The BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Performance is a four year honours degree programme that provides aspiring coaches from a variety of sporting backgrounds with an advanced coach education.
The programme combines the diisciplines of coach education and development with sports science, applying theory to practice in different coaching enviroments. A unique feature of the degree
The course has four distinct elements:
1. Coach Education
Modules in this group address the key characteristics of successful coaching and talent identification
2. Sports Science
These modules provide students with the knowledge to understand the scientific basis of sports performance and the practical skills to undertake coaching-relevant assessments
3. Strength and Conditioning
These modules enable students to plan and implement programmes for individuals and teams. Age-specific strength and conditioning is a key consideration.
4. Sport in Society
These modules are intended to place sport and coaching within a wider societal context
Unique features
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The sports-specific education is delivered and academic credit is given to students for completion of National Governing Body awards and progress though the coach development pathway.
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The programme is designed specifically to develop coaching skills, abilities and perspectives to enable the coach to pursue career pathways in coaching.
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Additional points can be awarded to individuals with outstanding sporting achievement. Typically 20 - 50 additional points may be added
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A year long coaching internship is undertaken in the third year of the programme. This distinctive feature offers students the opportunity to develop real world high level experience prior to graduating.
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Sports science foundation modules are a key component of years 1 and 2 while in year 4, students study the science of elite performance in specific sports, e.g. science of soccer. Such a focus on the science of performance in individual sports is not the norm on other sports science programmes.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Coaching | Coach Education 1 |
| Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science | Sports Biomechanics and Kinesiology |
| Introduction to Sports Coaching and Society | Motor Behaviour |
| Lifestyle Management | Data and Measurement |
| Strength and Conditioning 1 | Exercise Physiology 1 |
| Research and Learning |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Coaching Leadership | Coach Education 2 |
| Micro Coaching | Coaching Process |
| Sociology of Sport and Coaching | Performance Planning |
| Sport Coaching Psychology | Movement and Performance Analysis |
| Sports Physiology | Strength and Conditioning 2 |
| Talent Identification and Long Term Athlete Development |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Advanced Performance Analysis | Research Methods and Statistics |
| Coaching Internship 1 | The Paralympic Athlete |
| Tests and Measurements for Sport | Coaching Internship 2 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Major Project 1 | Athletic Monitoring |
| Science of Elite Sports Performance | International Perspectives on Talent Development and Coaching |
| Performance Psychology for Coaching | Major Project II |
| Strength and Conditioning 3 | Sport and Exercise Medicine |
| Sports Development | Sport and Exercise Nutrition |
Leaving Certificate 2018:
Minimum entry requirements for BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance:
- Advanced Entry - Years 2,3,4 or 5
- Non-EU Applicants
- QQI FET/FETAC Entry
- QQI FET Progression Entry Route
- Mature Entry Route
Scholarships for BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance
Sports scholarships are made available to selected suitable candidates. The WIT Sports Scholarship scheme offers a range of support services to successful students including financial, academic and sports science support.
Additional Points
Applicants who apply to the CAO by 1 February and who have achieved excellence in their chosen sport or coaching at the highest avilable levels may qualify for consideration for additional bonus points.
More info: www.wit.ie/admissionspolicies
BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance career opportunities
Graduates from this course may find employment in fields such as:
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Coaching and Sports Development
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Strength and Conditioning
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Performance Analysis
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Applied Sport Scientist
To date, succesfull internships have included: Manchester City FC, London Irish RFC, World Cycling Centre (Switzerland), Hoops Life (Florida), Quatar Sports Academy, Triathlon Ireland, Senior County GAA Squads & National League Soccer Squads. During the internship, students will be mentored by experienced pracitioners in coaching, S&C, performance analysis, sport science support & adminstration.
Follow on Study for BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance graduates
It is envisaged that students will progress to further study in Sports Coaching, Sports Psychology, Sports Science, Sports Performance and Strength and Conditioning.
Students will also have the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake advanced coaching awards to international standards in their specialist sports in the years following graduation.
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Course Leader
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Dr. Jean McArdle
Programme Leader BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Performance
Email: JMCARDLE@wit.ie
Ask a Course Question
If you need to contact the course leader directly, please use the email address listed above.
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