Students must have completed BSc (NFQ Level 8) in Physiology, Biomedical Science, Un-denominated Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Exercise Science, Nursing and Health Science, Physiotherapy, Podiatry or any other relevant biology or medical science area with at least a 2nd class honours, or equivalent. (Students who have received a BSc Honours qualification or equivalent will be given preference in the shortlisting process.) Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in the relevant area will be an advantage.

This course is suitable for students interested in a career in exercise prescription and graduates upon completion of this course will be eligible to register with REPs Ireland and American Association of Personal Trainers (AAPT).

For applicants where English is a second language, we will adhere to university guidelines of requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88 and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61 with no less than 6.5 in any component.

Selection criteria:
Initially a shortlisting procedure will be applied to prioritise applicants. Those who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the program. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail.

Significant weight will be placed on
A) the applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying for this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc,
B) the applicant’s referee’s comments, and
C) the applicant’s previous academic performance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in the relevant area will be an advantage.

Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad-admissions/key-dates/

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Next start date: September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

This course is approved by REPS Ireland (Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland), and upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a Graduate Exercise Professional. Please note that additional criteria may be required for registration, and students are advised to visit the REPS Ireland website for further information https://repsireland.ie/.

Graduates also have an option to pursue certification by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), to qualify as an Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist. https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/exercise-physiologist/. Please note that ACSM certification requires candidates to pass an exam, and clinical experience is required to be eligible to apply for certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Students are advised to do their own research on this pathway, as requirements and criteria can change from time to time. Staff will offer students support should they wish to prepare for the ACSM exam.

Exercise physiologists work in many settings including healthcare, performance/sport, the lifestyle and wellness industry, and occupational health and wellbeing. They often work alongside other exercise professionals and healthcare providers. As well as professional exercise physiology roles, graduates will have skills and knowledge that will equip them to pursue occupations in industry, education and research. Students on this course will also develop skills in critical thinking that will prepare them to pursue further advanced research degrees in the field of exercise physiology.