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Physical Education Studies – BA (Hons)

  • CAO Points: New for 2025

  • Campus: Athlone

  • years: 4


Course Overview

The BA (Hons) in Physical Education Studies aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and specific expertise to pursue successful leadership roles in sports-related or business contexts. A key focus of this program is to provide graduates with the knowledge and applied skills to develop, implement and manage inclusive physical activity programs that promote healthy eating, lifestyle management, and overall wellness.
The modules comprising this study of Physical Education are mapped on the programme’s key themes of physical activity, lifestyle and wellness, and business. The programme includes an integrated work placement or study abroad option and culminates in an applied research consultancy project in the fourth year.

Contact Details

Dr. Emma Reardon

Head of Department

Email: Emma.Reardon@tus.ie

Entry Requirments

Leaving Certificate

The minimum entry requirements for Leaving Cert applicants are a minimum of Grade H5 at a higher level in two subjects plus a minimum of Grade O6/H7 at an ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these six subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Places will be reserved for QQI applicants. Any QQI-FET level 5 qualification is acceptable but must contain a minimum of 3 distinctions.

Mature Applications

The Department welcomes applications from mature students. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, TUS will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be considered. Mature applicants may be required to attend an interview at TUS as part of the selection process.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Sport 1: Introduction to Sport Coaching

    Credits: 10

    This module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the contribution of physical activity and sport to individual, community and societal wellbeing, as well as introduce the students to coaching theory and its application to a range of sports and physical activity.

  • Movement Analysis

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to introduce the learner to the knowledge and application of movement (motor learning and development and competence) as it relates to physical activity, physical education, sport, exercise and health.

  • Culinary Fundamentals & Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    This module allows the student to become proficient in safe knife skills and kitchen equipment handling towards the preparation of a variety of ingredients, showcasing fundamental culinary techniques and applying them effectively in recipe execution, fostering culinary creativity. This module also provides the student with an understanding of the principles of human nutrition and an ability to apply these principles to creative menu planning and to adapt menus, which informs the Lifestyle Development Module (SPLE06020).

  • Digital Skills and Statistics

    Credits: 10

    The module introduces the learner to the concept of digital citizenship, managing their online presence and introduces fundamental statistical methods for analysing data.

  • Aquatic & Water based activities

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this water based module is to engage students in activities that use swimming and/or diving skills and techniques for performance, water safety or recreational purposes.

  • Anatomy and Physiology

    Credits: 10

    This module introduces the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is important that the learner has an understanding of the normal physiological changes that occur in the human body during exercise and the mechanisms underpinning them.

  • Sport Psychology

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce various psychological principles associated with sport and exercise. The various concepts, theories and models will be explored so that the student will be able to explain how psychological methods can be used to predict and measure sport and exercise behaviour.

  • Introduction to Management

    Credits: 10

    The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of how management practice and human behaviour in organisational settings can contribute to the success of an organisation.

  • Sport 2: Coaching & Conditioning

    Credits: 10

    This module will explore ways of enhancing coaching and performance in sport and physical activity. Students will develop their understanding of coaching theory and practice in the area of children’s sport and physical activity as well as develop their knowledge of strength, speed and power exercises in the development of training programmes for a range of sports.

  • Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with the opportunity to study and apply concepts of adapted sport and physical activity to practical scenarios. Using the theories unpinning the importance of physical activity for all, students will examine concepts such as Adapted Physical Activity (APA) approaches and methods of adaptation for various groups, including those with disabilities, vulnerable groups, and older people.

  • Lifestyle development

    Credits: 5

    To provide the student with an understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and the skills necessary to assist people in either changing or maintaining their lifestyle.

  • Human Resource Management

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with a comprehensive knowledge of the function and scope of talent management and its role in driving the success of the organisation, with particular reference to the sports industry.

  • Exercise and Fitness

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to examine, develop and deliver gym programmes and group fitness classes that are suitable for a range of clients. Students will also explore operational and safety considerations for gym settings.

  • Physical Education in Games (Striking & Fielding)

    Credtis: 5

    This module aims to introduce knowledge and understanding of invasion games and to explore the use of a range of invasion games as used in teaching games for understanding (TGFU).

  • Lifestyle 2: Promoting Health and Wellbeing

    Credits: 5

    This module will enable learners to develop an understanding of the factors that determine the health and wellbeing of individuals. Additionally, it will highlight the role of graduates in the evolution of equitable global wellbeing practices.

  • Marketing

    Credits: 10

    To introduce the student to the principles, concepts and practice of contemporary marketing within organisations.

  • Sport 3: Advanced Coach Education

    Credits: 5

    To provide the student with the ability to understand and apply the learning and teaching of sports skills, training programme design, and evaluation and measurement in a variety of sports settings.

  • Sport and Community Development

    Credits: 10

    This module will provide the student with an overview of the philosophies, rationales, models and practices of sports development and an understanding of the role of the sports development officer, as well as the basic knowledge necessary to understand and work within the community recreation sector.

  • Lifestyle 3: Eating for Performance

    Credits: 5

    Eating for performance is focused on developing the students’ understanding of how effective dietary implementation can improve athletic performance and training.

