Applied Physical Education

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies at Portobello Institute is a professionally focused pathway programme designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in Physical Education (PE) teaching or related physical activity and sport settings. Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, the programme combines online lectures with face-to-face practical sessions in Dublin, making it ideal for learners who are balancing study with work and personal commitments.



Course Details

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies at Portobello Institute responds directly to the growing demand for qualified PE teachers and specialists across Ireland and beyond.



Designed for graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds, the programme provides a structured and supported route into physical education through a focused, professionally relevant curriculum grounded in contemporary educational practice.



Students benefit from a combination of online academic delivery and on-campus practical sessions, allowing you to engage fully with both the theoretical and applied dimensions of physical education while balancing work, family, and other commitments. This accessibility makes the programme particularly well suited to career changers and working professionals.



The curriculum is deliberately broad and inclusive, ensuring graduates gain exposure to all mandatory areas of physical education, from games and athletics to aquatics, outdoor learning, creative movement, and health-related physical activity.



Alongside this practical breadth, students develop a strong understanding of curriculum planning, coaching methodology, skill acquisition, and the effective use of technology in sport and education. The emphasis throughout is on applied learning that reflects real school, community, and coaching environments.



The programme also prioritises professional readiness. Assessment is designed to support practical competence, reflective practice, and employability, with students building a digital ePortfolio that captures their learning, planning work, and applied teaching or coaching skills. This portfolio can be used to support applications to postgraduate teacher education programmes or to demonstrate capability to employers in education and sport-related sectors.



While the course is primarily intended as preparation for progression to a Professional Master of Education (PME) in Physical Education, it also offers clear value in its own right. Graduates may use the qualification to enhance their professional standing or pursue opportunities in community and public-sector sport.



Studying at Portobello Institute means joining a learner-focused academic community with a strong track record in delivering flexible, career-oriented programmes. With small class sizes, responsive lecturers, and a practical approach to learning, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies offers a credible, modern pathway into one of the most in-demand subject areas in education today.



This course focuses on developing content knowledge in physical education as an academic discipline. It is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme and is therefore not subject to accreditation by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Completion of this course does not lead to a teaching qualification in Ireland or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK.



The programme has been designed with reference to the Teaching Council’s Curricular Subject Requirements for Physical Education (2025). Admission to a Professional Master of Education (PME) programme based on completion of this programme is determined by individual PME course providers.



Eligibility for registration as a teacher in Ireland is assessed separately by the Teaching Council. Each application is considered on an individual basis as part of the qualifications verification and recognition process, in accordance with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations (2024).



Award

Awarded by University of Essex, graduates will hold an instantly recognised qualification. Upon successful completion of the programme, a graduation ceremony will be arranged by Portobello Institute.

CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.



Year 1

Applied Sports Pedagogy

Applied Skill Acquisition Principles

Physical Education Curriculum Planning Principles

Fitness and Health-Related Physical Activity

Athletic Activities and Coaching

Aesthetic and Creative Movement

Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Games Activities and Competitive Strategy

Aquatic Sports in Education

Technology in Sports Coaching and Physical Education

Contemporary Issues in Sport and Physical Education

• Applicants are required to have a minimum of 2.2 bachelor’s honours degree or equivalent award in any discipline.



• Students who have not completed their primary degree through English will need to demonstrate IELTS overall 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component). Irish Leaving Cert English or GCSE English for UK students.



• Garda Vetting is required due to practical activity settings

Entry to this programme is by direct application to Portobello Institute. Please see Application Weblink above.



Application Process:

1. Complete the online application form.

2. Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.

3. You will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place by email.

4. Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed.

1 year blended learning.

Start date: 3rd October 2026.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies at Portobello Institute have career opportunities across education, sport, and physical activity settings. The programme supports progression into Physical Education teaching and roles that promote participation in sport, physical activity, and wellbeing.



Applied Physical Education Career Opportunities

This programme prepares you for roles across education, coaching, and sport development.



Typical career pathways include:

Physical Education Teacher (following PME)

Sports Coach

School-Based Physical Activity Coordinator

Community Sports Development Officer

Youth Sport Development Coach



These roles involve delivering physical education, promoting participation, and supporting physical activity across different age groups.



Employers Recruiting Our Graduates

Graduates work across:

Schools and educational settings

Sports organisations and governing bodies

Community sport programmes

Leisure and recreation services



These organisations value graduates who can deliver structured physical activity and support participation.



Progression to Further Study

Graduates may progress to:

• Professional Master of Education (PME)



On successful completion of this programme, you will be academically prepared to:

• Apply for a Professional Master of Education (PME) in Physical Education (subject to provider requirements)

• Enhance employability across education, sport, coaching, community, and health-related sectors

• Use this qualification as part of a pathway towards teaching opportunities



This provides a clear progression route toward qualification as a Physical Education teacher.