Course Summary
The Higher Diploma in Physical Education (P.E) Studies is a two-year (four semesters), part-time NFQ Level 8 programme with 60 ECTS credits of Physical Education-related content. The course is designed for delivery in a blended mode, delivered partly online and partly on campus. Online content is delivered weekly while on-campus study blocks are scheduled for specific times of the academic year.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The programme is specifically designed to cater for two cohorts of applicants.
Qualified secondary school teachers, registered with the Irish Teaching Council, who wish to add Physical Education to their portfolio of qualified subjects.
Graduates of degree programmes in a cognate area to physical education, who do not meet the full teaching council requirements for physical education and who intend to apply for a place on a Professional Master of Education (Physical Education) and ultimately qualify as a PE teacher. Such applications will be processed on a case-by-case basis, and in many instances these modules may be completed within the one academic year.
Application Process (Portfolio Requirements)
There is a two-stage application process.
Stage 1: Prospective applicants are asked to submit the following:
A portfolio evidencing engagement in leadership/coaching/teaching role in a sport, a physical activity or physical education. Evidence of verifiable engagement in sport and/or physical activity in the form of a portfolio of experience.
Personal Statement. The personal statement should include academic background, professional background, relevant experience and professional goals/aspirations.
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of the above submissions.
Stage 2: Students will be invited to attend for interview. The interview will assess the candidate's suitability for the programme.
Applicant interviews are likely to be held in June
Please note: Garda Vetting is a mandatory part of the registration process for all applicants to this course.
The Admissions Office will advise you on the process at the offer stage.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.
Application Details
Fees
€2,250 per year.
The Student
Career Interests
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.
Career Progression
This course has been designed in line with the Teaching Council’s curricular subject registration requirements for Physical Education and as such, graduates of the programme will meet all of the Irish Teaching Council’s current subject requirements for Physical Education.
Graduates of degree programmes in a cognate area to physical education, who do not meet the full teaching council requirements for physical education can subsequently apply for a place on a Professional Master of Education (Physical Education) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and qualify as a PE teacher.