Course Details
Portobello’s Institute’s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science has been designed, in collaboration with Liverpool John Moore’s University, a leading university globally in the field of Sport Science. This broad based degree gives you the opportunity to learn from a range of experts who are all working in the field of sports science with a wide and varied career path upon completion.
Level
UndergraduateQualification
Honours DegreeCourse | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science |
Full Time
|
2nd October 2023 | 3 years |
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science |
Blended Learning
|
30th September 2023 | 3 years |
Overview
What will I study during this BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science course?
The foundations and principles underpinning sport and exercise science are covered in the first two years (i.e. anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, health and physical activity). This provides the multi-disciplinary grounding recommended by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). In the final year, there is discipline specialisation and an independent research project led by the student. With strong links with industry partners, this programme has been designed to meet the needs and expectations of employers and with your future employability in mind.
In addition to the compulsory module topics that will prepare you for working in the Sport and Exercise domain we also want to ensure that as a Portobello graduate you are standing above others. To do this we have invested in working with experts in the field who will host webinars, activities and opportunities to apply your classroom-based content into practice. We have also partnered with The PFSA who are a globally recognised education provider in areas such as Performance Analysis, Talent Identification and Recruitment and Opposition Analysis. This partnership is important as we have secured the opportunity for all students to leave Portobello with at least a Level 1 and Level 2 in these areas as part of their studies.
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Physiological Response to Exercise
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Foundations of Psychology
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Foundations of Biomechanics
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Research and Evidence for Practice – 15 credits
Module Description
In this module learners will explore data, approaches to collecting data and the issues surrounding validity, reliability and trustworthiness of data. Learners will experience and learn from the realities of planning and conducting research and interpreting findings, in an academic setting. Group activity will be undertaken within an inter-professional learning environment. Learners will be encouraged to work in autonomous groups to collect and analyse data appropriately.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
- Formulate research questions and hypotheses for a feasible final year dissertation project.
- Constructively critique qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Plan investigations and provide an evidence-based justification of the design of data collection tools, taking issues of validity, reliability and trustworthiness into account.
- Apply ethics in relation to research and prepare Ethics Submission for a planned research project including supporting documentation preparation (e.g., informed consent, risk assessment, information sheets)
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Psychology and Development Issues in Sport
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Physical Activity for Health Promotion
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Applied Sport & Exercise Principles
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Biomechanical Principles
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Psychological Principles
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Research and Evidence for Practice – 15 credits
Module Description
In this module learners will explore data, approaches to collecting data and the issues surrounding validity, reliability and trustworthiness of data. Learners will experience and learn from the realities of planning and conducting research and interpreting findings, in an academic setting. Group activity will be undertaken within an inter-professional learning environment. Learners will be encouraged to work in autonomous groups to collect and analyse data appropriately.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
- Formulate research questions and hypotheses for a feasible final year dissertation project.
- Constructively critique qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Plan investigations and provide an evidence-based justification of the design of data collection tools, taking issues of validity, reliability and trustworthiness into account.
- Apply ethics in relation to research and prepare Ethics Submission for a planned research project including supporting documentation preparation (e.g., informed consent, risk assessment, information sheets)
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Physical Activity & Health Principles
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Sports Biomechanics
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Research Methods and the Dissertation – 60 Credits
This module explores key concepts in research and supports students to undertake a small-scale independent piece of research relevant to their professional discipline.
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Sports Science Work Placement – 15 Credits
This module extends students’ learning experience by providing them with an opportunity to reflect on, and evaluate, their personal experiences of a given employment related to their area of academic study.
Autumn and Spring Period (15 weeks)
Assessment: Learning log & written project report (70%), Oral presentation (30%), Satisfactory Employer Comment (0%)
This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to gain experience of the culture and structure of a working environment related to the student’s area of academic study. Students are encouraged to evaluate, and critically reflect on, the workplace as well as their role in it. Furthermore, it is expected that students will apply previously-learned academic knowledge to employment tasks.
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Physical Activity & Health Interventions
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Cardiovascular and Environmental Physiology
Who will I learn from?
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
How will I learn?
Full-Time delivery offers you the opportunity to study with a more traditional schedule with lectures delivered on-site in Portobello during weekdays. Typically, those lectures are generally scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday. Monday’s lectures are delivered online.
