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
Opportunities to complete a range of progressive professional awards in Exercise & Fitness allowing access to the Register of Exercise Professionals.
Work placement modules in Years’ 3 and 4 provide real-world experience and opportunities to apply theory to practice in a variety of settings.
Provides a platform for further study in areas such as; Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning etc.
A mix of theory and practical classes delivered by passionate lecturers with extensive experience in their fields.
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
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Engaging with Scholarship
- The Professional Practitioner
- Biochemistry
- Exercise and Health Studies
- Health, the Individual and Society
- Communication Skills
- Nutrition
- 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
- Special Populations and Lifestyle Interventions
- Collecting and Analysing Data
- Health Promotion in Practice
- Nutrition through the Lifecycle
- Placement 1
- 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.
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
- Mature Applicants
A need for vaccination is required in order to complete components of certain modules on this course.
Recent CAO points
Course Related Videos
Student Stories
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Carla Rowe
Holly Lambe-Sally
James Wilson
Kaitlin Saunders
Rory Farrell
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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