Health and Exercise Sciences with Massage Therapy

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Health and Exercise Sciences student massaging a client
Health and Exercise Sciences student massaging a client
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
10
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 912
Entry Requirements
319 CAO Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Kerry North Campus, Kerry
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Michael Hall

T: +353 (0)66 714 4168

Email: (email)

Overview

This honours degree provides you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and professional skills in preparation for an exciting career in the health, exercise and sports sector – and as a massage therapist. The programmes consist of applied, active training programmes (massage casework, aquatic therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, applied anatomy and posture, functional assessment, fitness testing) and the theoretical foundations underpinning the promotion of wellness (wellbeing science, behaviour change, exercise referral) and optimal body function through massage/ body work.

The programme emphasises community engagement, relevant massage practice, wellness education and the importance of a broad skill set. As you progress, you can expect to become confident in your professional skills, your life skills and in communicating the theoretical basis for concepts in health and exercise sciences. Graduates will have a bachelor of science honours degree, massage therapist accreditation with IMTA, and may also be eligible for professional fitness instructor registration in group exercise, gym instruction and personal training.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Exercise Science – Anatomy and Physiology: the aim of this module is to explain, through principles and concepts of physiology and anatomy, the structure of the human body and how physiological systems contribute to overall body function
  • Health and Personal Wellbeing: in this introductory health studies module, student lifestyle, health choices and personal wellness will be explored
  • Therapeutic and remedial massage: in this module students will learn the basic massage strokes for conducting a range of massage treatments
  • Activity Leadership: this module brings students to a level of competence in the planning, delivery and evaluation of individual and group exercise sessions in the exercise to music and gym environments with healthy adults.

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

NOTE 1: Applicants must provide certification of fitness for a programme of vigorous physical activity.

NOTE 2: Vetting by an Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

On graduation, you will be a health and fitness professional, a wellness educator with a specialist knowledge and practice in massage therapy. You will be equipped to work in a variety of settings, including health and leisure centres, health promotion, spa/wellness centres, hotels, mainstream and special- needs schools, community centres, clinical settings, workplaces and in the private/ entrepreneurial area being competent to specialise in hands on relaxation and clinical massage techniques, activity leadership, remedial and orthopaedic massage.

Graduates can take up employment opportunities in the areas of coaching, sports massage and rehabilitation, health and wellbeing promotion, in the area of physical education with young and older adult groups and in adapted physical activity education.

Progression

Further Studies

Graduates who achieve the specified level of academic performance are eligible to progress to the MSc in Applied Exercise for Health at MTU Kerry campus or to research at either master or PhD level.

PLEASE NOTE: if you sustain injuries that impact your physical engagement with the programme, this may affect your ability to continue on the programme and/or to progress.

Question Time

Yes, a number of our graduates, who achieved a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade I, have been accepted on to a range of MSc programmes in physiotherapy in both Ireland and UK. These are 2 year full time postgraduate programmes.

Yes, in fact there are two exit awards. Students who successfully complete year two of this programme and who do not wish to progress to third year are eligible to receive a higher certificate award. Students who successfully complete year three of this programme and who do not wish to progress to fourth year are eligible to receive an ordinary degree award.

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