FAQ

STUDYING AT UCD

1. Is there a benefit to studying Sport at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• State of the art facilities
• Top industry professionals as lecturers
• Culture of excellence in sport
• University-wide interest in sporting achievement.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2. What are the Leaving Certificate points required for the course?

• 2024 CAO points: 485
• 2023 CAO points: 484
• 2022 CAO points: 476
• O6/H7 in Maths, English, Irish, Laboratory Science subject, 2 other recognised subjects
• UCD general requirements: In order to be eligible to compete for any course, you must obtain a minimum of Grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. For all courses Irish and English are required (unless student has dispensation for Irish).

3. What are the A-Level requirements?

• At least six recognised subjects (including all those necessary for the programme, see below)
• OC/O4/AE in English, Maths, a Laboratory Science subject and 3 other recognised subjects
• Minimum of Grade C in two subjects at A-level (A2)
• Minimum of Grade C at GCSE in the remaining four subjects.

4. What are Laboratory Science Subjects?

• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics and Chemistry (joint)
• Physics

5. Is there a requirement for students to be actively involved in sport or fitness to gain entry?

• There is no prerequisite, but it is advisable. If a student achieves the CAO points required, a place will be given to them.
• There is a strong tradition of sporting excellence in Sports Science in the School. We have many Ad Astra Sporting Scholars. Some of our past students have played for Leinster and Ireland in Rugby.

6. Are there any other routes into the course other than the CAO?

HEAR, DARE and Level 5/6 QQI-FET entry routes are available. See (opens in a new window)here for details.

7. What are the requirements for Mature Student entry?

• Mature student applicants must be over 23 on the 1st of January on the year you want to enter.
• There may be an interview for candidates.

THE COURSE

8. What is the difference between Sport & Exercise Management and Sport, Health and Exercise Science / Health & Performance Science?

Sport and Exercise Management 
Multidisciplinary:

• Management
• Marketing
• Event planning
• Human resources
• Economics and finance
• Sports development and coaching

Sport, Health & Exercise Science / Health and Performance Science

• Focuses on the scientific principles underlying the promotion and  enhancement of sport, physical health and exercise.
• Concerned with the application of sport and exercise science to high performance sport and to improving physical health, well-being and fitness across our life span.

9. Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that would be studied in first year?

First Year modules include:

• Sports Management
• Theory of Coaching
• Marketing 
• Legislation
• Sociology of Sport
• Sports Mega Events

10. Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that would be studied in second year?

Second Year modules include:

• Event Management (including a practicum)
• Economics 
• Psychology
• Strategic Planning
• Work placement - mandatory extended structured work placement in Ireland or abroad 

11. Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that would be studied in third year?

Third Year modules include:

• Enterprise and Development
• Sports Media, Communications and Sponsorship
• Sport and International Development
• Research Project

12. Is the course divided into practical modules and theoretical modules?

• Practical: Strength and Conditioning, Coaching, etc.
• Theoretical: Sports Marketing, Financial Management, HR Management

13.    How many students are accepted each year to the course?

Usually 55-60.

14.    Are there electives that students from outside the department can take?

Yes, there are elective places for many modules – these are university-wide.

15. Are there International Study options?

Students can apply to study abroad for a semester in USA, Australia or New Zealand.

ASSESSMENT

16.    How is the course assessed?

A combination of end-of-semester exams, research papers, group projects, presentations and in-class tests are used throughout this programme.

17.    How many contact hours will students have?

Students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, studying independently and preparing for assessment.

18.    Is there a dissertation required for the course in the final year?

Yes. All students complete a dissertation in Stage 3.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

19. What kinds of careers can graduates progress into?

• Sports administration
• Sports marketing
• Event management
• Exercise management
• Private sports enterprises
• Sports development
• Coaching development

GRADUATE STUDIES

20. Is it possible to undertake graduate studies after the undergraduate programme?

• UCD has an excellent Sport Management MSc – ranked 14th in the world by Postgraduate Rankings 2024. 
• Entry requirements for specific graduate programmes are determined by the relevant institution.

