This is an interdisciplinary programme that combines cutting-edge software development with the scientific study of sport and human performance. Ireland’s sports technology industry is growing rapidly, driven by advances in wearable technology, performance analytics, AI, and digital health innovation. As sports organisations and technology companies increasingly rely on data and smart technologies to improve performance and wellbeing, there is strong demand for graduates with skills in both computing and sport science.
On this programme, students develop strong technical expertise in areas such as programming, web development, data science, wearable technologies, and artificial intelligence, while also gaining a deep understanding of the science behind sport and exercise performance. Modules in exercise physiology, performance analysis, sports analytics, and athlete monitoring help students understand how technology can enhance performance, training, and recovery.
Throughout the course, students apply their computing skills to real sporting challenges by designing and developing performance tracking tools, athlete monitoring platforms, and data-driven applications used in modern sport. The programme also explores how wearable technologies and intelligent systems can capture and interpret performance data to support coaching decisions, optimise training, and reduce injury risk.
Why study this course
- Unique blend of software development and sports science
- Learn by building real-world systems used in sport and health
- Strong focus on AI, data analytics and performance
- Hands on practical learning from day one
- Work placement in year 3 or the option for Erasmus
Key Practical Skills
- Build performance tracking tools
- Develop athlete monitoring systems
- Analysing real sports data
- Build AI Systems
- Ability to programme wearable devices
The course includes a flexible learning semester in year three. The flexible semester is a non-contact semester and consists of one of the following options:
- Industrial Placement (paid/unpaid)
- Active Service Learning (voluntary)
- Industry-accredited courses
- Placement in a designated Research environment
- Placement in a Commercial Innovation/Incubation unit
- Study Abroad
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Website Development 1 | Web App Fundamentals |
| Programming Foundations | Programming Foundations 2 |
| Computer Systems 1 | Intro to Software Engineering |
| Mathematics Fundamentals | Statistical Analysis |
| Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology | Sports and Exercise Biomechanics 1 |
| Introduction to Exercise Physiology | Measuring Sports Performance |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Backend Web Architecture | Frontend Web Architecture |
| Software Development Tools | Introduction to Computer Security |
| Relational Databases | Network Concepts & Infrastructure |
| AI Ethics and Regulations | AI Fundamentals |
| Sports and Exercise Biomechanics 2 | Physical Activity and Health Application |
| Training and Performance | Professional Practice |
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| A choice of one of the following: | Mobile App Development 1 |
| Work placement | IoT Standards and Protocols |
| Erasmus | Automated Cloud Services |
| Professional Certification | Statistics for Sport |
| Applied Biomechanics | |
| Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Year 4
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices and Wearables | Students pick any four of the following modules: |
| AI for Computer Vision | Mobile App Development 2 |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineering 1 | Application Security |
| Advanced Performance Analysis | Artificial Intelligence Engineering 2 |
| Final Year Project | Athletic Monitoring |
| Sports Medicine | |
| Technology Commercialisation |
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BSc (Hons) in Software Development and Sports Science
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O5/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BSc (Hons) in Software Development and Sports Science:
Completion of a level 8 programme will enable students to progress to the MSc in Computer Science, undertake taught Masters programmes, or pursue Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level institutions.
Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Software Development and Sports Science graduates:
- Software Engineer/Developer
- Sports Data Analyst / Data Analytics Specialist
- AI & Intelligent Systems Developer
- Performance Analyst in Sport
- Sports Technology Developer
- Athlete Monitoring Systems Developer
Course Leaders
Ms Amanda Freeman-Gater
Assistant Head of the Computing and Mathematics Department -
Call: 051-302286
Email: [email protected]
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