Sports courses

About Sports Development & Coaching – Higher Certificate In Arts in Limerick Institute of Technology

What is the programme about?

This two-year programme is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to pursue a career in sports coaching. The programme provides a unique blend of practical application and theory that immerses the student in sport and sports coaching. The role of the coach is to create the right conditions for learning to happen and to find ways of motivating sport participants, thereby impacting on participation and performance. This programme aims to produce coaches with an understanding of the knowledge, skills and competences needed for coaching. Furthermore this programme looks to develop innovative and knowledgeable coaches who are able to excel in a wide range of environments.

Within this programme training and educational opportunities are coherently structured and delivered in a quality manner combining both in-house and external delivery. The external certification attained will enhance the student’s career prospects and employability e.g. selected coaching awards accredited by national governing sport bodies. The programme has professional links with numerous sporting organisations including the IRFU, GAA, FAI, HRI, IGB and Mountaineering Ireland.

Garda Vetting

To ensure the protection of the public and justify public trust and confidence, LIT uses the Garda Vetting Unit (GCUV) service to assess the suitability of all applicants to this programme. LIT will require students to be Garda Vetted before registration is fully completed. In all circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility to proactively disclose any convictions or pending cases.

Who is the programme suited to?

The programme will suit individuals interested in people, sport and who work well in teams and are interested in the development of themselves and others.

Programme Aims:

The anticipated and widely recognised growth in sport activity in the foreseeable future means that not only will career prospects for graduates continue to be high, but there will be a growing demand for graduates with skills in sports coaching. Graduates of this programme can expect to find employment in a variety of sectors, including a number of sport organisations including the GAA, IRFU, FAI, the Irish Sports Council and Coaching Ireland.

Class Contact Hours

22 hours per week Stage 1.
19 hours per week Stage 2.

Awarding Body

Limerick Institute of Technology

Other Information

Garda Vetting
To ensure the protection of the public, and justify public trust and confidence, LIT uses the Garda Vetting Unit (GCUV) service to assess the suitability of applicants to this programme. LIT will require learners to be Garda Vetted before registration is fully completed. In all circumstances it is the learner’s responsibility to proactively disclose any convictions or pending cases.

Useful Links

Links with Professional Organisations/Sporting Bodies
This programme has professional links with numerous sporting organisations including the IRFU, GAA, FAI, HRI, IGB and Mountaineering Ireland.

Further Studies

The anticipated and widely recognised growth in sport activity in the foreseeable future means that not only will career prospects for graduates continue to be high, but there will be a growing demand for graduates with skills in sports coaching. Graduates of this programme can expect to find employment in a variety of sectors, including a number of sport organisations such as the GAA, IRFU, FAI, the Irish Sports Council and Coaching Ireland.

Graduates of the programme may be able to progress to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies with Sports Management (Level 8), subject to availability of places. 

Entry Requirement

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. 
Foundation Level Mathematics at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this programme. 

FETAC Applicants and Mature Applicants: Refer to section ‘Entry Requirements’ for further information.

​CAO

Please visit www.cao.ie for further information on how to apply to this course.

IELTS score for entry to undergraduate courses a minimum score of 5.5

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