Graduates of the NFQ level 8 B.Sc. (Hons) in Health & Leisure course will have developed a broad knowledge and skills set from the component modules. As a result, the graduate will be capable of working in a multitude of health, fitness and recreation settings requiring a broad general knowledge of health studies (health, lifestyle, wellness and leisure, population health and lifestyle programme planning, philosophy, psychology and sociology of health) exercise science (anatomy, injury management and human physiology, exercise physiology, exercise physiology, research methods, kinesiology and posture cultivation), activity leadership (special populations, personal training, exercise programming, current trends, group fitness, gym instruction and athletic development, performance training), physical education (fundamental movement, gymnastics and dance) adapted physical activity, sports psychology and motor learning, youth development studies, coaching, leisure marketing, disability studies and human resource development.

All graduates of the Bachelor of Science degrees in Health & Leisure are likely to find work in health and leisure centres, outdoor education centres, within health promotion units, spa/wellness centres, coaching and team sport settings, performance training, hotels, mainstream and special-needs schools, community centres, clinical settings, work place, in the private/entrepreneurial area.

Graduates of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Health and Leisure are expected to progress promptly to project management and staff management roles within the work place, adopting a knowledgeable, evidence-based and positive strengths approach.

Other Requirements

Please note that this course involves participation in rigorous physical activities on a daily basis. Eligible candidates will be asked to obtain medical clearance. Should a student sustain injuries which impact on physical engagement with the programme, it may effect the student’s progression schedule. Upon registration for this programme, all students must be assessed for swimming ability and confidence in the water. Satisfactory Garda vetting throughout the programme is a requirement for continued registration.

Health & Leisure contributes to the graduate developing a broad knowledge and skill base in all six pillars mentioned above such that the graduate may work in a multitude of areas, see TL771 for all of the opportunities open to you at the end of three years. At the latter stage of the degree students will study a specialism which may orient them further towards specific work settings.

The Adapted Physical Activity specialism graduates are health and leisure professionals with a specialist knowledge and experience in working with people with disabilities. They are equipped to work in a variety of settings including health and leisure centres, sports camps, health promotion, mainstream and special needs schools, community centres, clinical settings, residential and day care services and outdoor education centres. They have experience working in groups and on a one to one basis with adults and children with sensory, physical, intellectual, multiple and severe disabilities.

The Physical Education specialism graduates are equipped to work within the school environment, and also within youth work and adult education settings and broader community leisure settings. They will take on roles coaching, coaching within leisure facilities, facilitating coaching courses for communities, schools, colleges and teams. This programme provides an alternative pathway into second level physical education (UL/UK) and into primary school teaching.

The Health and Wellbeing specialism graduates are equipped to work within a variety of settings, where physical activity, recreation and sport are used to enhance wellbeing: the health and wellbeing graduate will have completed modules which are especially relevant to employment settings demanding a central focus on health and health promotion for physical activity, recreation and sport.

The Sports Development specialism graduate will have completed modules relevant to advancing sport in society. They are equipped to engage in comprehensive planning and provision of community sport and recreation opportunities, from fundamental to high performance levels. Their specialism enables them to research, implement and evaluate sports development policy, programmes and practices to facilitate physical activity provision throughout the life stages. This includes, addressing in particular, populations which may not have equity of access to physical activity, sport and recreational opportunities, e.g. older adult populations, females, ethnic minorities and those with special needs.

The Athletic Performance specialism graduates are equipped to work in a variety of settings such as strength & conditioning specialists, fitness conditioning consultants, fitness and leisure operational management, commercial group exercise leaders, personal trainers, group exercise leaders, gym instructors/supervisors, fitness and programming professionals for teams/athletes, activity leaders with children and older adults.