BA (Hons) in Exercise & Health Studies
Course code: WD125
What is the BA (Hons) in Exercise and Health Studies course?
The BA (Hons) in Exercise and Health Studies is a four year honours degree that prepares students for employment as physical activity and fitness professionals.
Exercise and Health Studies has three distinct elements.
Studies in exercise and health science examine the influence of exercise on the body and the role of exercise in the treatment of modern health problems. Studies in physical activity and health promotion consider how best to encourage behaviour change. Practical exercise leadership skills are the third key component of this discipline.
Career Opportunities
- Personal training
- Health and fitness industry
- Physical activity and health promotion
- Youth services
- Special needs physical activity
Work Placement
A 16 week work placement takes place in the semester 5/6 of the course which allows students to gain real experience in a fitness, special needs or physical activity promotion environment.
Follow on Study
Opportunities for postgraduate research exist in WIT in the Exercise and Health field.
Course Outline
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Physical Activity and Health 1 Written Communications Introduction to Research Methods Exercise Physiology 1 Social, Personal and Health Education 1 Activity Leadership |
Lifespan Development Communication and Presentation Skills Motor Behaviour Data and Measurement Biomolecules and Cells Resistance and Conditioning |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Sociology of Health Behaviour The Exercise Professional Nutrition Youth Physical Activity Health and Fitness Assessment Exercise Leadership (E) Lifestyle Guidance (E) |
Psychology of Health Behaviour Social, Personal and Health Education 2 Research Methods and Statistics Health Promotion in Key Settings Exercise Medicine Exercise Programming |
Semester 5 | |
| Work Placement | |
Semester 6 - 8 | |
| The following topics are studied in semester 6 to 8: Philosophy of Health, Advanced Research Methods and Statistics, Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise Physiology, Lifestyle Modification Skills, Educating Exercise Professionals, Dissertation, Physical Activity and Health 2, Exercise Psychology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Business and Marketing for Exercise Professionals, Food Health and Lifestyle, Youth At Risk (E), Advanced Fitness Studies (E), Measurement in Exercise Science (E), Child Exercise and Health (E), Older adult (E), Social Personal and Health Education 4 (E), GP Exercise Referral, Promoting Physical Activity and Policy & Practice E = elective module, all other modules are mandatory *Elective options are subject to numbers applying | |
Course Facts
Course Title: BA (Hons) in Excercise & Health Studies
Course Code: WD125
Course Level: 8
Duration: 4 Yrs
Course Entry
Leaving Certificate:
- Number of subjects at grade D or better: 6
- Number at higher level grade C or better: 2
Required Subjects:
- English/Irish: OD3/HD3
- Mathematics: OD3/HD3
Mature students working in the field, or related fields, are also welcome.
For further information
Course Leader: Michael Harrison
Email: mharrison@wit.ie
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | 315 | 305 | 295 | 325 | 325 |
But don't just take our word...
“I am studying BA (Hons) in Exercise and Health Studies, which is a relatively new course. I chose to do this course because of the broad spectrum of study within it. You are never stuck to one area of work afterwards and there are plenty of options for further study. I work in a gym part time which helps because I see some of the theory in practice.
I am so glad I made the choice to study at WIT. The campus is great and I have made so many friends over the past two years, which makes college life ‘plain sailing’! Everybody you meet is so friendly. I’d recommend the BA (Hons) in Exercise and Health studies to anyone who likes to work with people and has a genuine interest in different health issues.”
Cora Hennessy, BA (Hons) in Exercise & Health Studies
