Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences at University of Limerick

Why Study Sport and Exercise Sciences at UL?

This programme will give you an in- depth knowledge and understanding of the key elements of sport, exercise, health and physical activity from the perspective of the sciences. Throughout the programme, you will study the science behind safe participation and effective performance in physical activity and sport.

The application of science plays a major role in the preparation of the modern sports performer. The effects of training methods on the physiological systems of the body for improving strength, speed, endurance, skill and how to perform under stress are constantly being investigated and improved upon by sport scientists.

The application of science however is not reserved for elite performers. It is well recognised that lack of exercise or physical activity plays a major role in many diseases that affect us e.g. cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers. In addition to improving performers, sport and exercise scientists are also engaged in examining the effects of various types of exercise programmes and activities on health and also on the treatment and prevention of disease by means of physical activity. They are also concerned with the psychological bene ts of exercise and with how to motivate people to exercise frequently and regularly.

Careers open to you with a degree in SES include;

• Sports Scientist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Biomechanist
• Nutritionist
• Sports Physiologist
• Strength & Conditioning
• Sports Coach/Instructor
• Health Promotion Officer

The following are some of the areas that graduates have gone to:

• Sport science advisors
• Performance Analysts
• Fitness coordinators, sport development officers and sport administrators with organisations like the Sport Ireland, IRFU, GAA, FAI, Swim Ireland and Basketball Ireland
• Health Promotion and Research Officers with the Health Service Sports media/journalism including print and television
• Consultants in sport performance, health and fitness, nutrition
• Biomedical science, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, medical physics
• Lecturing and researching in the areas of sport, exercise science, health science and other related fields
• Research and marketing with sport and exercise manufacturing industry, e.g. equipment, food, drink, clothing, footwear
• Others are working very successfully outside sport. Employers recognise that having obtained a good degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences, graduates have skills and abilities that can be applied in other fields after undergoing appropriate training.

Employers:

• National Governing Bodies of Sport
• HHigh-PerformanceUnits
• Irish Institute of Sport
• Coaching Ireland
• Elite Sport e.g. Premier League Football, European and Super 14 Rugby
• Senior Intercounty and Development GAA Squads
• Statsports Technologies
• Fitness Training Centre
• Gyms
• Freelance instructor
• University of Limerick Sports Arena
• Hurricane Rugby Wellington New Zealand
• Connacht Rugby
• High Performance Centre UL
• GAA Clubs
• British Judo Association
• Rehabilitation Centre

Follow-On Study

Related postgraduate courses might include Taught MSc degrees in areas like;

• Sports Performance
• Sports & Exercise Psychology
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Strength & Conditioning
• Nutrition/Dietetics
• Coaching
• Physiotherapy
• Clinical Therapies
• Professional Masters in Education - Physical Education

Research training in areas such as exercise physiology, genetics and exercise, diabetes and exercise, osteoporosis, muscle repair, growth factors, biomechanics and psychology of physical activity at UL and at other universities in Ireland, UK, Australia, Canada and USA.