About the programme

The BSc Sport and Exercise Management at University College Dublin prepares you to take that next step. You will explore how sport, physical activity and exercise services are developed, organised and managed across the lifespan, from community participation to international sport.

This multidisciplinary degree combines sport management with marketing, finance, economics, human resources, event management, coaching and exercise science. You will learn how the industry operates while developing the practical, analytical and leadership skills employers need.

You will also gain experience beyond the classroom through practical projects and a structured work placement in the sport industry. Opportunities to study abroad can further expand your perspective and international network.

At UCD, you will study within a university recognised for both academic excellence and a strong sporting culture. By graduation, you will be ready to contribute confidently to the organisations, programmes and events shaping the future of sport and physical activity.

Key information

Sport is global, and your education can be too.

Eligible students may apply to study abroad for a semester through UCD’s international exchange opportunities. Previous destinations have included universities in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Studying abroad can help you experience another sporting culture, develop intercultural skills and build an international network. Availability and destinations may vary, and places are subject to UCD’s exchange requirements.

Programme structure

The three-year, full-time programme follows a progressive pathway. You will first build a broad understanding of sport and exercise management before developing more specialised knowledge and applying what you have learned through projects, placement and research.

Stage 1: Build your foundation

Your first year introduces the principles behind successful sport and exercise organisations. Areas of study may include:

• Sport management
• Sport development
• Sports marketing
• Financial management
• Sports legislation
• Theory of coaching
• Introduction to exercise science

These subjects help you understand how sport organisations operate, communicate with their audiences, manage resources and deliver effective services.

Stage 2: Develop practical management skills

In your second year, you will explore areas such as:

• Event management
• Economics of sport
• Sport and health psychology
• Strategic planning
• Human resource management

You will begin connecting management theory with real industry challenges. Practical activities, including event-management experience, will help you develop skills in planning, teamwork, communication and delivery.

Industry experience

A structured work placement gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a professional sport or exercise setting. Placement can help you build confidence, understand workplace expectations, develop your network and make more informed decisions about your future career.

Stage 3: Prepare for your next step

In your final year, you will study advanced topics connected with the management, governance and development of sport. You will also complete an individual research project or dissertation addressing a relevant issue within the wider sport industry.

Teaching and assessment

Learning takes place through lectures, independent study, group projects, presentations, practical experiences, research assignments, in-class assessments and examinations.

This combination helps you graduate with subject knowledge and transferable skills in leadership, communication, research, critical thinking, project management and collaborative problem-solving.

Academic requirements

• Admission is competitive and based on your previous academic qualifications.
• International applicants must present a recognised upper-secondary-school qualification considered equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. Requirements, accepted qualifications and minimum grades vary by country.
• Applicants may also need to meet programme-specific subject requirements, including the relevant mathematics requirement.
• Because international qualifications differ, you should review UCD’s country-specific entry requirements before applying. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Applicants who do not yet meet the requirements for direct entry may be able to apply through an approved international foundation programme.

English requirements

• Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate an appropriate level of English-language proficiency.
• UCD accepts a range of recognised English-language qualifications, including IELTS Academic, TOEFL and other approved tests. Previous education completed through English may also be considered in certain circumstances.
• Required scores, individual component requirements, exemptions and validity periods should be checked against UCD’s current English-language requirements before applying.

Other requirements

Applicants should submit the academic and supporting documents required for their application route. These may include:

• Academic transcripts or examination results
• Proof of English-language proficiency
• Certified translations, where applicable
• Identification documents
• Any additional documents requested by UCD Admissions

International applicants should allow sufficient time for the admissions and visa processes.

Tuition fees

BSc Sports & Exercise Management DN430 €22,600 per year

Tuition fees depend on your nationality, residency status and applicable fee category. Consult the official UCD course and fees pages for the latest EU and non-EU tuition fees.

Additional costs associated with accommodation, travel, immigration, insurance, learning materials or personal expenses are not normally included in the tuition fee.

Career opportunities

You may already know that you want a career connected to sport, but deciding where you fit within this diverse industry can be difficult.

This degree allows you to explore different professional pathways while developing a combination of sport-specific knowledge and transferable management skills.

Graduates can pursue opportunities in areas such as:

• Sport administration
• Sports marketing and communications
• Event management
• Sport and community development
• Exercise and leisure management
• Coaching development
• Private sport enterprises
• National governing bodies
• Clubs and sporting organisations
• Health, fitness and physical-activity programmes

Your work placement, practical projects and research experience will help you demonstrate how you can apply your learning to real organisational challenges.

After completing the programme, you may also choose to continue your education through an MSc or another relevant graduate programme.