Sports Development & Performance - BA (Hons)

Course Code: US954

Level

Duration

4 Years

Department

Sport & Early Childhood Studies

CAO Points

307

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Limerick

Sports Development is the promotion of sports activities within communities and sports organisations. Sports Development Officers typically work with specific sports such as hurling, football, soccer and rugby, or with target populations such as children and younger people, older adults, women, ethnic groups, people with disabilities or people living in socially disadvantaged areas. The role of the Sports Coach is complementary to that of the Sports Development Officer. Their job description is incredibly diverse and may include friend, mentor, instructor, planner, analyst, counsellor, organiser, demonstrator, disciplinarian, physical trainer, psychologist, nutritionist and leader. Successful coaches are innovative, constantly learning and evolving, always challenging themselves and their athletes to improve.

This course aims to develop high quality graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in this dynamic, exciting, challenging and potentially lucrative industry.

We have professional links with numerous sporting organisations including Sport Ireland and the network of Local Sports Partnerships, the National Governing Bodies of Sport, local sports clubs and community organisations, disability groups, local gyms and leisure centres, the Great Limerick Run, Munster Rugby and Limerick F.C. External training courses such as FAI Kick Start, Leprechaun Rugby, GAA Foundation & Level 1 and the Child Protection course enhance the student’s career prospects and employability.

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.

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.

Who can I contact?

Marion Geary
Marion.Geary@lit.ie

What modules will I study?

Year 1 - Semester 1

Title: Anatomy & Physiology For Sport

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Introduction To Coaching

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Learning Skills & Information Technology

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Resistance Training

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sports & Club Accounts

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Wellbeing And Sport

Credits:
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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.
Year 1 - Semester 2

Title: Coaching Skills

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Conditioning For Sport And Fitness

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Exercise Psychology

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Introduction To Sports Development

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Media Communications & Personal Development

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Multi Sports Experience

Credits: 5
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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
Year 2 - Semester 1

Title: Coaching Philosophy - Coaching & Sports Development

Credits: 5
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Title: Fundamentals of Business Law

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Fundamentals of Sports Events

Credits: 5
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This module is designed to provide the theoretic background which will enable students to successfully plan and operate an event.

Title: Health and Fitness Assessment

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Nutrition for Sport & Health

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sports Injuries & Recoveries

Credits: 5
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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.
Year 2 - Semester 2

Title: Analysis Of Human Movement And Motor Control

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Marketing Principles

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Movement Analysis - Fundamental Motor Skills

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Practical Sports Events

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sport & Society

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sports Psychology

Credits: 5
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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.
Year 3 - Semester 1

Title: Coaching Technologies

Credits: 5
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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

Title: Exercise for Special Populations

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Quantitative Analysis

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Safeguarding & Ethics In Sport

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sport, Exercise & Health

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Sports Development & Governance

Credits: 5
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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.
Year 3 - Semester 2

Title: Work Placement/Study Abroad

Credits: 30
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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.
Year 4 - Semester 1

Title: Integrated Practice Coaches

Credits: 5
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Title: Adapted Physical Activity

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Entrepreneurship

Credits: 5
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Title: Psychological Skills For Performance

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Talent Identification And Development

Credits: 5
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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
Year 4 - Semester 2

Title: Athlete Welfare

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Enterprise Business Plan

Credits: 5
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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.

Title: Final Year Research Project

Credits: 15
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Title: Fitness Demands & Testing

Credits: 5
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Title: International Sports Development

Credits: 5
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Are there opportunities for further study?

Graduates who wish to further their studies can do so in a relevant level 9 course or at PhD level.

What are the career prospects?

The benefits of sport and physical activity both to the individual and the community are well established. The increased professionalism of sport and the growing scientific approach to fitness ensures continued demand for jobs in sport and community related activities.

Sports graduates may find work in private or public bodies, including community sports hubs, local authority sport development teams, national governing bodies of sport, community groups, schools and out of schools programmes, sports clubs or youth organisations, as well as in business related roles such as sports managers/coordinators, sports analysts and graduate jobs in various private and public sector organisations.

More Information

Who is the course suited to?

This course will suit individuals with a passion for people, sport and exercise. You will need to enjoy working in a team environment with people of all ages, from different backgrounds and with different abilities. Community sports development is a large and diverse area offering many opportunities within the private, public and voluntary sectors.

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