  • Management Accounting & Budgeting

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the learner to the nature, function and application of management accounting, making reference to physical education. The aim of the module is to provide the learner with an understanding of management accounting concepts, which will enable them to interpret financial statements for limited liability companies.

  • Placement Preparation

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to prepare students for employment experience by developing their professional awareness and self-evaluation/ and reflection skills, as well as preparing them for workplace issues and challenges.

  • Work Placement/Study Abroad

    Credits: 30

    This work placement allows the student to put their academic studies and theory into practice in a relevant and appropriate setting. The student will gain experiential learning in a relevant role that will prepare them for the work environment. Students choosing to study abroad will be provided a comparable programme of study in an approved foreign partner institution.

  • Artistic and Aesthetic Activities

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is for the learners to demonstrate and engage in expressive and creative movement. Learners will use self-expression whilst engaging in imaginative combinations of skills, techniques and movement appropriate to dance and gymnastics.

  • Athletics

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the students to track and field athletics through participation in track and field events. The student as coach is the main theme of the athletics element of this module. This module aims to introduce the student to the necessary skills and competencies required to coach athletics at novice and developmental level.

  • Lifestyle 4: Event Management

    Credits: 10

    Lifestyle 4: Event Management is an applied event planning module that enables students to plan and design a live event. This module aims to culminate in the organisation of a student-led event in which learners will advance their theoretical knowledge and practical application of Lifestyle Development, Lifestyle 2: Advocating Health and Wellbeing and Lifestyle 3: Eating for Performance via an innovative lens that fosters sustainability, creativity, and inclusion.

  • Entrepreneurship in Physical Education and Sports

    Credits: 5

    The module aims to equip students with an understanding of the role entrepreneurship plays in physical education and sports. A key focus of the module is to aid students in developing the skills necessary for entrepreneurial activity in a physical education context, considering its positive impact on public health, social inclusion, economic development, and the promotion of intercultural exchange.

  • Research Methods Proposal

    Credits: 5

    The Research Methods Proposal module aims to help students to develop an understanding of the research process and to execute business research tasks. It enables students to conduct research independently and also provides them with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to develop their proposal for their research project.

  • Outdoor Recreation and Adventure

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to expand the learner’s knowledge and ability to analyse the importance, application and potential of water and landbased outdoor adventure regarding physical, mental and social health. Students will evaluate the social, economic and environmental relevance of outdoor recreation and adventure.

  • Curriculum Models for Sport and Physical Education

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to explore the practical and theoretical underpinnings of the curriculum models in a sport and physical activity promotion setting. Students will examine the evolution of the various curriculum models, international perspectives and the current models used in the Irish physical education setting.

  • Coaching Technologies

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to assist students to acquire a knowledge of coaching technologies and how they can be applied in the evaluation, monitoring and enhancement of physical activity and performance.

  • Strategic Management

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to enhance students’ capacity to critically evaluate the theory of strategic management and the challenges facing senior management in formulating sustainable strategy. The nature and complexity of the micro and macro contemporary business environments will provide the backdrop for the development of each student’s analytical skills.

  • Applied Research Consultancy Project

    Credits: 10

    This module aims to further develop the student’s knowledge and skills necessary to design and conduct applied research. Building on their learning of research methodology and robust research practices, students will undertake an organisation-based project relating to their field of practice.

What can you do after this course?

This programme equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and specific expertise to pursue successful leadership roles in sports-related or business contexts.

Community Sport/Recreation, for example, Community Sports Hub Co-ordinator, Participation and Retention Officer, Regional Development Officer, Physical Activity for Health Officer, Sports Development Officer, Games Development Co-ordinator, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Coaching Development Officer.

Sports Business/Administration, for example, Director of Operations, Club and Education Support Co-ordinator, Membership Officer, Sports Club Operations and Development Manager.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Students who wish to pursue further education will have a variety of options amongst a range of disciples which include, but are not limited to, the following:

– Master’s options are available in TUS or a range of Universities in Ireland or abroad in disciplines such as Health Promotion, Sport Management, Sports Performance Analysis, Adapted Physical Activity, Leadership in Workplace Health & Wellbeing, and Business Management.

– Professional Master of Education (PME) in curricular subject areas of Physical Education and Business.

Industry Specific Accreditations

The Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure is fortunate to be in a position to embed external industry-specific accreditations into this four-year BA (Hons) in Physical Education Studies, for example:

  • Coaching Ireland – Coaching Children in Sport and Physical Literacy Courses.
  • Football Association of Ireland (FAI) – Level 1 Kickstart Course.
  • EHAI Primary Food Safety Level 2 Course.
  • Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) – Level 1 Coaching Course – Gaelic Football.
  • Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council – First Aid Response.
  • Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) Ireland – Fitness Instruction & Group Fitness.
  • Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) Pool Lifeguard Qualification.
  • Sport Ireland – Safeguarding 1: Child Welfare and Protection Basic Awareness Workshop.
  • Active Disability Ireland – Disability Inclusion Training.

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