Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Coaching Science & Sports Pedagogy student in a sports academy
Coaching Science & Sports Pedagogy student in a sports academy
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 915
Entry Requirements
442 CAO Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Cian O’Neill

T: +353 (0)21 433 5823

Email: (email)

Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy is a 4-year programme designed to introduce students to the applications of coaching science and physical education pedagogy, in addition to the scientific aspects of sports performance and health.

The programme focuses on key theories with applied research and practical skills in these core domains to provide graduates with the relevant knowledge, skills and competences to work as professionals in a wide range of sports coaching, athletic development, and health and wellbeing settings. The option of a comprehensive sports internship programme that provides not just breadth, but also significant depth, in the operational machinations of the ‘coaching science and sports performance’ industry in Ireland and/ or abroad, is an integral component of this programme.

This programme also serves to prepare graduates for postgraduate opportunities in the much sought after domain of physical education (PE) teacher education. To achieve this, a dedicated suite of PE-specific modules, that meet the pre-requisites for application to the Level 9 Professional Master of Education (PME) in Physical Education (PE) in Ireland, and a range of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes in Physical Education in the UK and further abroad, are embedded across the 4 years of study.

The option of a comprehensive placement opportunity in a support role in a post-primary school PE Department is also a key strength of this programme, as it introduces and exposes prospective graduates to the day-to-day operation of a post-primary school setting across a 12-week period, while integrating them into that school’s physical education curriculum and culture.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • PE Pedagogy Modules: introduction to aspects of sports pedagogy such as technical development, tactical awareness, safe and inclusive participation, and personal and social development.
  • The Science and Art of Coaching: learn about models of best principles and practice in coaching as well as how to develop a coaching philosophy
  • Motor Development in Youth: development of a child’s bones and muscles, and their ability to move around and manipulate their environment. It is delivered through the lens of fundamental movement skills (FMS), and how these can be developed among children
  • Gym Instruction: preparation to be a gym instructor/circuit training instructor. The emphasis is on the student’s ability to perform and demonstrate exercises correctly and on developing their skills to instruct
  • Sports Psychology: introduction to the basic theories of sports psychology and identifies ways in which it can be used in a sports performance setting
  • Nutrition for Health: nutrition and its relationship with health-related matters such as diet, weight management and obesity

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

NOTE: Vetting by an Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

The BSc (Hons) in Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy programme combines key theories with applied research and practical skills to afford graduates appropriate knowledge, skills and competences to work as professionals in a wide range of settings in the (i) sports coaching, and (ii) high performance sport, or (iii) health and wellbeing industries, in addition to (iv) meeting the Teaching Council Guidelines to apply for a PME (or equivalent) in Physical Education.

Progression

Further Studies

  • PE Pedagogy Modules: introduction to aspects of sports pedagogy such as technical development, tactical awareness, safe and inclusive participation, and personal and social development.
  • The Science and Art of Coaching: learn about models of best principles and practice in coaching as well as how to develop a coaching philosophy
  • Motor Development in Youth: development of a child’s bones and muscles, and their ability to move around and manipulate their environment. It is delivered through the lens of fundamental movement skills (FMS), and how these can be developed among children
  • Gym Instruction: preparation to be a gym instructor/circuit training instructor. The emphasis is on the student’s ability to perform and demonstrate exercises correctly and on developing their skills to instruct
  • Sports Psychology: introduction to the basic theories of sports psychology and identifies ways in which it can be used in a sports performance setting
  • Nutrition for Health: nutrition and its relationship with health-related matters such as diet, weight management and obesity

Question Time

No, there is not a direct progression route. Whilst the honours degree covers the Teaching Council requirements for PE Education, the application to the University of Limerick (UL) PME is separate.

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