This degree, originally entitled Health and Leisure, provides the knowledge, skills and competences to develop a career in health, fitness, sport and leisure sectors. This course involved the study of six major subject areas, relating to Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences as the title suggests. Five of the subject areas are common to all students until the end of second year: Exercise Science, Health Studies, Activity Leadership, Physical Education and sector-related business subjects. For the sixth subject area, students will study either Aquatics or Outdoor or Massage Therapy as a major elective.

All course material is delivered through a mix of applied theory and practice. This blend of teaching and learning approach prepares the student to be competent and confident in their professional practice.

The first two years of the programme are generic and cover a broad range of areas of study which provide a foundation for a range of careers in the health, exercise and sports industries. At the end of second year, students either remain within the Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences group or may focus more on Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity or on Physical Education Studies with Business by diverging into those streams. There is also a 12-week work placement in third year, which can be completed with a local, national or international service provider.

This degree programme involves vigorous physical activity, eligible candidates will need medical clearance. Garda vetting is also mandatory.

The Department of Health and Leisure Studies is characterised by its progressive, innovative and approachable academic and support staff, its vibrant and engaging students and the valued contribution it makes to campus life.

Graduates will have a Bachelor of Science degree and a variety of discipline-specific professional certifications. Students are expected to become sufficiently competent practitioners to become eligible for professional fitness instructor registration in group exercise, gym instruction and personal training. Depending on the elective chosen, students may also qualify for certifications in aquatics-related and other skills.

Graduates work in sports, health and leisure centres, in health promotion environments, in performance coaching and team sport settings, in sports development, in community development, in exercise programming, with disability service providers, in some educational settings, in the private/entrepreneurial contexts, in local sports partnerships and in the great outdoors.

Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences specialism graduates develop, influence and advocate for policy, provision and practice in a range of sectors, while maintaining health, wellbeing and fitness and optimal performance as central paradigms of their careers. These graduates typically progress to the one-year, add-on B.Sc. (Hons) in Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences (formerly Health, Fitness and Leisure) to complete the full complement of mandatory and elective modules to gain an honours degree.

Graduates who take the Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity specialism will have additional knowledge and experience in working with people with disabilities. These graduates typically progress to the one-year, add-on B.Sc. (Hons) in Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity to complete the full complement of modules in the Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity specialism.

Graduates who took the Physical Education Studies with Business specialism graduates work typically progress to the one-year, add-on B.Sc. (Hons) in Physical Education with Business programme to complete the full complement of modules in the Physical Education with Business specialism, which is essential to progress to a professional master in education.