Education - Physical Education

Overview

On successful completion of initial teacher education student teachers will be able to evidence their competence and be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education allowing them to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. They will also accrue 60 CATS points towards a Master’s degree in Education. In total the PGCE is worth 120 points ( 60 at Master’s level 7 and 60 at Post graduate level 6).

Year One

School Experience 1

School Experience 2

Foundation for Learning and Teaching

Developing Effective Learning and Teaching



Optional:

Principles of Religious Education

Improving Practice in Religious Education

a. English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE, eg. Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level Grade H6 or above or Ordinary Level O4 or above. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this course). Students wishing to take Religious Education (RE) as an optional level 6 module must have a GCSE grade C or above in RE.



b. At least a 2:2 Honours degree (or above) in physical education, sports science or sports studies (or another sports related degree that is at least 50% vocationally relevant to physical education). In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject.



c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character.



d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.



e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.



f. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic literacy skills are required throughout the application process. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece.



g. Applicants should comply with the DE circular requirements as outlined in the hyperlink below



https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/2010-03-initial-teacher-education-approval-of-programmes.pdf



h. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, the following additional criteria will be applied: evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people for at least 16 weeks. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list.



Eligibility

PGCE Programmes at Ulster are only available to applicants from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and who meet all the requirements to be deemed a home fee payer. This means that if you are not a UK or Irish citizen (or have settled in the UK status), you will not be eligible to study this course.



English Language Requirements

For admission to any initial teacher education course, applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English language and mathematics. In addition, all new entrants to primary level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in a science subject or subjects. An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at Grade C or higher, or an equivalent qualification. Enquiries regarding equivalent qualifications should be made to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/countr



Exemptions and transferability

There are no exemptions recognised for entry to this course and it is not possible to transfer from other courses. Access to the PGCE is by the successful completion of the application and interview process.

The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme.



Attendance

This is a programme of professional training of teachers for the teaching profession. Attendance therefore is compulsory for all activities, modules and components of the course. Students are required to attend all classes and course activities including placement in school.

Start Date: September 2026.

Career options

The PGCE is an internationally recognised programme for Initial Teacher Education leading directly to a career in teaching. The post primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range.