Close

Department of Sport Science and Nutrition

Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/MU Apply code : MH412

CAO Points : 487

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview
> Maynooth University offers the only programme that allows students to combine a full business with sports science degree. This programme is for students who have a desire to work in the growing and diverse range of businesses in the area of sports, exercise and well-being.
>The sports, exercise and well-being sector is one of the largest service industries in Ireland and globally. Ranging from small to large enterprises, many are run by sports- professionals. These businesses need graduates who can understand both the science and practicalities of the sports and exercise sector, and the fundamentals of how to create value and make a profit - via services and solutions that meet a variety of customers.
>MH412 provides students with the unique option of combining Business with sports related content - from practical exercise skills to the science behind human performance and well-being.
>In third year, students have an opportunity to undertake an accredited work placement (subject to availability), in Ireland or abroad, which gives students a chance to put learning into practice and which significantly improves employability upon graduation. Given the diversity of businesses in this sector, many run by those without formal business training, people with both business and sports science knowledge are highly attractive with many opportunities.

Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or Erasmus/Study Abroad)

1st year

  • 30 credits of Business - providing a foundational knowledge of business
  • 15 credits of the Sports Science programme
  • 15 credits of another first year subject (from groups 1, 3 or 4). Subject Groups.

2nd year

  • Business in 2nd year is about learning the functional capabilities of your subject, including some optional choices
  • 20 credits of sports science modules

Optional additional year

Work placement or study abroad year between 2nd and final year and graduate after the 4th year. The University will support you in the search for a placement job; however, the process is competitive. Students who choose to take the year 3 placement option will be required to undergo Garda Vetting in advance of this placement.

Final year

  • In your business subject this is the year in which you will develop your understanding of the strategic aspects of running a business or service, as well as advanced skills in your chosen subject. 
  • 20 credits of content from sports science
Course Duration: 4 years with placement or Erasmus/Study Abroad

Emmanuel Kypraios

Academic

Department of School of Business


Department of Faculty of Social Sciences


Department of International


Department of ICARUS

After Graduation
>This is a rapidly growing sector, with a deep demand for graduates that bridge the fields of business and sports - employees that have both a deep insight into how to create value for businesses (through business skills) and the science of sports exercise.
>Many enjoy sporting activities but sports and exercise are well known to have mental and physiological benefits. In combination with the business modules, this programme will allow students to understand how sports and exercise can impact on health, allowing graduates to explore how this can be translated to new services and solutions.
>Graduates typically join large multinational employers in graduate programmes, public service, or in small and medium sized organisations where you are able to work on contributing to the businesses, domestically and globally. The addition of sports science will allow graduates to access opportunities in the sports and exercise market. That could be from small local enterprises to large companies that operate sporting enterprises or that supply services to the sports, exercise and health sectors.
>Many of our students continue to further postgraduate study in a very wide range of Business subjects at Maynooth University. Visit the Department websites for more information. See contact details below.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O4 H7
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any required written exercise/interview which may form part of your application assessment please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.  

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH412 Round 1 Points 2024: 487

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
Back to top