Health & Performance Science
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThis course is suitable for you if you have a strong interest in sport and exercise science and wish to pursue a career in high performance sport, a clinical profession (e.g. physiotherapy, dietetics, medicine) and/or scientific research in sport and health sciences. Led by top industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities, you will study the scientific principles underlying the promotion and enhancement of sport, physical health and exercise across the lifespan.
You will study a range of both practical and theoretical modules designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and attitude to work in the fields of exercise science, health sciences and/or sports performance. Practical modules include biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. Theoretical modules include anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, physiology and psychology of sport and health.
Modules studied on the Health & Performance Science degree include:
First Year
- Anatomy
- Health and Fitness
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Exercise Physiology
- Theory of Coaching
- Strength & Conditioning
Second Year
- Laboratory Skills
- Sports Psychology
- Biomechanics
- Research Methods
- Exercise Prescription
- Sports Nutrition
Third Year
- Behaviour Change
- Sports Injury Management
- Skill Acquisition
- Statistics
- Practical Case Study
- Molecular Exercise Science
- Research Thesis
Students attend lectures and small group practical classes. Practical classes take place in both the UCD High Performance Gym and an exercise physiology laboratory, which is British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited.
Assessment is through a combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment. In your final year, you will also undertake a group based research thesis.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why study UCD Sports & Performance.
Health & Performance Science students can apply to study abroad for a trimester in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, through one of the Sport & Exercise exchange agreements.
When you graduate, you will be skilled in the prescription and management of therapeutic exercise interventions in healthcare and sporting settings. You will also be an expert in the analysis and evaluation of human sports and exercise performance. Graduates of the course work in a variety of settings, including:
- Sport and exercise consultancy
- Health promotion
- Professional athlete or team support
- Exercise physiology
- Strength and conditioning
- Education and research
Graduates are also eligible to apply for MSc and PhD programmes in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science.
“I chose to study Heath & Performance Science as I had a keen interest in working in athletic development and sports science. During the course, I learned about human physiology, athletic development, nutrition, and athlete psychology. The core aspects of the course such as individual and group work, critical thinking, and applied case study investigation, along with the support from mentors and lecturers, gave me the skills to positively transfer my knowledge into real life sporting environments. I secured a full-time intern position in Athletic Performance which I will be starting at the end of my BSc. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in athlete development or sport performance.”
Orla Hayes, Student
UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Email: performance.science@ucd.ie