UCD GLOBAL: Study at UCD – International Students

At UCD, we take your future seriously.
We are ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability by QS World University Employability Rankings.
To help you get started on your path to UCD, Ireland's Global University, please follow the links below:
www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/
www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/

Please note that the BSc Health & Performance Science programme will be replaced with the BSc Sport, Health & Exercise Science programme from September 2025.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. What are the entry requirements of the course?

• 2024 CAO points: 542*
• 2023 CAO points: 534*
• 2022 CAO points: 544*
• O6/H7 in Irish, English, Mathematics, a Laboratory Science subject and 2 other recognised subjects
• UCD general requirements: To be eligible to compete for any course, you must obtain a minimum of Grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. For all courses Irish and English are required (unless student has dispensation for Irish).

*CAO points refer to points for BSc Health & Performance Science

2. How many students are accepted each year?

Approximately 60.

3. What are the A-Level requirements?

• At least six recognised subjects (including all those necessary for the programme, see below)
• OC/O4/AE in English, Maths, a Laboratory Science subject and 3 other recognised subjects
• Minimum of Grade C in two subjects at A-level (A2)
• Minimum of Grade C at GCSE in the remaining four subjects.

4. Is there a requirement for students to be actively involved in sport or fitness to gain entry?

No, but an interest in health/sport-related activity would be advantageous.

5. Are there any other routes into the course other than the CAO?

HEAR, DARE and Level 5/6 QQI-FET entry routes are available. See (opens in a new window)here for details.

6. What are the requirements for Mature Student entry?

• Mature student applicants must be over 23 on the 1st of January on the year you want to enter.
• There may be an interview for candidates.

STUDYING AT UCD

7. Is there a benefit to studying Sport, Health and Exercise Science at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• State of the art facilities
• Top industry professionals as lecturers
• Top-ranked university in Ireland for sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• At the forefront of cutting edge research in Sport
• Culture of excellence in sport
• University-wide interest in sporting achievement

THE COURSE

8. Why study SHES?

• If you have a particular interest in how sport and exercise science can be applied across numerous disciplines, ranging from children and elite athletes to specific disease populations, then this degree is for you
• Practical skill-based teaching
• Active learning

9. What is the difference between the BSc Sport, Health & Exercise Science (SHES) and the BSc Health & Performance Science (HPS) courses?

• SHES will replace the HPS course from September 2025
• The fundamental units of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, nutrition, exercise physiology, biomechanics and strength and conditioning will remain, however there will be an increase in practical laboratories across all three stages of the degree, the inclusion of practical placement in stage 3, and new modules such as 'exercise as medicine' and 'performance analytics' to ensure graduates are meeting industry demands.

10. What is the difference between the BSc Sport, Health & Exercise Science and the BSc Sport & Exercise Management courses?

Sport, Health & Exercise Science

• Focuses on the scientific principles underlying the promotion and enhancement of sport, physical health and exercise
• Concerned with the application of sport and exercise science to high performance sport and to improving physical health, well-being and fitness across our life span

Sport & Exercise Management

Multidisciplinary:

• Management
• Marketing
• Event planning
• Economics and finance
• Sports development and coaching

11. Could you provide an overview of the SHES degree?

• This course is suitable for you if you have a strong interest in sport, health and exercise science and wish to pursue a
  career in high performance sport, a clinical profession (e.g. exercise science, physiotherapy, dietetics, medicine) and/or scientific research in sport, health and exercise science
• Focuses on the scientific principles underlying the promotion and enhancement of sport, physical health and exercise.
• Concerned with the application of sport and exercise science, including sports technology and testing, to high performance sport and to improving physical health, well-being and fitness across our lifespan.

12.    Are there International Study options?

Students can apply to study abroad for a semester in UK, EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

13.    Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that would be studied throughout the course?