Blended Learning is essentially the same, with a blend of online and on-site lectures taking place at the weekends. This makes it easier for you to study while working full-time. It also makes studying for a degree more accessible if you live outside of Dublin.
With both delivery modes, there will be lectures you need to attend on-site due to the nature of the content – practical skills etc. All online only lectures are recorded for you to catch up later. Where lectures are delivered onsite – these will simultaneously be delivered online and will also be recorded so you can customise your learning journey – attend on-site, online, or catch-up later.
Delivery Mode
This programme is delivered full-time; in third level education this means 12- 16 hours of lectures per week. Portobello ensures scheduling of course timetables is considerate of students travel and accommodation arrangements, part-time working and study-life balance. The course timetable is condensed to be delivered with onsite classes 2-3 days per week over 2 semesters. Examinations are held at the end of each semester.
There is a fully equipped gym with strength and conditioning equipment available for use as part of your course.
Tutor Support
You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query and there will be scheduled opportunities to submit a draft of your assignment. Our programme management team are always available to meet you or offer you telephone and email support. For more information about our team, click here. Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion.
This level of one-to-one support is unique and is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello Institute. We have invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced sports therapists and clinicians as well as knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme and support you to achieve your personal best.
Online Learning Portal – ePortobello
During the induction seminar, we will show you how to navigate and find what you need with all of the information you need to complete this programme uploaded on to ePortobello. The content of this programme is set out in an easy to follow format with a combination of notes, articles, podcasts and other materials that will help you to understand the subject and complete your assessments.
Course Structure
This course is delivered over three academic years with lectures scheduled mid-week – see “Delivery mode” for more details on scheduling of classes.
During your first year you will complete core modules which will introduce you to the programme of study and provide you with essential skills that will aid your study for the course of your degree.
In second year, you will complete a total of five modules, core modules which run for the duration of both semesters will be complemented by modules you will study for 1 semester only.
In third year, you will complete six modules, three core year long modules that run for the duration of both semesters, as well as an additional module each semester. The core modules include your final year dissertation project in the area of Sports Science and Exercise and your work placement. You will have the option to choose a module related to your area of interest to complete in first semester.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The first academic year of this course runs from 02/10/2023 – 25/05/2024.
Classes are generally delivered 2-3 days per week and are scheduled mid-week where possible.
The second and third academic years of this course will run on a similar schedule in 2024 and 2025
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The first academic year of this course runs from 02/10/2023 – 25/05/2024.
Classes are generally delivered 2-3 days per week and are scheduled mid-week where possible.
The second and third academic years of this course will run on a similar schedule in 2024 and 2025
How will I be assessed?
We use a SMART assessment strategy to offer you the best opportunity to excel. This type of strategy includes a range of assessment methods to suit the many learning styles of our students. Each module typically employs a number of different assessments giving our students the opportunity to excel.
For example a module may be assessed with a multiple choice exam, a practical skills assessment and a presentation. These assessments may be equally weighted with 33% of marks allocated to each assessment.
Assessments are drawn from the following types; Multiple choice exams, standard exams, individual and group coursework, presentations, reflective assessments, laboratory reports, practical skill evaluations and research projects.
Independent project work or research dissertations are used to demonstrate the capability in a range of intellectual skills. Practical skills are developed in a co-ordinated and progressive manner throughout the three levels of the programme.
We adopt a continuous assessment strategy so that you are working towards your overall grade throughout the entire course semester and for the duration of your degree programme.
Delivery Mode
This course is delivered by blended learning. Blended learning takes the schedule of a traditional face to face learning programme and re-structures it to reduce the contact tuition time by introducing more online learning together with one to one tutor support. This mode of delivery includes contact tuition and web-based e-learning sessions. The e-learning platform is interactive including recorded sessions, webinars with weekly content and assigned tasks to themes and topics. This mode of delivery will usually include a minimum of 1 weekend seminar per month attendance required. This type of delivery allows you to work full-time and balance the requirements of a lengthy programme with home and work.
Course Structure
Students skills are promoted, practised and developed through active learning processes and a wide range of teaching methods including projects, group-learning activities, lectures, seminars, tutorials, guest lectures, field trips and guided independent study.
