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Sports Development & Performance – BA (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 290

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This highly practical course provides graduates with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to work in a broad range of sports roles, maximising employment opportunities. Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, where you will gain practical skills that will set you apart in the competitive sports industry. Our lecturers have industry experience at the highest level of sport and bring their wealth of knowledge to the classroom. During your practical sports placement you will have the opportunity to work with teams, organisations and athletes putting your skills into action and building essential connections. You will also get the opportunity to obtain extra coaching certificates, enhancing your qualifications and opening more career opportunities. Whatever your ambitions in sport, Sports Development & Performance in TUS can help you achieve them. 

This course has been designed for people with a passion for sport, who would like to work in an exciting, dynamic and global industry. Learn about coaching, promoting sports activities and the skills required to work with athletes. Develop your leadership skills and gain an understanding of sports development, resistance training and conditioning, exercise and health, talent ID & development, fitness testing, nutrition, psychology, sports injuries and how to use the latest coaching technologies. This course will suit anyone with a passionate interest in sport and a flair for coaching. 

Contact Details

Dr. Marion Geary

Email: Marion.Geary@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. Foundation Level Mathematics at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this course.

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. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Anatomy & Physiology For Sport

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and the anatomical structures involved in human movement, as well as providing the learner with an understanding of their mechanics in production of functional and sporting activities.

  • Introduction To Coaching

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the coaching process, paying close attention to the planning, delivering and reviewing of coaching sessions. The module focuses on coaching children, with child welfare and protection, and the appropriate actions when dealing with children being the cornerstones of this module

  • Learning Skills & Information Technology

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable students develop an understanding of the importance of the various methods of communication, the impact these methods can have in their future careers and to develop skills to utilise such methods effectively
    The IT element of this module aims to provide the learner with the skills to effectively operate software packages and to adapt their capabilities to a sports context.

  • Resistance Training

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire introductory level weight training theory and practical application, that will provide the foundation for planning and delivery of strength programmes for the general population and athletes.

  • Exercise Psychology

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with an understanding and application of the principles of exercise psychology. Through multiple teaching and learning strategies students will apply the knowledge of psychological techniques gained to enhance participation, learning and adherence in exercise. Students will develop the skills required to actively engage and support various populations in the exercise setting.

  • Wellbeing And Sport

    Credits: 5

    This module will examine the area of mental health and the relationship between exercise and wellbeing. Learners will be introduced to prevalent mental health disorders and addictive and unhealthy behaviours as well as the potential measures that could be utilised in the treatment and prevention of these issues. Learners will examine the relationship between diet, behaviour change and mental health.

  • Coaching Skills

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop the soft coaching skills required by coaches such as the ability to communicate, analyse (Peer and Self analysis). It will also see a continuation of the development of a more refined coaching philosophy

  • Conditioning For Sport And Fitness

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills, to assist in the design and delivery of safe, basic and appropriate training programmes. Students will learn the physiological principles underlying the process of physical conditioning and how to apply these principles to individuals and groups participating in sport and physical activities.

  • Sports & Club Accounts

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the core principles of accounting and its application in the sports business and sports management industry

  • Introduction To Sports Development

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce students to the subject of sport development and provide an overview of sports provision in Ireland. This will be explored through reference to definitions and models of sport development, clubs and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local and central government policies and practices. Further the module will explore on a basic level who the main role players are (from the public, private and voluntary sectors) and how such players can impact on the levels of participation and performance which differs for different sectors of society. Students will also gain a basic understanding of how personal, social, economic and political factors influence and impact on the process of sport development. This introductory module is the basis for understanding sport development.

  • Media Communications & Personal Development

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the importance of the various methods of communication, the impact theses methods can have in their future careers and develop the necessary skills to utilise these methods effectively.
    The IT element of this module aims to provide the learner with the skills to operate software packages effectively and to adapt their capabilities in a sports environment.