First Year

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Chemistry
• Physics & Biomechanics
• Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching
• Strength & Conditioning
• Data Handling

Second Year

• Laboratory Skills
• Psychology
• Exercise as Medicine
• Sport & Exercise Biomechanics
• Sports Nutrition
• Motor Control & Skill Acquisition
• Advanced Strength & Conditioning
• Applied Exercise Physiology/Optimisation of Human Performance
• Research Methods

Third Year

• Behaviour Change
• Sports Injury Management
• Performance Analysis
• Applied Biomechanics
• Molecular Exercise Physiology
• Statistics
• Research Thesis
• Practical Placement

14. What does the practical placement involve?

All students will undertake a practical work placement in either Ireland or abroad, either in the summer of second year (full-time) or part-time in third year.

15. Is the course divided into practical modules and theoretical modules?

The majority of modules combine theoretical and practical learning opportunities.

LECTURES/ASSESSMENT

16.    How is the course taught?

• Lectures
• Small group practical classes
• Classes in UCD High Performance Gym, Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics laboratories.

17.    How are students assessed?

• End-of-semester written examinations
• Continuous assessment
• Practical assessments
• Final year: group-based research thesis

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

18. What kinds of careers can graduates progress into?

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

GRADUATE STUDIES

19. Is it possible to undertake graduate studies after the undergraduate programme?

You can apply for MSc and PhD programmes in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science.

UCD GLOBAL: Study at UCD – International Students

At UCD, we take your future seriously.
We are ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability by QS World University Employability Rankings.
To help you get started on your path to UCD, Ireland's Global University, please follow the links below:
www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/
www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/

STUDYING AT UCD

1. Is there a benefit to studying Sport at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• State of the art facilities
• Top sport industry professionals as lecturers and contributors
• Culture of excellence in sport and sport participation
• Rigorous evidence-based practice, applying theory to practice
• University-wide interest in sports participation and achievement

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.    I hold a relevant degree; is that enough to get me a place on the MSc Coaching Science in Sport programme?

You should have a minimum of a 2:2 degree. We also strongly advise to strengthen your application by detailing your experience in sports/sports coaching either in the form of certificates or letters of support or a portfolio or similar. Additionally, do submit any certificate of professional/coaching qualification. Places available are offered based on the overall quality of the applications.

3.    Is a Bachelor of Education degree relevant to this programme?

Yes it is, however see response to previous question.

4.    There are three different entry routes; I'm still unclear which one I should choose.

If you hold a relevant degree (at least 2:2 degree classification), you can apply to the MSc Coaching Science in Sport, either full-time or part-time. This depends on whether you want to complete the programme in one or two years. This is a personal choice, which is typically affected by work commitments. If you don't hold a relevant degree but have significant experience in sports coaching and hold a coaching qualification awarded by a governing body, you should apply to Occasional Coaching Science in Sport, which means that you can take up to 3 modules as CPD.

5.    I don’t hold a relevant degree / I graduated with a third class degree; can I still apply?

In this case you will be looking to enter the programme through a route that accounts for experiential learning i.e. your own coaching and sporting background. You are expected to hold a coaching qualification recognised by a national governing body. Supporting letters of your previous experience and certificates of your qualifications will help your application. In year one you have to take at least 2 and maximum 3 modules as continued professional development (CPD) (fees paid per module) and apply for Occasional Coaching Science in Sport. If you don’t fail any module and achieve an average GPA of 3.0 or higher (corresponding to a ‘C+’ grade), you will be allowed in year two to take the rest of the modules and complete your dissertation. The fees paid to take the modules as CPD will then be deducted from the overall tuition fees to be paid to complete the MSc programme.

THE COURSE

6.    Typically, how many students are taken onto the MSc programme each year?

We take between 15 and 20 students each year, selection is based on the quality of the application. We recommend an early application, around March/April.

7.    What is the nature and structure of classes?

Learner knowledge and understanding will be imparted by on-campus lectures, industry expert workshops & seminars. A number of lectures will be delivered by academics from other Institutions and coaches with an established reputation. A vibrant teaching and learning environment will incorporate active student engagement, discussion and debate, student-centred and problem-based learning, with an emphasis on reflection and peer-to-peer learning. There will be a limited number of practical classes carried out for some of the modules (Planning in Strength & Conditioning and Exercise Physiology & Sports Nutrition).

