Course Summary
This programme targets graduates of a Level 7 Sport/Business graduate and leads to a Level 8 qualification in one academic year. It combines sports-related modules with sound business practice/competencies.
In the past graduates have gone to a variety of settings including various businesses, sports teams and schools - and teaching.
Students have the opportunity to choose from a number of electives, based on where their interests lie including (among others):
- Digital and Social Media for Business
- Sport Pedagogy
- Strength and Conditioning
- Digital and Social Media for Business
- Sport Pedagogy
- Strength and Conditioning
The programme focuses on introducing the students to business and enterprise skills with opportunities for specific skill development in coaching, fitness instruction, personal training, education, exercise prescription and health.
Sport and physical activity is big business and this programme prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities ranging from sports development, health promotion, marketing, management to teaching, coaching and setting up your own business. We will equip you with the knowledge and professional skills and competencies required to work within the sports/fitness/leisure environment.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The theoretical subjects will provide you with an understanding of the social and cultural factors which influence sport, while the business subjects will provide the necessary knowledge and skills in management, finance and computing to administer and manage in a commercial setting.
You will have the ability to create, implement and evaluate fitness programmes in a commercial/community setting. You will be introduced to a range of disciplines relevant to a sports/physical activity/fitness settings including personal fitness/teaching and coaching/health promotion. You will be able to inform the planning, implementation and evaluation of coaching programmes to a wide variety of population groups.
I.T Sligo Sport with Business
Students complete business modules in Macroeconomics, Business Strategy, People Management, Strategic Sports Development and Sports Marketing. Students also complete a supervised research thesis.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
You can also achieve these extra sports qualifications over the period your studies:
- Level One and Two IHF Community Walking Leader
- EQF Level 4 Personal Trainer
- Royal Lifesaving Society National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (with Automated External Defibrillation)
- Irish Water Safety Level 2 Swim teacher award
- GAA - Foundation or level 1 award
- IRFU - Lep (Leprechaun) Rugby award
- Basketball Ireland - Introductory Basketball Award
REPs Ireland
REPs Ireland is a Register of Exercise Professionals. REPs Ireland accepts exercise professionals onto the professional register when they achieve qualifications and awards that meet industry standards & have been independently Quality Assured. ATU Sligo is registered as an approved provider reflecting the professional approach to our delivery.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
GARDA VETTING
You should note that all entrants to this course will be required to undergo vetting by the Garda Síochána. If you have a criminal conviction in Ireland or elsewhere, this may adversely impact on your ability to undertake a professional placement or to secure employment.
Successful applicants for this course will be required to undergo a medical evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify students with special exercise requirements. This information is strictly confidential and any offer made will not be withdrawn on the basis of medical information supplied.
Hepatitis B vaccination will be required for work placement.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be able to pursue careers in a wide range of business and services sectors such as commercial leisure enterprises, public leisure and sporting enterprises, sports development roles in national governing bodies or local authorities, sports clubs, games promotion officers, personal coaching enterprise and community work.
Through the incorporation of work-based projects and work placements, graduates will be ‘work ready’ and able for integration in the workplace.
Some will become self‑starters and establish their own business in the fitness/physical activity‑related field.
Further Study
Applicants may pursue a range of post-graduate opportunities including a one year taught Masters in Marketing or a Masters/Phd by research.
Our graduates also have the opportunity to pursue a career in teaching through postgraduate studies. Other areas of further study open to you upon graduation include health promotion, marketing, management and sports psychology.
Testimonials
"I really enjoy a number of elements of this course including the practical aspects where you consider sport not only for elite athletes but also sport in the wider community such as the the elderly and young people with disabilities. This has given me a completely different perspective on the value of sport in this context. I also enjoy the examination of the business aspects of sport through marketing, business technology and sports promotion."
Jorja Kennedy, Donegal, Sport with Business student
"This course has the perfect mix of sports and business. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was variety within the course- whether you’re out in the sea, in the gym or in a classroom, you’re always learning something new and usually something that peaks your interest. I was always under the impression that studying at 3rd level had to be boring, but this course is far from that to say the least! "
Dáire Martin, Monaghan, Sport with Business student
Did you know?
This programme targets graduates of a Level 7 Sport/Business graduate and leads to a Level 8 qualification in one academic year. It combines sports-related modules with sound business practice/competencies.
In the past graduates have gone to a variety of settings including various businesses, sports teams and schools - and teaching.
Students have the opportunity to choose from a number of electives, based on where their interests lie including (among others):
- Digital and Social Media for Business
- Sport Pedagogy
- Strength and Conditioning
- Digital and Social Media for Business
- Sport Pedagogy
- Strength and Conditioning
Students will have the chance to attain valuable national and international qualifications.
- Level One and Two IHF Community Walking Leader.
- EQF Level 4 Personal Trainer.
- Royal Lifesaving Society National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (with Automated External Defibrillation).
- Irish Water Safety Level 2 Swim teacher award.
- GAA - Foundation or level 1 award.
- IRFU - Lep Rugby award.
- Basketball Ireland - Introductory Basketball Award.
Alumni
Hear from graduate and former GAA Footballer of the Year, Andy Moran
Course Format
Semester 1
Semester 2
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.