  • Multi Sports Experience

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces learners to games and activities that could be used in sport, community and physical education contexts. Learners will examine principles of play, technical skills, tactical approaches, rules and safety considerations related to a selection of invasion games (e.g. Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, rugby, hockey and basketball), target games (golf, darts, archery, bowling), net games (e.g. badminton, tennis, volleyball), and striking and fielding games (e.g. cricket, rounders, baseball). Learners will adapt, modify and progress games to suit different participant groups, numbers and resource/equipment availability. Learners will also learn to develop their communication and instructional skills

  • Coaching Philosophy and Performance Analysis

    Credits: 5

  • Fundamentals of Business Law

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with a knowledge and understanding of the legal environment in which business operates with focus on the sports sector. Learners will develop a broad understanding of the legal system and structures in addition to acquiring knowledge and understanding of selected ares of the law relevant to business operation. The module will enable learners to apply the relevant legal principles to business issues and liaise effective with legal advisors.

  • Fundamentals of Sports Events

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide the theoretic background which will enable students to successfully plan and operate an event.

  • Health and Fitness Assessment

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to help learners gain an understanding of the importance of health screening and physical fitness testing procedures and how they relate to the ability to safely increase physical capacity.
    Learners and novice coaches will critically appraise screening and testing protocols and be able to apply the cyclical testing process to a wide variety of sporting and fitness scenarios. Students will learn how to carry out accurate and reliable screening and assessment measures to establish whether participant goals have been met and the possible relevant adjustments in programming that may be required

  • Nutrition for Sport & Health

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide an overview of nutrition and the importance of food, energy and fluid balance in health, exercise and sport.

  • Sports Injuries & Recoveries

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable them to identify several types of sports injuries, recognise injury related risk factors and aid in the rehabilitation of sports injuries. This module will also provide students with the skills and information regarding the selection and application of relevant recovery modalities to improve health and sporting performance.

  • Analysis Of Human Movement And Motor Control

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the underlying principles of skill acquisition for sport. Students will examine the different types and categories of skill and the stages of skill acquisition and how they apply to various sports settings. Students will examine the concept of information processing and how it applies to skill acquisition. Students will examine how sporting movements can be assessed qualitatively. This module will develop practice in the application of deterministic models and examination of biomechanical factors and principles in a wide range of sport and exercise activities.

  • Marketing Principles

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to present the core principles of marketing so that learners have an understanding of the subject and can build on this knowledge.

  • Movement Analysis – Fundamental Motor Skills

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the stages of motor and human development, with a focus on Fundamental Motor Skill and its importance for lifelong physical activity, sport and health

  • Practical Sports Events

    Credits: 5

    The student will have the opportunity to design, plan deliver and evaluate a practical sports events. Events which have been delivered by students in previous years include Guinness Book of World Records challenges, various sporting tournaments, community engagement projects and multi-code sports competitions.

  • Sport & Society

    Credits: 5

    This module examines the interaction of sport in society from social, political, cultural and economic perspectives. It examines how sport creates, challenges and reinforces norms, values and expectations in society and in communities. Learners will be required to engage critically with a number of substantive issues in sport, including the evolution of sport from past to present, the role of the media, gender, social class and racial relations, deviance and sport and political influences. The community will be a central theme throughout.

  • Sports Psychology

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of sport psychology and gain an awareness of the importance of sport psychology in overall performance in sport.

  • Coaching Technologies

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to aid students to acquire the knowledge of the use of coaching technologies and how they relate to the ability to evaluate, monitor and enhance sporting performance. Students will learn and critique the role of technology in sport and apply key operational principles to a wide variety of sporting and health scenarios

  • Exercise for Special Populations

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the categories and various needs of special population groups and how they engage with physical activity. Students will develop the skills necessary to adapt various exercise programmes to meet the needs of specific special population groups.

