Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Design
The Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Design offered by TUS Midwest...
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Activity and Health Science
Athlone
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Activity and Health Science program at the Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote physical activity and improve population health outcomes. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles of exercise science, public health, and behavioral psychology to address the complex interplay between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and chronic disease prevention. Students learn about the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of physical activity and health, exploring topics such as exercise physiology, health promotion, exercise prescription, and behavioral change techniques. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, laboratory sessions, and practical experiences, students develop the competencies needed to work in diverse settings, including community health organizations, corporate wellness programs, public health agencies, and fitness facilities.
Exercise Physiology: Students study exercise physiology to understand the acute and chronic physiological responses to physical activity and exercise. They learn about the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems' adaptations to exercise, as well as the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced health benefits. Topics covered include energy metabolism, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and the effects of aging and chronic diseases on exercise capacity.
Health Promotion and Behavior Change: The program emphasizes health promotion strategies and behavior change techniques to encourage individuals and communities to adopt physically active lifestyles. Students learn about theories of health behavior change, motivational interviewing, goal setting, and social ecological models of health promotion. They explore evidence-based interventions for increasing physical activity levels, reducing sedentary behavior, and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors across diverse populations.
Exercise Prescription and Program Design: Students learn how to design and implement safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with varying health statuses, fitness levels, and goals. They develop skills in conducting health assessments, prescribing appropriate exercise modalities, and monitoring clients' progress over time. Students gain practical experience in exercise testing, prescription, and program design through laboratory exercises, case studies, and supervised practical sessions.
Epidemiology and Public Health: The program includes coursework in epidemiology and public health to provide students with a broader understanding of population health issues and determinants of health. Students learn about the prevalence and distribution of chronic diseases, risk factors for non-communicable diseases, and the role of physical activity in disease prevention and health promotion. They also explore strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy development at the individual, community, and societal levels.
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice: Students acquire research skills and critical appraisal skills to evaluate scientific evidence and apply it to practice. They learn about research methodologies, study design, data analysis techniques, and research ethics in the context of physical activity and health science. Students engage in research projects, literature reviews, and evidence-based practice assignments to enhance their research literacy and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Professional Practice and Experiential Learning: The program incorporates opportunities for students to gain practical experience through professional practice placements, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. Students have the opportunity to work with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and public health agencies to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Through these hands-on experiences, students develop professional competencies, interpersonal skills, and cultural competence, preparing them for successful careers in physical activity promotion, health education, public health, and allied health professions.
Location
Athlone
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
€ 12500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 17 in each section.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
- DET: Overall score of 105.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
TUS: Midlands Midwest, situated in Ireland, provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support the academic aspirations of international students seeking to pursue their education at the institution.
Merit-Based Scholarships: The university offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievers. These scholarships often consider students' academic records, achievements, and potential contributions to the academic community.
Country-Specific Scholarships: TUS may offer scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions, encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the student body.
Financial Need-Based Scholarships: In addition to merit-based scholarships, the institution may provide financial need-based scholarships to students facing economic hardships, ensuring access to quality education irrespective of financial constraints.
Sports and Art Scholarships: TUS recognizes talents beyond academics and may offer scholarships to students excelling in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities. These scholarships aim to support and nurture students' diverse talents.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Activity and Health Science program at the Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest offers graduates a wide range of career opportunities in health promotion, physical activity promotion, community health education, corporate wellness, exercise rehabilitation, and public health research. With its interdisciplinary curriculum, practical experiences, and emphasis on evidence-based practice, the program prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to improving population health and well-being through physical activity promotion, health education, and chronic disease prevention initiatives. Graduates emerge as skilled professionals equipped to address the complex challenges facing public health and contribute to building healthier and more active communities.
Physical Activity Specialist: Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Activity and Health Science program can pursue careers as physical activity specialists, working in various settings to promote physical activity and exercise participation among individuals and communities. They design and implement physical activity programs, conduct fitness assessments, and provide personalized exercise prescriptions to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals. Physical activity specialists may work in corporate wellness programs, community health organizations, fitness centers, or public health agencies, promoting active living and improving population health outcomes.
Health Promotion Officer: Graduates may work as health promotion officers, developing and implementing health promotion initiatives aimed at preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles. They collaborate with community organizations, schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers to develop health promotion campaigns, deliver health education programs, and advocate for policies that support physical activity and healthy behaviors. Health promotion officers may focus on specific population groups or health issues, such as childhood obesity prevention, workplace wellness, or aging populations, and work to address social determinants of health and health inequities.
Community Health Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as community health educators, educating individuals and communities about the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, and lifestyle behavior changes. They deliver health education workshops, conduct community outreach events, and facilitate group fitness classes to empower individuals to adopt healthier behaviors and improve their overall well-being. Community health educators may work in community centers, public health departments, non-profit organizations, or schools, promoting health equity and addressing health disparities in underserved communities.
Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Graduates may work as corporate wellness coordinators, overseeing workplace wellness programs designed to improve employee health, productivity, and morale. They develop wellness initiatives such as fitness challenges, nutrition workshops, stress management programs, and ergonomic assessments to create a culture of health and well-being within organizations. Corporate wellness coordinators collaborate with human resources departments, health insurance providers, and occupational health professionals to implement comprehensive wellness strategies and measure program effectiveness through employee health assessments and program evaluations.
Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers as exercise rehabilitation specialists, providing exercise therapy and rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They work in physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or sports medicine clinics, collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop personalized exercise programs that promote functional recovery, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. Exercise rehabilitation specialists may specialize in areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, or neurorehabilitation, working with diverse patient populations across the lifespan.
Public Health Researcher: Graduates may work as public health researchers, conducting research studies to advance knowledge in the field of physical activity, health promotion, and chronic disease prevention. They design and implement research projects, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through academic publications, presentations, and policy briefs. Public health researchers may work in academic institutions, research organizations, or government agencies, contributing to evidence-based practice, policy development, and population health interventions aimed at promoting physical activity and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
