BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical Activity
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Course Overview
This course explores how physical activity can positively impact the human body and mind. Students will undertake a comprehensive blend of modules in a broad range of health and physical activity related disciplines, and they will be provided with an opportunity to apply this theoretical and practical knowledge and skills during two work placements throughout the programme. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will graduate with the scientific knowledge and skills required to effectively design, implement, manage and evaluate health and physical activity programmes for a diverse range of population groups.
Core subjects in health science, exercise science, health research and communicating the health message will also provide students with a platform for further study in areas such as; Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning. Throughout the degree, students can complete professionally recognised qualifications in areas such as gym instruction, circuit training, personal training and exercise referral
What makes this course different
Work Placements
In Year 3 and Year 4 students undertake industry work placement where they gain important contacts within the industry to help them in their future careers.
Additional Qualifications and Professional Accreditation
Students will complete several internationally recognised health & fitness qualifications, approved by the European Health and Fitness Association, and allowing them to access to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
Pathway to Postgraduate Specialism
Graduates can choose to specialise with a Postgraduate qualification in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Activity, or related fields
Understanding the Industry
We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of leading an active lifestyle in preventing many chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Despite this, global progress to increase physical activity participation rates has been slow to date. Enhancing health through the promotion of physical activity and lifestyle change has substantial benefits for individuals, societies and economies.
Career Opportunities
Future Careers:
- Physical Activity Coordinator
- Physical Activity Participation Officer
- Sports Development Officer
- Health Promotion and Improvement Officer
- Adapted Physical Activity Coordinator/Disability Inclusion Officer
- Exercise and Fitness Professional
- Personal Trainer
- Leisure Facility Manager
- Research Assistant
Course Delivery and Modules
- Anatomy and Physiology 1
- Engaging with Scholarship 1
- Exercise and Health Studies 1
- Nutrient and Energy Metabolism
- The Active Child and Adolescent
The Professional Practitioner 1
Stage 1 Semester 2
- Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Engaging with Scholarship 2
- Exercise and Health Studies 2
- Health Promotion & Sociology
- Marketing in Health & Physical Activity
- Nutrition
Work placement
Work Placements
In Year 3 and Year 4, students undertake industry work placement where they gain important contacts within the industry to help them in their future careers.
The Year 3 Work Placement involves a full-time, 13-week placement in a general setting (e.g. Local Sports Partnerships, GAA County Boards, Sport Ireland, Health Promotion Units within the Health Service Executive, Healthy Ireland Local Government Offices, Leisure Centres, etc.). Students also have the option to complete this placement abroad.
The Year 4 Work Placement involves part-time work with specific populations (e.g. children, older adults, disability groups) in settings such as The Irish Wheelchair Association, Special Olympics Ireland, Schools, Nursing Homes etc. This sessional placement runs for a period of 10 weeks (3 hrs per week at placement site).
Erasmus Students have the option of completing an approved semester abroad in an institution outside of Ireland during the second or third year of the course.
Course Requirement: Students will need to complete a hepatitis b vaccination programme during their first year of study.
Professional Accreditations
Students will complete several internationally recognised health & fitness qualifications, approved by the European Health and Fitness Association and allowing access to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Fees and Funding
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Entry requirements
In addition to the standard entry requirements below, a Laboratory Science subject at Grade O6 or H7 is also required. Applicants from NI/UK require a GCSE pass in a Laboratory Science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or GCSE Grade CC in Double Award Science.
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
- Mature Applicants: Minimum of 23 years of age on January 1st of year of application. The PAS carries out an assessment test on behalf of NMBI. Visit NursingCareers.ie for more information.
A need for vaccination is required in order to complete components of certain modules in this programme.
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James Wilson
Kaitlin Saunders
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How to apply
Apply on CAO
All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:
Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications
Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year 2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
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Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).