This course is delivered over three academic years. There are supported seminars held at weekends – the exact schedule will be available shortly. In the meantime, you can see an example schedule from another course here.
You will study between 4-6 modules each year. Modules include both practical and theoretical learning.
Practical classes are delivered in a fully equipped training room with theory classes taking place in one of the many theory rooms within Portobello Institute. There is a fully equipped gym with strength and conditioning equipment available for use as part of your course.
THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The first academic year of this course runs from 30/09/23 – 26/05/24
The second and third academic years of this course will run to a similar schedule in 2024 and 2025.
A FLEXIBLE LEARNING JOURNEY
Classes are delivered on scheduled Saturdays or Sundays. Theory classes are delivered simultaneously onsite and online by Webinar whilst practical classes are delivered on site.
Webinars are recorded so you may catch up later if you are unable to attend offering you further flexibility during your learning journey.
The schedule for this programme will be released shortly.
How will I be assessed?
We use a SMART assessment strategy to offer you the best opportunity to excel. This type of strategy includes a range of assessment methods to suit the many learning styles of our students. Each module typically employs a number of different assessments giving our students the opportunity to succeed as a result of multiple varying assessment types.
Assessments are drawn from the following types; Multiple choice exams, standard exams, individual and group coursework, presentations, reflective assessments, laboratory reports, practical skill evaluations and research projects.
Independent project work or research dissertations are used to demonstrate the capability in a range of intellectual skills. Practical skills are developed in a co-ordinated and progressive manner throughout the three levels of the programme.
We adopt a continuous assessment strategy so that you are working towards your overall grade throughout the entire course semester and for the duration of your degree programme.
Career prospects
Studying sport and exercise science can lead to a variety of career opportunities in the field of sports, fitness, healthcare, research, and education. Here are some potential career prospects for individuals with a background in sport and exercise science:
- Sports scientist: Working with athletes and sports teams to analyse performance data, provide physiological assessments, design training programs, and monitor progress to optimize performance.
- Exercise physiologist: Conducting fitness assessments, developing exercise programs, and providing guidance on exercise prescription for individuals with various health goals, such as weight loss, rehabilitation, or chronic disease management.
- Strength and conditioning coach: Designing and implementing training programs to improve strength, power, speed, and overall athletic performance for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Sports nutritionist: Providing nutritional advice, designing personalized meal plans, and educating individuals or teams on proper nutrition strategies to optimize performance, enhance recovery, and achieve specific body composition goals.
- Sports psychologist: Assisting athletes in managing stress, improving mental skills, enhancing motivation, and optimizing performance through techniques such as goal setting, visualization, and relaxation training.
- Exercise rehabilitation specialist: Developing and implementing rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, focusing on restoring function, reducing pain, and promoting safe return to physical activity.
- Fitness centre manager: Overseeing the operations of fitness facilities, managing staff, coordinating fitness programs, and ensuring a safe and engaging environment for clients.
- Researcher or academic: Conducting scientific research, publishing studies, and teaching in academic institutions, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in sport and exercise science.
- Exercise consultant: Working with corporate wellness programs, community organizations, or public health initiatives to promote physical activity, educate individuals on exercise benefits, and develop exercise programs tailored to specific populations.
- Sports performance analyst: Analysing performance data, using technology and software to assess technique, tactics, and physical performance, and providing feedback to athletes and coaches for performance improvement.
These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to individuals with a sport and exercise science background. The specific opportunities may vary depending on factors such as education level, experience, specialization, and personal interests.
What is the role of a Sports Scientist?
Sports scientists work in the sports industries with athletes, coaches and governing bodies to help improve elite performance or in communities or clinical settings on health promotion intervention, policy and strategy. Through the multi-disciplinary study of behavioural, physical and life sciences, this degree prepares you for a highly rewarding career in sports or exercise contexts - including scientific support, rehabilitation, exercise training and health promotion.
Related Courses
MSc Sports Performance Analysis
Delivered through blended learning, you can work full-time and study this MSc in Sports Performance Analysis. This MSc provides you with an in-depth and relevant focus on applied and academic sports performance analysis skills that are needed for the role as a sports performance analyst in elite and professional sports environments.
