Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Sport

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Sports Science (Common Entry) starting in Thurles

A common-entry sports science degree. Year 1 covers anatomy, movement, nutrition and strength and conditioning, then you pick one of three specialisms for Years 2-4. It suits students keen on sport, fitness and performance.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
4 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-4 at TUS)
Award
BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, or Performance Technology (TUS)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Tipperary FET College Thurles (Archerstown) → Years 2–4: TUS Midwest, Thurles Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: 2 subjects at H5 and 4 at O6/H7 in six subjects, including Maths and English or Irish
  • Or a full QQI Level 5 Major Award with distinctions in at least 3 modules
  • Mature applicants (23 or over on 1 January of the start year) assessed on life and work experience
  • B2 English for non-native speakers (Irish Leaving Cert in English meets this)
  • Interview to show suitability

How to apply

Apply directly to Tipperary ETB (Tipperary FET College), not through the CAO. Contact Tipperary ETB FET admissions for details.

Apply to Tipperary FET College Thurles– Archerstown, (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Anatomy, movement and exercise
  • Nutrition for sport
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Performance technology and analysis
  • Choose one of three specialisms after Year 1

Where it can lead

  • Work in gyms and with sports teams
  • Sports organisations and governing bodies
  • Health and fitness industry
  • Sport and exercise nutrition (SENr/AfN registration)
  • Run your own sports business

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, LCPE, Home Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Apprenticeships in Sports and related courses

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.