Physical Education

The introduction of PE as a Leaving Certificate exam subject has increased the demand for qualified PE teachers. We recognise that there are many teachers qualified and teaching other subject specialisms who may be interested in upskilling and adding PE to their professional remit as an additional subject.

Alternatively, if you are a sports degree graduate, these modules will supplement your original BSc degree credits to meet the curricular subjects' requirements for gaining access to a Professional Masters in PE and becoming a registered PE teacher. This pathway is ideal for students who have completed a BSc sports science, BSc exercise and leisure management or a B.Ed in another subject specialism.

This 8-month course is designed for those wishing to enter the PE teaching profession and will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of physical education.

Accessible route to PE teaching with this programme.

Our students can use this Graduate Diploma in Physical Education as an entry pathway to becoming a PE teacher. Portobello Institute offers a Post Graduate Certificate in Continuing Education (PGCEi) with an MSc in Physical Education available from October '23. These programmes combined are delivered over 2 academic years, offering graduates further opportunities to develop their expertise in physical education. Alternatively, many of our past students have used qualifications gained from Portobello Institute to gain entry to other universities to study post-graduate qualifications for PE teaching.

Combine working full-time with study

This graduate diploma has been designed by Portobello Institute for blended learning so you can study in your own time. This blended learning option gives mature students and those working or training full-time, the opportunity to access this degree qualification that can lead to a career in physical education or coaching. Seminars are delivered over the weekend with one to one support available to you throughout your learning journey.

Upon completing this level 8 programme, you will hold a Graduate Diploma in Physical Education awarded by Liverpool John Moore's University (LJMU).

The programme design, content and philosophy draws on existing physical education syllabus and pedagogy, and significant knowledge and expertise in the School of Education at LJMU. The School has a reputation for excellence, regionally and nationally, with a growing profile for innovative research and quality in teaching internationally. The most recent inspection by OFSTED rated LJMU as 'Outstanding' in Primary Teaching and 'Good, with Outstanding features' in Secondary.

Portobello Institute's Graduate Diploma in Physical Education gives you the opportunity to study alongside your working and family life. You will have the opportunity to learn from a range of experts in the field of sport and physical education.

You will have the option, like many of our past pupils, to use this qualification to supplement your existing qualifications and gain entry to a Professional Masters in Education in PE (PME PE).

Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this programme, you will hold a Graduate Diploma in Physical Education awarded by Liverpool John Moore's University (LJMU).

The programme design, content and philosophy draws on existing physical education syllabus and pedagogy, and significant knowledge and expertise from LJMU. The university has a reputation for excellence, regionally and nationally, with a growing profile for innovative research and quality in physical education teaching internationally.

You will be registered as a student of LJMU for the duration of your studies.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement. Further guidance on this framework is available at https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/the-qualifications-system/national-framework-of-qualifications

During this programme, you will study a range of modules considering learning and teaching alongside practical skills relating to work as a physical education teacher.

You will learn how to facilitate the enhancement of physical education through effective teaching. You will understand principles and limitations of measurement and assessment strategies in sport, exercise and physical education.

Year 1
Skills Acquisition 1
Skills Acquisition 2
Applied Pedagogy
Applied Pedagogy 2 (20 credits)
Applied Pedagogy 3
Contemporary Issues in Physical Education

Delivery Mode
This Graduate Diploma in Physical Education has been specifically designed for delivery by blended learning – that is a combination of onsite classes for practical and online learning. It is very suited to you if you are working full-time with limited spare time yet you want to achieve this graduate diploma qualification.

Each module commences with an induction webinar and you will meet your lead lecturer during this session. You will be able to log-in and "attend" the lecture and you can re-visit the lecture at a later date through our online portal. You can upload your assessments and your lecturer will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track before you submit the final version.

Entry on to this course requires you to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field to teaching.

If you do not meet the above requirements, please contact us and we will review on a case by case basis.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria, may be required to attend an interview with an offer of a place on the programme issued following assessment of suitability. Applicants confirm acceptance of offer by returning acceptance form.

Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received.

Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.

8 months blended learning.