Sports Studies & Exercise Science
The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and understanding of the diverse elements within the sports industry. Students will be equipped with a variety of practical skills as well as a solid foundation in exercise science.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Pool Lifeguard Award |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Royal Life Saving Society |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Pool Lifeguard Award | Royal Life Saving Society |
Duration
This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate/LCVP or Leaving Cert Applied
A FETAC/QQI Level 4 qualification
Mature students (age 23+) welcome
Interview
Garda vetting must be successfully completed
Careers / Further progression
Progression
There are a wide range of progression opportunities available for FET graduates via the CAO website. Please view the entry requirements for all Higher Education colleges here: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Means tested grants are available from SUSI.
Please visit http://www.susi.ie/ for more information and to make an application.
Yes
This award affords students the dual opportunity to either seek employment or progress their studies at 3rd Level colleges in the area of Sport, Leisure and or Exercise Science. Practical elements of this course take place in The Movement gym, Castlebar. Successful students will receive a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation & Exercise. Further qualifications offered with this award include: RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
Exercise and Fitness 5N2668
Sports and Recreation Studies 5N2667
Communications 5N0690
Work Experience 5N1356
Nutrition 5N2006
Sports Anatomy & Physiology 5N4648
Sport and Exercise Injury Prevention 5N5665
Adventure Activities 5N4646
Gaelic Football Coaching
5M5146 - Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Award:
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation, and Exercise - 5M5146.
Further qualifications offered with this award include: RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
GAA Coaching
Phone: 094 9023134
Email: admin@ccfe.ie