Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH221
CAO Points : 462
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>The BSc Sport Science and Health is based on the core scientific disciplines of sport and exercise science including coaching, physiology and biomechanics. It considers three core questions; how does the human body respond to the different types of exercise, how can we maximise the effects of training on sport and exercise performance, 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 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 life science sector.
>Data is increasingly being used in sport science, enabling personalized 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 personalized 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 Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- 1 other Science subject e.g. Chemistry, Data Science, Engineering Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics (Computer Science is not available)
2nd year
- Concentrate on Sport Science and Biology
- Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills
3rd year
- Focus mainly 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 Project
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 | Yes | O6 | H7 |
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.
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.
01 February 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry). CAO Points 2024: 462
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 students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students