Program Overview

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Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning prepares students to work with children, youths, and adults in various sporting environments. This course focuses on the applied nature of exercise science.

The course content will be delivered through theory and practical classes. We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to be able to deliver the knowledge through practical coaching sessions. Over the four years, students will study the components of fitness, the principles of training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, learn how to analyse biomechanical movements and the science of sport.

Students who choose this course will specialise in strength and conditioning. Some modules include; resistance training, weightlifting, injury prevention, and periodisation. Covering the course content will allow students to take the ITEC gym instruction qualification exam.

This exciting 4 year honours degree will allow students to study resistance training, weightlifting, programme planning, sports psychology, and injury and rehabilitation. A core element of this course is the applied nature of the study. Consequently, the modules that students will study have significant practical elements that focus on developing coaching competencies necessary to improve the athletes in their chosen sport. Strength and conditioning coaches are in demand right across the lifecycle from designing programmes and coaching children, youth, adults, or older adults. This course offers students an opportunity to gain a qualification in the area of exercise science. We place a significant emphasis on preparing students to be able to deliver the knowledge through practical coaching sessions. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to undertake conditioning programmes to support coaches and athletes in their performance improvements. In addition, we aim to prepare students to be industry-ready.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 244
• Location: Thurles
• Duration: 4 years
• Course Code: US958
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Sport & Early Childhood Studies

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six 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)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Adv Resistance Training (5 credits)
• Applied Exercise A&P Assessment (5 credits)
• Coaching Competencies & Behaviours (5 credits)
• Periodisation (5 credits)
• Sports Innovation & Professional Development (5 credits)
• The Female Athlete (5 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Final Year Project Strength & Conditioning (15 credits)
• Leadership and Management (5 credits)
• Monitoring & Recovery (5 credits)
• Problem Based Learning (5 credits)

Career Opportunities

Graduates with sports science with strength and conditioning degrees can take up work in gyms, sports teams or set up their own sport business. Graduates can also further their education in sports performance, sports coaching, sports psychology and physiotherapy.

Graduates are expected to gain employment in sports organisations, sports’ national governing bodies, sporting clubs and colleges, 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.