What is the BA (Hons) in Exercise & Health Studies course?

Exercise and Health Studies is a four year honours degree that combines the disciplines of exercise science and physical activity. The modules in the course are organised into four distinct groups;

• Exercise, Nutrition and Health Science

• Promoting Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing

• Exercise Programming and Leadership

• Communication, Research and Transferrable Skills

Take a look at what our students say about the course in our video below.

Reasons to choose this course

• The practical fitness instruction modules are accredited by Europe Active allowing students to gain access to the Register of Exercise professionals in Ireland as qualified fitness instructors, group fitness instructors (after year 2) and personal trainers (after year 4). These qualifications are recognised internationally.  

• The broad nature of the degree allows students to specialise in the areas of most interest to them. This gives students time to learn about the wide range of career opportunities available in the fields of exercise science and physical activity before deciding on a career path. This also means that graduates of Exercise and Health Studies have a very broad range of career and postgraduate study opportunities. 

• Graduates of Exercise and Health Studies frequently state that their high level of transferrable skills (communication, facilitation and research) has given them the edge over other graduates

Exercise and Health Studies Work Placement

A 16 week work placement in third year offers real experience in a fitness, special needs or physical activity promotion environment.Current placements include promoting physical activity in special needs, older adults or community settings, engaging in strength and conditioning work with individuals and/or sports teams, experiencing cardiac rehabilitation in regional hospitals and working with national governing bodies to promote participation in physical activity.

Research Experience and Community Links

Students in the programme have an opportunity to experience the full research process culminating in the completion of a dissertation on a self-selected topic in the final year of the programme.  Students are also recruited to take part in Departmental research and community related activities, which have included the evaluation and provision of a Smarter Travel programme in Kilkenny, collection of data at the Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin, health screening at activity and community events, fitness assessments of sports teams and individuals, and volunteering and assisting at local ventures to promote participation in physical activity.

To keep up to date with student and staff experiences, please visit our Facebook site at Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science, WIT