Sports Performance Practice - Letterkenny

The aim of this course is to provide learners with a broad knowledge of the science of sports performance practice and an expert knowledge in specialist areas of the science of sport performance (i.e. Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning and Performance Analysis). It will develop applied techniques which will enable learners to pursue a career in Sports Performance, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Performance Analysis, Research, Education, Coaching or other science-based professions.

Contemporary Sports Performance practitioners must utilise an interdisciplinary and applied approach to the science of sport performance enhancement. Practitioners must be given an opportunity to advance their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles in this context. Particularly, within the core aspects of Performance Science (i.e. Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning.

The long-term commitment by government to spending in sport, announced in tandem with the new National Sports Policy 2018 will ensure the growth of this sector for at least the next ten years. A range of investigative, analytical and practical techniques are required to increase graduate employability in both academic and applied settings. The industry demands reflective practitioners, who have the ability to take responsibility for their own learning and ongoing professional development.

Practice Placement

Practice placement is an integral part of the course. The aim of the placement is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain skills, experience and competence. Practice placements are normally 35/39 hours per week and you may be required to work nights, long shifts and weekends. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the learner.

SEMESTER MODULES MANDATORY/ELECTIVE CREDITS CONTACT HOURS

9
Sports Nutrition Mandatory 10 0
Physiology of Sport & Exercise Mandatory 10 0
Research Methods Mandatory 5 0
Data Analytics Mandatory 5 0

10
Work Based Learning Research Project Elective 30 0
Strength & Conditioning Mandatory 10 0
Sports Performance Analysis Mandatory 10 0
Professional Practice Mandatory 10 0
Dissertation Elective 30 0

Level 8, or an equivalent qualification which will be sport related.
Or Non-sport degree graduates who have significant work experience in a related sport industry.

1 year full-time, 2 years, part-time.

Follow-on Courses
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Level 10 studies (Doctoral) at other institutions and universities at home and aboard.

Career Pathways
The main employers are:

Physical Education
Leisure, Sport & Fitness
Health Care
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:

Leisure Centre Manager
Sports Development Officer
Sports Agency Administrator
Sports nutritional adviser
Strength and Conditioning specialist
Exercise physiologist