The National University of Ireland, Maynooth
BSc Sport Science and Health
Maynooth, Ireland
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
- The BSc Sport Science and Health is based on the core scientific disciplines of sport and exercise science including physiology, psychology, biomechanics, coaching and strength and conditioning. It considers three core questions; how do we respond to the different types of exercise, how can we maximise the effects of training, and how can physical activity and exercise reduce and prevent disease and injury?
- This programme focusses on the value of exercise and sport for the enhancement of health, for the high performing athlete and in the case of the general population, to help with specific health concerns for the ill, the aging, or those recovering from injury. With the future of exercise as a clinical intervention, this programme provides a strong scientific foundation for career development in this area.
- Students will develop a strong scientific basis in the area of the life sciences, nutrition, and the sport and health sciences specifically. Students will also learn the scientific basis of sport performance and how the body reacts and adapts to exercise and physical activity. This will provide students with graduate opportunities in both the sport science sector and in the broader health and life science sector.
- Data is increasingly being used in sport science, enabling personalised exercise interventions to improve health and performance. This programme provides a strong data science component, including data analytic techniques, to equip our students with the skills needed to use data fully for group training and personalised exercise interventions.
- Work placement: The opportunity to undertake a 6-month work placement (subject to availability), in Ireland or abroad. As an integral part of the degree, this gives students the opportunity to put learning into practice in a professional setting and significantly improves graduate employability.
Duration: 4 years
1st year
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Biology
- Mathematics
- 1 other Science subject (Computer Science is not available)
2nd year
- Concentrate on Sport Science and Biology
- Optional 10 credit Elective
3rd year
- Focus solely on Sport Science and Health
- Second semester includes work placement (subject to availability) or other opportunities for experiential learning
Final year
- Concentrate on advanced topics in Sport Science and Health
- Capstone research project
- The sports, exercise and well-being sectors are some of the largest service industries in Ireland and globally - ranging from small to large enterprises. In addition, professional and amateur sporting bodies are some of the largest community-based activities in any region. Each of these activities benefit from professionals who understand the science of sport, exercise, and physical activity to improve health and performance, and develop new products and services to support athletes and the general population.
- Graduates will be suitably qualified to gain employment in the sports, exercise, health, and well-being sectors, which may include:
- High performance coach
- Health promotion
- Product and service development in sports and exercise
- Community health and fitness professional
- Sports coach with a club or within the community
- Sport Science and Health graduates may also be interested in further study in the area of healthcare, such as physiotherapy and sports psychology.
- With the strong scientific foundation, students will also be highly employable in other careers in the life sciences and health sector.
Careers in research are also possible for Sport Science graduates who may pursue research opportunities at Masters and PhD level.


