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Health & Performance Science  (MDS8)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Sinead Holden
Overall Programme Credits:
180
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 50
Stage 3: 50

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course is suitable for you if you have a strong interest in sport and exercise science and wish to pursue a career in high performance sport, a clinical profession (e.g. physiotherapy, dietetics, medicine) and/or scientific research in sport and health sciences. Led by top industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities, you will study the scientific principles underlying the promotion and enhancement of sport, physical health and exercise across the lifespan.

The BSc Health, and Performance Science aims to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for careers in exercise, health, and sports performance.



We uphold professionalism, personal integrity, and ethical conduct aligned within the recognised scope of practice of sport and exercise scientists. The programme fosters intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry and lifelong learning. 



Our students learn in a dynamic and supportive environment that seamlessly integrates scientific and theoretical learning with hands on practice.  With state-of-the-art laboratories and high-performance facilities, students are guided by experienced educators and leading experts.



The curriculum is shaped by industry demands whilst remaining grounded in scientific principles. Through a variety of teaching and assessment methods, including supervised work placements and interdisciplinary collaboration, students tackle real-world challenges. This approach equips graduates with the competencies, connections, and skills needed to excel in their chosen career.


1 - Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in exercise physiology and nutrition, biomechanics, sport and health psychology, and strength and conditioning
2 - Critically evaluate, interpret, and use information from the scientific literature in an applied setting
3 - Plan, design, execute and report a piece of independent research of high scientific merit
4 - Design and deliver a tailored training programme in the domain of sport and/or health that adheres to professional standards of safety and established principles of training
5 - Monitor and evaluate sport and exercise performance in laboratory and field settings with due regard of safety and risk assessment
6 - Communicate scientific concepts, experimental results and analytical arguments clearly and concisely, in verbal, written and digital formats
7 - Apply ethical standards in the evaluation and implementation of sport and exercise science and practice
8 - Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving across various disciplines, both within and outside of health and performance science
9 - Collaborate respectfully and effectively within peer groups, with members of other professions, and with athletes/coaches/clients
10 - Develop a meaningful professional direction for life after graduation through personal professional development activity that can be tracked & assessed throughout the programme.
11 - Demonstrate an understanding of the societal and individual importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and adopt values that can build healthy communities at local, national, and global levels

This new programme aims to provide a foundation of scientific and evidence-based knowledge and skills in the assessment, promotion and enhancement of human performance in health and sport.

This three-year full-time programme has been developed by the UCD School of Physiotherapy & Performance Science in conjunction with the National Institute of Sport and Health and provides a foundation in the scientific principles underlying human performance in everyday life and in sporting activities.

The development of this programme is a reflection of the growing importance of exercise science and therapy in modern society.

STAGE 1
During Stage 1, you will study basic, applied and social sciences as they relate to human function in sport and health and will be introduced to concepts of physical fitness and exercise physiology.

STAGE 2
In Stage 2 you will continue to study social and applied sciences and will build upon your knowledge of exercise science and training and evaluation of human performance.

STAGE 3
In Stage 3 you will complete a research dissertation as well as studying more specialised areas of exercise and sport science (such as injury management, sport nutrition and molecular exercise science).

Sport, Health & Exercise Science students can apply to study abroad for a trimester in the UK, EU, USA, 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.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Numeracy
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism, e.g. internships, work experience
  • Critical thinking


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Career and professional development e.g. internships and work placements
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Enhancing digital literacy skills
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills


When you graduate, you will be skilled in the prescription and management of therapeutic exercise interventions in healthcare and sporting settings. You will also be an expert in the analysis and evaluation of human sports and exercise performance. Graduates of the course work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Sport and exercise consultancy
  • Health promotion
  • Professional athlete/team support
  • Exercise physiology
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Education and research

Graduates are also eligible to apply for MSc and PhD programmes in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & 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 2

In stage 2 students will develop applied expertise in biomechanics, strength & conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, and research methods, with a strong focus on exercise for both health and performance optimization.

By enrolling, students consent to participate in the associated practical sessions. During practical classes students will be asked to wear appropriate clothing and engage with tasks as specified by the module coordinator.

Students must register to 55 core credits and 5 credits of option/elective modules (in Spring).

Stage 3

By enrolling, students consent to participate in the associated practical sessions. During practical classes students will be asked to wear appropriate clothing and engage with tasks as specified by the module coordinator.

Students must register to 50 core credits and 10 credits of option/elective modules (5 credits in Spring and 5 credits in autumn). BSc Health and Performance Science must choose PERS30100 Performance Analysis as an option in spring, and a general elective in autumn.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20010 Advanced Strength & Conditioning Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20020 Introduction to Nutrition for Health and Exercise Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20050 Sport and Exercise Biomechanics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20170 Optimisation of Human Performance Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20200 Exercise as Medicine Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 SMGT20250 Psychology of Sport & Exercise Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20040 Motor Control and Skill Acq Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PERS20190 Testing and Evaluation of Human Performance Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PHTY30120 Research Methods Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 SMGT20260 Applied Sport Psychology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please select the two option modules from the list below (one module for each trimester) OR select two general elective modules (5 credits each), one module for each trimester OR select one option module below and one general elective module (5 credits) ensuring there is one module for each trimester.
 PERS10130 Intro to Sports Injuries Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please select the two option modules from the list below (one module for each trimester) OR select two general elective modules (5 credits each), one module for each trimester OR select one option module below and one general elective module (5 credits) ensuring there is one module for each trimester.
 PHTY20250 Tai Chi for Sport and Health II: Qigong Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please select the two option modules from the list below (one module for each trimester) OR select two general elective modules (5 credits each), one module for each trimester OR select one option module below and one general elective module (5 credits) ensuring there is one module for each trimester.
 PHTY20280 Born to Run: The Science of Human Endurance Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30080 Applied Practice in Sport Sci 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30110 Research Thesis and Biostats 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  15
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30020 Molecular Exercise Science Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30260 Sports Injury Management Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 SMGT30270 Changing PA behaviour Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30010 Appl Nutr Health Ex & Sp Perf Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PERS30070 Skill Acquisition Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please select two option modules from the list below, one module for each trimester OR select two general elective modules (5 credits each), one module for each trimester OR select one option module below and one general elective module (5 credits) ensuring there is one module for each trimester.
PHTY30440 Digital Transformation in Health & Wellness Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please select two option modules from the list below, one module for each trimester OR select two general elective modules (5 credits each), one module for each trimester OR select one option module below and one general elective module (5 credits) ensuring there is one module for each trimester.
PHTY20280 Born to Run: The Science of Human Endurance Spring  5

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

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHLSC003 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
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