This honours degree, originally entitled Health and Leisure, provides the knowledge, skills and competences to launch a fulfilling career as a professional in health, fitness, sport and physical activity 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 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 practice for a career in a variety of relevant sectors and industries.

The first two years of the programme are common for all students on this course and cover a broad range of areas of study which provide a foundation for further studies and career development. 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 which allow students to begin to specialise in third year and continue into fourth year. There is a 12-week work placement in third year (except for the Physical Education with Business group) which can be completed with a local, national or international service provider, and a major research project in fourth year.

This degree programme involves vigorous physical activity so 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 an honours bachelor of science degree which reflects the main focus of their studies:

• Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity
• Physical Education Studies with Business

Students of the degree course will appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of health, exercise and sports and education sectors and they will develop a variety of strategies, skills and competencies which will stand them in good stead for their futures.

Students will usually also hold a variety of discipline specific professional certifications including first aid responder and eligibility 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, hotels, with disability service providers, in a variety of educational settings, in clinical settings, in the private/entrepreneurial contexts, in local sports partnerships and governing bodies of sport, and in the great outdoors.

All graduates, and especially graduates of the Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity specialism, are health, sport, exercise science professionals with knowledge and experience of working with people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Physical Education Studies with Business specialism graduates work within the school environment, and also in youth work, adult education and broader community sport and leisure settings.

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.