Physical Activity and Health

This postgraduate programme builds advanced expertise in using physical activity as a tool for promoting population health and preventing chronic disease. You explore exercise science, behaviour change theory, and public health frameworks, with a strong focus on Ireland's Healthy Ireland strategy and its targets for increasing activity levels across all age groups. Modules combine laboratory-based fitness assessment, clinical exercise testing, and community health programme design. You typically spend time on supervised placement with HSE services, Local Sports Partnerships, or community health organisations, gaining hands-on experience in exercise prescription and programme evaluation. A research dissertation allows you to investigate a topic of your choosing within physical activity and health, often in collaboration with partner organisations.

Entry to this NFQ Level 9 programme normally requires an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree (minimum 2.2, preferably 2.1) in a relevant discipline such as Sport Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Health Promotion, or a cognate health and science field. A strong undergraduate background in physiology, anatomy, or research methods is highly beneficial and may be assessed at interview. Graduates of NFQ Level 7 ordinary degrees who hold significant professional experience in health or fitness may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Mature applicants with relevant professional backgrounds, such as clinical exercise physiologists, physical education teachers, or fitness professionals, are encouraged to apply and may be assessed through a recognition of prior learning process. Some institutions require a personal statement and references demonstrating commitment to physical activity promotion or public health practice.

Demand for graduates with specialist knowledge in physical activity and population health is growing steadily in Ireland, driven by rising rates of chronic disease, obesity, and mental health challenges. Healthy Ireland and Sport Ireland's National Sports Policy have created a sustained policy environment that funds community-level physical activity interventions, generating graduate-level roles. Salaries for health promotion and physical activity roles in the public sector typically range from approximately €35,000 to €55,000 gross per annum, with senior management or clinical specialist roles reaching higher. Research and academic pathways are also viable for those who pursue a PhD.