8.    What is the timetable?

Trimesters are for 12 weeks, with both continuous assessment in trimester and at the end of the trimester, depending on the module. The module timetable is the same for each academic year and does not change in relation to part-time students. Modules run from 18:00-21:00 on Thursdays and from 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 on Fridays in the Autumn and Spring trimesters. Students complete their dissertation in the Summer trimester.

9.    Are there part-time options on the programme?

Options are full-time or part-time. If you were to enrol as a part-time student, you will need to take three modules in year 1, and three in year 2, and complete your thesis in the summer of year 2. Within each year, it is up to you whether you do two modules in trimester 1 and one module in trimester 2 or vice versa but bear in mind you would have to do the opposite in year 2 (modules will run to the same timetable irrespective of year) in order to complete all six of the required modules. You must also complete your dissertation in the summer of your second year.

10.    How much time should I commit to be successful in this programme?

A total of 36 hours of lectures are delivered throughout the trimester for each module. We advise that at least an equivalent amount of hours of autonomous activity towards the module are required to succeed. This could be in the format of directed or independent reading, engagement with Brightspace (our virtual learning environment), practice for assessment tasks, completion of assessment tasks, etc.

11.    I am not sure if I have the time to commit to the Masters in Coaching Science in Sport. Are there any other options?

Yes, you can decide to take up to 3 modules as CPD (each 10 ECTS credits). They are:

• The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice (Trimester 1, Thursday 18:00 - 21:00)
• Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition (Trimester 1, Friday 10:00 - 13:00)
• Applied Sports Psychology and Skill acquisition (Trimester 1, Friday 14:00 - 17:00)
• Planning in Strength and Conditioning (Trimester 2, Friday 10:00 - 13:00)
• Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches (Trimester 2, Thursday 18:00 - 21:00)

What this means is you just register and pay for a specific module. You will also have to attend and pass the assessment for each module. If at a later stage you decide to enrol onto the full Masters programme, you will have to meet the entry requirements and obviously you don’t have to re-take the modules that you have already taken.

12. Are there work placement opportunities associated with this programme?

This programme does not offer work placement opportunities, however depending on the topic and setting of your dissertation, you may have a chance to work in a real coaching environment. For example, some students have carried out a dissertation in collaboration with Hockey Ireland, UCD swim team, Sport Ireland Institute, etc.

DISSERTATION

13. What does the dissertation involve?

The dissertation constitutes the final stage of the MSc programme in Coaching Science in Sport. It presents an opportunity for students to conduct applied research, demonstrate creativity and critical thinking, as well as to develop and defend their ideas. The projects typically focus on current coaching and/or sports science issues in an Irish and/or international context. To successfully complete the dissertation, you will be required to analyse and synthesise the relevant academic literature, to develop a conceptual framework, to produce a formal research design, to perform primary data collection and analysis or secondary data analysis and synthesis, and to report, present and defend the findings.

14. If, once enrolled in the programme, I feel the dissertation takes too much time and effort, what are my options?

If you have successfully completed the 6 modules and gained 60 credits you can exit the programme and you will be awarded a GRADUATE DIPLOMA in Coaching Science in Sport.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

15. What percentage of graduates go into full time employment after completion?

On average more than half of the students enrolled in our programme are already employed, usually as coaches, coaching officers, games development officers or coach developers/educators. They see the Masters programme as an opportunity to keep up to date and improve their skills and knowledge. Even though we are unable to keep track of all our graduates, many of them have been offered a coaching job after they completed the MSc Coaching Science in Sport. See here for examples of jobs our graduates have accepted after they completed the programme.

STUDYING AT UCD

1. Is there a benefit to studying Sport at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• MSc Sport Management programme ranked 14th in world, 4th in Europe in the 2024 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings; the programme is ranked ninth globally for return on investment
• State of the art facilities
• Leading academics and top sport industry professionals as lecturers and contributors
• Culture of excellence in sport and sport participation
• Rigorous evidence-based practice, applying theory to practice
• University-wide interest in sports participation and achievement

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.    I hold a relevant degree; is that enough to get me a place on the MSc Sport Management programme?

