Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning
Program Overview
Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning – BSc
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning offers an in-depth education on this growing area of interest, both in Ireland and internationally. The Strength and Conditioning Coach is becoming a central and key figure in preparing and advancing the fitness and performance status of the individual athlete and team both in professional sport and also in amateur and recreational sport.
The Thurles campus houses an elite, state-of-the-art sports strength and conditioning facility – the ‘SportsLab’. Among its facilities are a 45m, six lane sprint track especially designed to improve speed; a Paralympic area; cable machines; a range of sport technology systems; including micro electro mechanical systems and GPS systems; Olympic lifting platforms; functional screening kits; weights and a full range of exercise machines. The facility greatly enhances students’ practical learning on the programme.
This programme is suited to students who wish to become members of sports training professional bodies and pursue careers as top sports strength and conditioning coaches or become entrepreneurs in the growing fitness industry.
This course is recognised by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
- A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
Mature Applicants
- Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
International Applicants
- International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.
Course Modules
Year 1 – Semester 1
- Coaching Skills & Athlete Preparation (5 credits)
- Communication Skills (5 credits)
- Foundations of Human Anatomy (5 credits)
- Foundations of Nutrition (5 credits)
- Physical Activity & Movement Development (5 credits)
- Principles Of Resistance Training (5 credits)
Year 1 – Semester 2
- Foundations In Biomechanics (5 credits)
- Fundamental Movement Skills (5 credits)
- Fundamentals Of Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
- Philosophy & Ethics of Practice (5 credits)
- Resistance Training Methods (5 credits)
- S&C Across the Lifecycle (5 credits)
Year 2 – Semester 1
- Clinical Biomechanics (5 credits)
- Psychology For Sport (5 credits)
- Speed & Agility For Sport (5 credits)
- Sport Nutrition (5 credits)
- Sports Profiling & Needs Analysis (5 credits)
- Weightlifting Techniques And Practices (5 credits)
Year 2 – Semester 2
- Endurance Development For Sport (5 credits)
- Injury Management & Return to Play (5 credits)
- Performance Measurement & Testing (5 credits)
- Special Populations Interventions (5 credits)
- Sport Statistics (5 credits)
- Training for Power & Force (5 credits)
Year 3 – Semester 1
- Advanced Sports Conditioning (5 credits)
- Current Concepts In Performance Technology (5 credits)
- Para Sport (5 credits)
- Sport Technology Analytics (5 credits)
- Statistical Research Methods For Sport (5 credits)
- Youth Athletic Development (5 credits)
Year 3 – Semester 2
- Work Placement For Strength & Conditioning (30 credits)
Career Opportunities
On completion of the programme, graduates are expected to gain employment in sports organisations, sports’ national governing bodies, sporting clubs and colleges, the health and fitness industry, community activity programmes and private enterprise.
Further Study
Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.
Program Outline
Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning – BSc (Detailed Extraction)
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning offers a comprehensive education in this growing field, both in Ireland and internationally. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become successful Strength and Conditioning Coaches, working with athletes and teams across various levels of sport. The program emphasizes practical learning, utilizing the state-of-the-art "SportsLab" facility at the Thurles campus. This facility includes a 45m sprint track, Paralympic area, cable machines, sport technology systems, Olympic lifting platforms, functional screening kits, weights, and a full range of exercise machines. The program is designed for students who aspire to become members of sports training professional bodies and pursue careers as top sports strength and conditioning coaches or entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years, with each year divided into two semesters. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
Year 1:
- Semester 1:
- Coaching Skills & Athlete Preparation (5 credits)
- Communication Skills (5 credits)
- Foundations of Human Anatomy (5 credits)
- Foundations of Nutrition (5 credits)
- Physical Activity & Movement Development (5 credits)
- Principles Of Resistance Training (5 credits)
- Semester 2:
- Foundations In Biomechanics (5 credits)
- Fundamental Movement Skills (5 credits)
- Fundamentals Of Exercise Physiology (5 credits)
- Philosophy & Ethics of Practice (5 credits)
- Resistance Training Methods (5 credits)
- S&C Across the Lifecycle (5 credits)
Year 2:
- Semester 1:
- Clinical Biomechanics (5 credits)
- Psychology For Sport (5 credits)
- Speed & Agility For Sport (5 credits)
- Sport Nutrition (5 credits)
- Sports Profiling & Needs Analysis (5 credits)
- Weightlifting Techniques And Practices (5 credits)
- Semester 2:
- Endurance Development For Sport (5 credits)
- Injury Management & Return to Play (5 credits)
- Performance Measurement & Testing (5 credits)
- Special Populations Interventions (5 credits)
- Sport Statistics (5 credits)
- Training for Power & Force (5 credits)
Year 3:
- Semester 1:
- Advanced Sports Conditioning (5 credits)
- Current Concepts In Performance Technology (5 credits)
- Para Sport (5 credits)
- Sport Technology Analytics (5 credits)
- Statistical Research Methods For Sport (5 credits)
- Youth Athletic Development (5 credits)
- Semester 2:
- Work Placement For Strength & Conditioning (30 credits)
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Written examinations: These assess students' theoretical understanding of the subject matter.
- Practical assessments: These evaluate students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
- Assignments: These allow students to demonstrate their research and analytical skills.
- Presentations: These provide students with the opportunity to communicate their findings to an audience.
- Portfolio: This allows students to showcase their work and demonstrate their progress throughout the program.
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: These provide students with a foundation in the theoretical aspects of the subject matter.
- Tutorials: These offer students the opportunity to discuss and clarify concepts with their peers and instructors.
- Practical sessions: These allow students to develop their practical skills in the SportsLab facility.
- Guest lectures: These provide students with insights from industry professionals.
- Case studies: These allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the sports and fitness industry, including:
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Working with athletes and teams at various levels of sport.
- Performance Analyst: Using data and technology to improve athlete performance.
- Fitness Instructor: Providing fitness guidance and training to individuals and groups.
- Sports Scientist: Conducting research and applying scientific principles to improve athletic performance.
- Sports Therapist: Providing rehabilitation and injury prevention services to athletes.
Other:
- The program is recognized by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
- Graduates are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programs within TUS or elsewhere.
Entry Requirements:
- Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
- Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.