Speak to an expert
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to Masters programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Your Consultant

Jay Lester
About
As the Sports Admissions Advisor, I work with students from our sports departments. I get to play a vital part in the advancement of peoples lives and career ambitions from supporting students at the start of their journey through education, taking that forward with them as a lifelong passion and desire. Knowledge is key and I carry this message to all who have an interest in joining any of our sports courses.
What do you enjoy about working in Portobello?
Being in admissions for the sports department you are lucky because not only do you play a vital part in the student’s life by way of providing clear advice on courses you also get to know the students and understand their visions from the very first interaction.
What inspires you about working in education?
Education has always been a passion of mine as I do firmly believe that with the knowledge and skills for our desired careers, we can really go on to accomplish anything in life. I don’t believe that barriers shouldn’t exist when it comes to education, and I like to ensure nobody else feels they should either.
Have you a story that you recall that touched you/made you laugh/made you cry?
Many of us can recall that one person be it an old schoolteacher or a college tutor who took that extra bit of interest in us, I believe these occurrences are pivotal. I’ve been fortunate enough in life to see the impact education and a second chance can do for people this attracted me into the career I have today.
Why do you want to help students to decide on their course choice?
I love being a source of support and guidance for students as they navigate through the learning world. Portobello Institute is a special place to do this. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated and warm-hearted team and love the dynamic and accommodating environment provided to meet everyone’s needs at every step of their journey.
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.
With a Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate requirements – Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects.
Sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2023
Students may apply and be granted a “Conditional Offer” prior to completing the Leaving Certificate.
Step 1 – Submit application
Step 2 – Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements
Step 3 – Conditional Offer issued on the basis of successful achievement of LC requirements
Step 4 – Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed
Places can not be held open for applicants awaiting leaving certificate results, however should a student accept a place and then choose not to progress with this course, after first round CAO offers have been made, a refund of 75% of fees paid will be made. Refunds must be requested in writing on or before 25th August 2023
Applicants who have previously completed the Leaving Certificate;
Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects.
*Applicants who do not hold LC Biology or Physical Education, are required to undertake the QQI level 5 Anatomy & Physiology and use this award in place of LC Biology. This course is available through Portobello Institute, further information available here.
Without a Leaving Certificate
Students are accepted on to this programme without a leaving certificate however applicants must meet one of the following criteria;
- QQI level 5 major award containing a biology subject
- ITEC level 2 award containing anatomy & physiology
- An undergraduate degree in another subject
- QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology – available through Portobello Institute
- Mature entry at 21 years. Mature students are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. Those without a grounding in science and a previous academic qualification in science or biology, must complete QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology or equivalent. This course is available through Portobello Institute, further information available here.
- Equivalent qualifications with biology/anatomy & physiology module
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the online booking form.
Step 2
Applicants will be contacted for confirmation of the entry criteria.
Step 3
Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants immediately meeting the criteria.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria, may be required to attend an interview with an offer of a place on the programme issued following assessment of suitability. Applicants confirm acceptance of offer by returning acceptance form.
Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received.
Students will be registered as an undergraduate degree student with Liverpool John Moore’s University
Fees & Payment Options
Fees
Course Price
Year 1 base fee
Exam Body Reg. Fee
Overall Course Price
Total amount due
Easy Payment Plan
Payment Option 1
40% deposit payment (€2,602.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €295.
- €650.50 due in month 1
- €650.50 due in month 2
- €650.50 due in month 3
- €650.50 due in month 4
- €650.50 due in month 5
- €650.50 due in month 6
Payment Option 2
40% deposit payment (€2,484.00) due on application of your course. Final balance (€3,726.00) due before the course start date.
Fees
Course Price
Year 1 base fee
Exam Body Reg. Fee
Overall Course Price
Total amount due
Easy Payment Plan
Payment Option 1
33% deposit payment (€1,927.20), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.
- €489.10 due in month 1
- €489.10 due in month 2
- €489.10 due in month 3
- €489.10 due in month 4
- €489.10 due in month 5
- €489.10 due in month 6
- €489.10 due in month 7
- €489.10 due in month 8
Available Courses
Course | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration | Fees Per Year | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science |
Full Time
|
2nd October 2023 | 3 years | €6,210.00 | |
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science |
Blended Learning
|
30th September 2023 | 3 years | €5,475.00 |
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch