Provisional New Course in September 2026
Please note that this course is currently under review with a planned start of September 2026, subject to final approvals. The information provided below is indicative of the course content and structure but the final version may differ from what is outlined below.
| Code | APSCE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| CAO Points | NA |
| Start Date | Sep 2026 |
Course Outline
We are inviting expressions of interest in the brand new BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Performance and Coach Education. This new programme will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to work in sports coaching, performance development, and athlete support settings both in Ireland and internationally.
This full-time, four-year undergraduate degree integrates academic theory with applied practice through further education, university-based learning, and work placement opportunities. Successful completion of the programme leads to an honours degree Level 8 qualification, equipping you to pursue careers in coaching, sports development, and performance analysis, as well as progression to postgraduate study.
Incorporating the Level 5 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Athletic Performance within the Further Education and Training (FET) sector provides learners with a clear pathway into the degree, offering direct progression to University College Cork (UCC).
Students will spend their first year in a College of Further Education, developing foundational knowledge and practical coaching skills, alongside selected engagement with university-based learning. The remaining years university-based, delivered across semesterised modules, combining lectures, laboratory work, and field-based learning. In the final year, students will further develop their expertise through advanced study and applied practice, including a significant work placement or project in a real-world sports performance or coaching environment.
As a professional and practice-oriented programme, students are expected to actively engage in all elements of their training, including practical sessions and placement experiences. High levels of attendance and participation are required to ensure the development of the competencies necessary for effective and responsible practice within the sport and coaching sector.
Course Practicalities
Accreditation and Embedded Awards
This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 4-year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student must leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, the embedded awards are:
- After successfully completing Year 1: NFQ level 5 PG26619 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Athletic Performance
- The final NFQ level 8 BSc in Applied Sports Performance and Coach Education is awarded by UCC.
Planned number of places
- 24 Students
Progression to Second Year
To progress to Second Year, candidates on the BSc Applied Sports Performance and Coach Education must pass the full QQI Level 5 award (7 modules to the value of 120 QQI credits) with an overall merit profile outcome across Year 1.
Students must also receive a pass judgement in the UCC module ED1200.
Why Choose This Course
Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the tertiary the BSc Applied Sports Performance and Coach Education will align with UCC's standards:
Leaving Certificate (or equivalent):
- Six subjects required.
- Minimum grade H4
- Minimum grade H5 in another subject.
- Minimum grade O3 in Maths
- Minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects including English.
Mature Students:
- Must be 23 years old by January 1st of the application year.
Applicants from the United Kingdom and overseas would need to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the minimum entry requirements above in a General Certificate in Education (GCE), such as the GCE A Level.
Candidates who are non-native speakers of the English language must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language, as follows:
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language, as follows:
- Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade D3/O6/H7
- GCE A-Level English Language: Grade D
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be provided through one of the following mechanisms:
- English language proficiency assessment conducted by relevant ETB during the enrolment process. Minimum B2 in all skills on entry.
- A valid certificate in English language from one of the institutions listed below:
- International Examinations: Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Minimum Grade – Grade B or higher
- International Examinations: Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Minimum Grade – Borderline Fail Min 170 points
- International Examinations: Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), Minimum Grade- Unsuccessful With min. 170 points
- International Examinations, IELTS, Minimum Grade 6
- Duolingo English Test DET 120 with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section
Note: IELTS certificates are only valid two years from the date of assessment. It is recommended that the same validity duration is applied to all other examinations.
Student Garda Vetting
All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.
Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 (the Acts) once a student has accepted their place on the programme. This involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).
All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.
Fees and Costs
How To Apply
Applications open in July 2026. Full details on the application process will be available on this page and communicated through UCC and Cork ETB channels. To stay informed and receive updates, complete our Expression of Interest form.