About the programme

This three-year, full-time degree explores how sport and exercise science can enhance athletic performance, improve physical health and support well-being throughout the lifespan. You will study the human body from multiple perspectives, including physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis and exercise as medicine.

Practical learning is central to the programme. You will develop scientific and professional skills through laboratory classes, exercise testing, practical assessments, research and a 140-hour work placement.

Whether you want to support athletes, promote healthier lives, work with sport technology or progress towards clinical or research-based study, UCD will help you understand the science and learn how to apply it.

Programme structure

The programme takes you from scientific foundations to advanced practical application.

Stage 1: Understand the foundations

You will begin by exploring the scientific principles underlying human movement, health and physical performance.

Subjects may include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry
• Physics and biomechanics
• Nutrition
• Exercise physiology
• Theory of coaching
• Strength and conditioning
• Data handling

This foundation will help you understand how the body moves, produces energy, adapts to training and responds to different health and performance demands.

Stage 2: Apply the science

In your second year, you will develop more specialised scientific and practical skills.

Subjects may include:

• Laboratory skills
• Psychology of sport and exercise
• Exercise as medicine
• Sport and exercise biomechanics
• Sports nutrition
• Motor control and skill acquisition
• Advanced strength and conditioning
• Applied exercise physiology
• Optimisation of human performance
• Research methods

You will learn to assess scientific evidence, collect and interpret data and apply sport and exercise science to different populations.

Stage 3: Prepare for professional practice

Your final year brings together advanced scientific study, practical experience and research.

Subjects may include:

• Behaviour change
• Sports injury management
• Performance analysis
• Applied biomechanics
• Molecular exercise physiology
• Statistics
• Research thesis
• Practical work placement

Modules are subject to review and may change as the programme develops.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

• You will learn through lectures, small-group practical classes, laboratory sessions and applied learning activities.
• Practical teaching takes place in facilities including the UCD High Performance Gym and exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories.
• Assessment may include written examinations, continuous assessment, laboratory work, practical assessments, presentations, data analysis and research projects.
• By combining scientific theory with active learning, the programme helps you develop skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, research, scientific testing and evidence-based decision-making.

Key information

WORK PLACEMENT

Knowing the science is important. Learning how to use it in a professional setting is what helps you take the next step.

In your final year, you will complete 140 hours of relevant work placement in Ireland or abroad. Placements may take place in organisations working across sport, health, exercise, performance, research or related fields.

The placement gives you an opportunity to:

• Apply your knowledge in a professional environment
• Develop practical and workplace skills
• Learn from experienced practitioners
• Build professional relationships
• Explore possible career directions
• Strengthen your graduate profile

Placement opportunities depend on availability and the requirements of participating organisations.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Eligible students may apply to study abroad for a semester through UCD’s international exchange opportunities.
• Potential destinations may include partner universities in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
• An international exchange can help you experience another approach to sport and exercise science, develop intercultural skills and build a wider professional and academic network.
• Places are competitive and subject to academic requirements, partner availability and programme approval.

Academic requirements

Admission is competitive and based on your previous academic qualifications.

International applicants must present a recognised upper-secondary qualification considered equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.

Applicants normally require an appropriate standard in:

• English
• Mathematics
• A laboratory science subject
• Other recognised academic subjects

The precise subjects, grades and accepted qualifications vary by country and education system. Applicants should therefore consult UCD’s current country-specific entry requirements before applying.

You do not need to be a competitive athlete to apply. However, a strong interest in sport, health, physical activity or human performance will help you engage with the programme.

English requirements

• Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate the required level of English-language proficiency.
• UCD accepts recognised qualifications such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL and other approved English-language tests. Previous education completed through English may be considered in certain circumstances.
• Applicants should check UCD’s current requirements for accepted tests, overall scores, individual component scores, exemptions and validity periods.

Other requirements

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

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

International applicants should apply early enough to complete the admissions, immigration and visa processes.

Tuition fees

Non-EU €29,500

Tuition fees depend on your nationality, residency status and applicable fee category.

Consult the official UCD programme and fees pages for the latest EU and non-EU tuition fees.

Tuition fees do not normally include accommodation, immigration charges, health insurance, travel, learning materials or general living expenses.

Career opportunties

A career in sport, health or human performance can take many forms. This degree helps you explore those possibilities while building a versatile scientific skill set.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as:

• Sport and exercise consultancy
• Health promotion
• Exercise physiology
• Strength and conditioning
• Professional athlete or team support
• Performance analysis
• Sports technology
• Data analytics
• Health and fitness services
• Education and scientific research

The programme can also provide a foundation for further study in sport and exercise science or related areas.

Graduates may apply for relevant MSc and PhD programmes, including postgraduate opportunities within the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science.

Students considering clinical professions such as physiotherapy, dietetics or medicine should check the separate entry requirements for the relevant professional programme. Completion of this degree does not automatically confer a clinical qualification.