  • Quantitative Analysis

    Credits: 5

    This module will enable learners to obtain, analyse, illustrate and interpret quantitative data extracted from sports related problems. A learner will be able to infer results based on analysis of suitable samples. It will also allow the learner to investigate relationships between various sets of numerical data. Learners will also use quantitative techniques to assess the viability of alternative capital investments.

  • Safeguarding & Ethics In Sport

    Credits: 5

    Everybody involved in sport, whether they are an athlete, player, coach, volunteer, parent or spectator, should be able to enjoy the sport without fear of bullying, abuse, intimidation or harassment, and safe in the knowledge that the competition is fair. This module will help learners to build cultures, processes and practices within sports clubs and organisations to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and to protect the integrity of the sport.

  • Sport, Exercise & Health

    Credits: 5

    Sport is part of the social, cultural and political fabric of the nation. Along with Gaelic football, hurling, soccer & rugby, sports such as cricket, hockey, basketball, combat sports, athletics, cycling, swimming & triathlon are very popular. Mass participation events and recreational activities have also increased in popularity. This module examines the role that sport, exercise and physical activity play in relation to individual & societal health.

  • Sports Development & Governance

    Credits: 5

    This module will review who the main role players are within Irish Sports Development and Governance. This module will also examine the internal governance structures of sport organisations and in particular, the board/committee structures of local clubs. A range of key issues faced by boards/committees of sport organisations will be introduced and identify challenges that they face. Clarity of roles and responsibilities: board, committees, executive and volunteers will be addressed.

  • Work Placement/Study Abroad

    Credits: 30

    This Work Placement/Study Abroad component is an integral part of all academic programmes of the Institute and is provided in compliance with HEA/DES requirements for practice-based learning on all third level courses as laid out in the “Higher Education System Performance Framework 2018-2020” . The overall aim of the module is to offer the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their course of study up to this point in a new and relevant experiential setting. This is to achieved whilst facilitating the student in developing the practical life-skill competencies and communication skills necessary to function as an effective member of the work environment and wider society. Students choosing to study abroad will be provided a comparable programme of study in an approved foreign partner Institution.

  • Integrated Practice for Coaches

    Credits: 5

  • Athlete Welfare

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to examine the impact of performance sport and its associated lifestyle on athletes. Learners will examine areas of relevance such as identity, career transitions, burnout, impact of sports injury and issues around the mental health and wellbeing of athletes in performance sport. Appropriate methods of prevention and intervention for practical application will be examined throughout.

  • Entrepreneurship

    Credits: 5

  • International Sports Development

    Credits: 5

  • Talent Identification And Development

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces learners to methods of talent identification, development and also looks at the concept of talent transfer. It uses case studies to highlight how talent is selected and developed by various sporting bodies and nations

  • Psychological Skills For Performance

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to examine the various psychological skills necessary for performance in sport. Students will examine the application of these skills in sports performance and develop methods of implementation in practice.

  • Enterprise Business Plan

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module to develop learners understanding of business enterprise operations by applying that learning to the practical environment of new venture creation and planning via the preparation of a business plan based upon an original idea. Adopting a problem based learning approach, creative thinking, contingency planning and entrepreneurial behaviour in general will be encouraged through understanding and engaging with the processes and challenges of creating, sustaining and growing new ventures. Learners will examine the management processes involved in setting up a new business via the compilation of a detailed business plan.

  • Final Year Research Project

    Credits: 15

  • Fitness Demands & Testing

    Credits: 5

  • Adapted Physical Activity

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide students with a multifaceted approach to working with individuals with physical and intellectual disability. Students will examine the various needs of  individuals with physical and intellectual disability when engaging in physical activity and develop appropriate programmes of exercises to suit these needs.

What can you do after this programme?

Graduates can expect to find work in a broad range of areas. Many continue in postgraduate education while others go on to find employment with national governing bodies, local sports partnerships, professional clubs, community sports hubs, sports clubs or youth organisations, as well as in other related roles such as sports managers/coordinators, sports analysts and graduate jobs in various private and public sector organisations 

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

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