Leisure and Recreation Studies

Coming Straight out of the Leaving Cert and into unknown territory can be daunting. For me, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life or where to start. CSN was suggested to me by a family friend and in all honesty it was a happy accident that I fell into. In such a small community of people, I made friends from all over and grew as a person. As someone who was never good at or even liked school, I can't put into words how valuable my time spent in CSN was. I attended CSN for only a short year, but it was the best of my life and if could go back to do a masters I would.

David Carroll CIT Leisure and Recreation Management

My time as a student in CSN was the most positive learning experience I had encountered to date. I finished the course with a first class honour with Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness accredited by the University of Limerick as well as the level 5 QQI qualification.

The link between the courses allowed me to compete on behalf of The University of Limerick in the Intervarsity Athletics Championships. The college supports and recognises the athletes representing CSN in all different sports which is an important aspect of the positive, and supportive environment in the department.

Together with my points and qualification, I secured a place studying Arts in UCC - but my goal was still to study Sports Science and Physical Education. My experience in CSN reassured me that sport was the only area in which I'd like to study. The work I put in to achieve my marks on the leisure and recreation course was seemingly effortless compared to my studies in Arts. I needed to follow my interest. I did not plan on returning to second year of the Arts course and was considering applying as a mature student when the time came, while applying each year to the course.

My 3rd application was the successful one! I was resilient and finally secured my place in first year Sports Science and Physical Education. The notes and information I learned in CSN still helps me with course content each day and provides a brilliant base line for the Sports Science course.

I am incredibly grateful for my year spent as a student in CSN.

 

Una Samuels

I attended CSN as a mature student in 2016 and it was one of the best decisions I've made!! I went back to college and felt so nervous that maybe I wouldn't be able for it but all the teachers were super helpful and extremely supportive they all had great ways of teaching and it gave me the confidence I needed to keep going with my education. 3 years later and I am currently studying in University Of Limerick completing my Diploma in Exercise and Fitness with the NCEF. I am now a qualified Group Fitness instructor, Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach and will have a Pilates certificate by April. All thanks to CSN it opened up a pathway for me to learn gain a lot of qualifications while working and running a business.

Aideen Johnson NCEF BSc Exercise & Health Fitness

As a former student of CSN I found the course and the learning environment very much beneficial to not only delivering the course curriculum, but also in preparing me for an actual working environment. Having previously studied in a large university I found the accessibility of the lecturers and smaller class sizes hugely beneficial. The real world I experienced through the college’s work experience and internship programmes helped me gain a managerial role after I had completed the course.

Grace Russell. Executive Assistant to Leisureworld CEO and Duty Manager Douglas Swimming Pool

I genuinely believe that CSN’s value stretches far beyond just the certificates that you will receive upon successful completion of your chosen course. Through my experience at CSN I have acquired substantial vocational skills that will carry into my plans for future employment as a PE and English teacher. I struggled with voice projection and public coaching when I first entered CSN but this soon changed once I was taught the skills that are necessary for a coaching performance. My ability to address and direct a class has seen a tremendous improvement due to the teachings of my course coordinator, Wendy Keenan, here in leisure and recreation. The CEHF (accredited by UL) was offered to us at reduced rate and I made sure to avail of this offer and was awarded with the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (QQI Level 6) once I successfully completed this end-of-year course. This certificate has proven to be highly respected and recognised by employers when applying for a position as gym instructor.

Leisure and recreation has provided me with the opportunity to flourish both professionally and personally through the challenging yet achievable modules of my academic year. One of the most welcoming traits of CSN is its powerful community spirit; no student is left feeling isolated or alone. It almost feels like a little family, everybody knows one another and we all make sure that each person is looked after both socially and with their educational needs. I felt a strong sense of care and commitment from the staff and teachers working at this college. They will do their absolute best to ensure that you are given the opportunities to maximise your own potential during your time here at CSN. I believe the smaller class sizes plays in the favour of both the students and the teachers as it allows every individual to be catered to and receive feedback for the purpose of their education.

External factors hindered me from achieving my targeted result for the leaving cert and CSN has acted as a fantastic gateway for me to move forward towards higher education. I am currently studying Sports Studies and Physical Education in UCC and to no surprise, I am already aware of some of the information from my lectures due to the excellent education I have received from leisure and recreation in CSN.

Dylan Cullinane

CSN gave me the confidence to reapply to the CAO and provided me with the knowledge behind what course was right for me, I could never thank CSN enough.

Andrew McCarthy WIT Exercise Sciences