Sport & Exercise Management  (SMS2)

The BSc Sport and Exercise Management prepares students to manage the service delivery of sport, physical activity and exercise across the lifespan by providing conceptual grounding as well as practical work experience, exposure to industry professionals and modules that reflect market need. Founded on academic principles from both management and sport and exercise, the degree provides students with core knowledge and transferable skills to prepare them for roles within the planning, implementation, management and development of sports-related services. Our graduates  will then set out to inspire social, health and physical well-being on an international, national and community level. At its core, the programme values research-informed professionalism, evidence-based decision-making and independent, critical thought applied to the sport, exercise and fitness industries. We encourage students to adopt a professional attitude to their studies and to apply theoretical knowledge to relevant practice. To facilitate this process, we provide a learning environment that recognises diverse experiences and backgrounds and supports students through their study as well as in their transition into the workplace. The BSc SEM is underpinned by key teaching, learning and assessment strategies that are predicated on the core graduate attribute of “knowing how to know.” Students are thus inspired not to simply acquire knowledge, but to understand the importance of locating appropriate sources of evidence, evaluating those sources critically and applying evidence to novel situations. Furthermore, the BSc SEM promotes (a) independent learning through managing scientific and evidence-based sport and exercise research projects, (b) teamwork through group projects, (c) a global outlook through international opportunities and (d) operational awareness through practical experiences and industry-relevant assignments. Students complete a variety of written, oral, digital and visual submissions that are designed to develop their communication skills across a wide range of media, and which help prepare them for careers in industries connected to sport and exercise management. Finally, students are encouraged to take a holistic view of their education and to record and reflect on their personal development throughout their time in the programme.

1 - Display a thorough familiarity with the basic principles underpinning the management and service delivery of programmes within the sport, exercise and fitness industries.
2 - Formulate strategic, operational, marketing and sponsorship plans for sport and exercise organisations, businesses and events.
3 - Apply their knowledge of the socio-economic, political and cultural determinants of sports participation to the development and delivery of relevant programmes in sport, exercise and coaching that are sensitive to the needs of specific communities and populations.
4 - Translate theoretical knowledge and insight into practice and reflect meaningfully on practice in view of their academic knowledge.
5 - “Know how to know”, which requires them to be familiar with the production of knowledge as it relates to sport and be able to competently find, select, critically review relevant, quality sources of information in order to synthesise and present evidence-based best practice.
6 - Display a wide range of communication skills that are transferable to the workplace, including evidence-based written and oral reports, formal and multimedia presentations, and electronic/web technologies, including social media.
7 - Exhibit enquiring minds that allows them to confront workplace challenges and solve problems through creative and critical inquiry.
8 - Act as self-reliant leaders and team members and display a capacity to adapt to new challenges.
9 - Exude a strong sense of personal and professional ethics and integrity.
10 - Design, execute and deliver a research project related to sport and/or exercise management.
11 - Apply their knowledge of the socio-economic, political and cultural determinants of sports participation to the development and delivery of relevant programmes in sport and exercise that are sensitive to the needs of specific communities and populations.
12 - Design, execute and deliver an independent research project related to sports, exercise or coaching management.

Sport & Exercise Management students can apply to study abroad for a trimester in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, through one of the Sport & Exercise exchange agreements.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

Our graduates have a track record of employment, both nationally and internationally, in:
 

• Sports administration
• Sports marketing
• Event management
• Exercise management
• Private sports enterprises
• Sports development
• Coaching development

Graduates are also eligible to apply for MSc and PhD programmes in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science.

UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 3271
Email: performance.science@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/sportandperformance

Stage 1

Students are required to take 60 credits in Stage 1;

55 of the 60 credits must be from core modules. Students must take 30 core credits in Autumn.

In Spring, 5 elective credits must be selected. These elective credits can come from either option module(s) within the programme or elective modules across the University.

Stage 2

Students are required to take 60 credits in Stage 2;

50 of the 60 credits must be from core modules. Students must take 25 core credits in Autumn. In Spring, students must take 15 core credits. The remaining 10 core credits are obtained through the year long Sports Work Placement.

Students must also take 10 elective credits. These can be selected from either option module(s) within the programme or elective modules across the University.

Stage 3

In Stage 3, students are required to take 60 credits.

50 of these 60 credits must be from Core modules. Students must take the four x 5 credit Core modules in the Autumn Trimester. In the Spring Trimester, students must take the two x 5 credit Core modules. Students must also take the Aut-Spr 20 credit Dissertation module across both Trimesters.

Students must also take 10 elective credits. These can be selected from option module(s) within the programme or elective modules across the University. It is recommended at AT LEAST 5 of these elective credits are taken during the Autumn trimester.

Students must complete 40 credits at level 3 in order to be eligible to graduate.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

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