sports Studies programme aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of theory and practical content by placing a focus on relevant real-world situations to support the transition into the health and sport industry on completion.

The BSc in Sports Studies Level 8 full time (add-on) is designed to meet the needs of coaching scientists, health practitioners and sports administrators. The programme 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 manage programmes of work for sporting bodies. In addition, Sport 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 key disciplines which can support employment 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. On graduation you will have a breadth of knowledge and practical experience that can be applied to a wide range of sport-related careers, from developing national sport to personal coaching.

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.

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.

Taking the option of the one-year add-on in Sports Studies was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. The diversity across the modules gave me the tools to boost my understanding of sport and recreational support to athletes and the public from a performance and lifestyle perspective. Overall, the one-year add-on course has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set that is highly valued in the sports and health industries.

The one-year add-on course in Sports Studies was an invaluable experience. Each module was meticulously designed to cover all critical aspects of sports science and management. Performance science and exercise medicine were particularly beneficial, allowing me to understand and apply advanced concepts in athlete training, rehabilitation and understand how to support everyday people with health issues. This course not only enhanced my theoretical knowledge but also provided practical skills that are essential in the sports field.