You should have a minimum of a 2:1 degree (or international equivalent). We also strongly advise to strengthen your application by detailing your experience in sports and other work experience. Places available are offered based on the overall quality of the applications.

3.    Is any Bachelor's degree relevant to this programme?

We will consider any Bachelor's degree from a recognised University. Some subjects are closer to sport management than others and your sport/work experience will affect our decision to offer you a place.

4.    You offer a full-time and part-time route; I'm still unclear which one I should choose.

You can apply to the MSc Sport Management, either full-time or part-time. This depends on whether you want to complete the programme in one or two years. This is a personal choice, which is typically affected by work commitments.

5.    I don’t hold a relevant degree / I graduated with a third class degree; can I still apply?

In this case you will be looking to enter the programme through a route that accounts for experiential learning i.e. your own sporting/work background. You are expected to have significant work experience related to sport. Supporting letters of your previous experience and certificates of your qualifications will help your application. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

6.    What are the requirements for Mature Student entry?

Mature student applicants must be over 23 on the 1st of January on the year you want to enter.

THE COURSE

7.    Typically, how many students are taken onto the MSc programme each year?

We take between 20 and 30 students each year, selection is based on the quality of the application.

8.    What is the nature and structure of classes?

Learner knowledge and understanding will be imparted by on-campus lectures, industry expert workshops & seminars. A number of lectures will be delivered by professionals with an established reputation. A vibrant teaching and learning environment will incorporate active student engagement, discussion and debate, student-centred and problem-based learning, with an emphasis on reflection and peer-to-peer learning. There will be a day long off-site field trip in semester 1 and in semester 2.

9.    What is the timetable?

Trimesters are for 12 weeks, with no end of trimester exams, only continuous assessment in each trimester. The module timetable is the same for each academic year and does not change in relation to part-time students. Modules run 09:00-17:00 on Fridays plus two full weeks of teaching (09:00-15:00 each day) in the Autumn and Spring trimesters. Students complete their yearlong dissertation in the Summer trimester.

10.    Are there part-time options on the programme?

Options are full-time or part-time. If you were to enrol as a part-time student, you will need to take three modules in year 1, and three in year 2, and complete your thesis in the summer of year 2. Within each year, it is up to you whether you do two modules in trimester 1 and one module in trimester 2 or vice versa but bear in mind you would have to do the opposite in year 2 (modules will run to the same timetable irrespective of year) in order to complete all six of the required modules. You must also complete your dissertation in the summer of your second year.

11.    How much time should I commit to be successful in this programme?

A total of 36 hours of lectures are delivered throughout the trimester for each module. We advise that at least an equivalent amount of hours of autonomous activity towards the module are required to succeed. This could be in the format of directed or independent reading, engagement with Brightspace (our virtual learning environment), practice for assessment tasks, completion of assessment tasks, etc.

12. Are there work placement opportunities associated with this programme?

This programme does not offer work placement opportunities, however depending on the topic and setting of your dissertation, you may have a chance to work in a real sport management environment. For example, some students have carried out a dissertation in collaboration with the GAA, etc.

DISSERTATION

13. What does the dissertation involve?

The dissertation constitutes the final stage of the MSc Sport Management programme. It presents an opportunity for students to conduct applied research, demonstrate creativity and critical thinking, as well as to develop and defend their ideas. The projects typically focus on current sport management issues in an Irish and/or international context. To successfully complete the dissertation, you will normally be required to analyse and synthesise the relevant academic literature, to develop a conceptual framework, to produce a formal research design, to perform primary data collection and analysis or secondary data analysis and synthesis, and to report, present and defend the findings. Systematic reviews of existing research can also be undertaken for the dissertation.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

14. What percentage of graduates go into full time employment after completion?

Many of the students enrolled in our programme are already employed in a sport management or development role. They see the Masters programme as an opportunity to keep up to date and improve their skills and knowledge. Even though we are unable to keep track of all our graduates, many of them have been offered a sport management job after they completed the MSc Sport Management programme. The 2024 SportBusiness Graduate Course Rankings showed that 100% of alumni who were included in the survey were currently employed. See here for examples of employers who recruit our graduates after they completed the programme.