BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical Activity
At DkIT, we regularly review our programmes to ensure they are relevant, of high quality and continue to meet the needs of industry and the wider community. Every five years, we conduct a 'Programmatic Review' of all programmes within a School. The information associated with this programme on the website and in the prospectus is subject to change as part of this review.
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
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)
Understanding the Industry
We are becoming increasingly more 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:
- Sports Development Officer
- Physical Activity Coordinator
- Physical Activity Participation Officer
- Health Promotion Officer
- Adapted Physical Activity Coordinator/Disability Inclusion Officer
- Exercise and Fitness Professional
- Personal Trainer
- Leisure Facility Manager
Course Delivery and Modules
-
Year 1
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Engaging with Scholarship
- The Professional Practitioner
- Biochemistry
- Exercise and Health Studies
- Health, the Individual and Society
- Communication Skills
- Nutrition
-
Year 2
- The Professional Practitioner
- Marketing
- Exercise Physiology and Lab-based Fitness Techniques
- The Research Process
- Chronic Illness and Lifestyle Interventions
- Understanding Health and Illness
- Appraising Research
- Field-Based Fitness Techniques and Programme Design
- Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
-
Year 3
- Special Populations and Lifestyle Interventions
- Collecting and Analysing Data
- Health Promotion in Practice
- Nutrition through the Lifecycle
- Placement 1
-
Year 4
- The Professional Practitioner
- Health Promotion Challenges and Solutions
- Leadership and Innovative Management in Health and Physical Activity
- Research Project
- Placement 2
- Health Policy and Legislation
- Applied Metabolism and Obesity Management
Work Placement
Supervised work placement is part of this programme in Years 3 and 4.
- The Year 3 placement involves a full-time, 13 week placement in a general setting (Health Promotion Units with the Health Service Executive, Local Sports Partnerships, Sport Ireland, Leisure Centres, etc.). Students also have the option to complete this placement abroad.
- The Year 4 placement involves part-time work with specific populations (children, older adults and 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 (7 hrs per week at placement site).
Due of the work placement element of this course students may also required to complete a vaccination programme in advance of their placement.
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.
Recent CAO Points
251
228
Course-Related Videos
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.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical Activity please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Course News
See all news
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).
