Portobello Institute

Graduate Diploma in Physical Education

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Course Details

If you are teaching, this qualification gives you the opportunity to up-skill and add Physical Education to your professional remit. If you already hold a degree in Sport, this course will provide you with the additional modules required to gain access to a professional masters in PE and begin your journey to becoming a PE teacher.

Level
Undergraduate
Qualification
Honours Degree
Course Delivery Mode Start Date Duration
Course
 Graduate Diploma in Physical Education 		Delivery Mode
Blended Learning
 Start Date
 30th September 2023 		Duration
 8 months

Overview

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

The blended learning graduate diploma has been designed by Portobello Institute 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.

Accessible, affordable, achievable

There is an easy payment plan designed to make this degree affordable for you. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you the opportunity to access a career in physical education, with a qualification that is accessible, affordable and achievable.

Here are some reasons to choose to study with Portobello:

  • Accelerated programme completing your qualification in eight months, getting you out into the world of work faster.
  • Career focused qualifications – our courses lead to awards that offer you the opportunity of immediate employment upon graduation.
  • Notable university partners – our university partners are among the top-ranking universities in the UK offering you access to a qualification from a renowned university.
  • Realistic entry requirements – our entry requirements are reflective of the academic ability needed to successfully complete this course. These are clearly stated and remain static regardless of demand for places.
  • Individualised support – we fit your learning model with support available when you need it throughout your learning journey.
  • SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
  • Industry expert tutors – our tutors are all industry practitioners connecting research and theory with industry practice throughout their lectures.
  • Flexible delivery – we deliver theory sessions on-site, online whilst also recording the session simultaneously offering you a choice of when and how you learn.
  • City Centre Location – Commuting to Portobello is very accessible – the Luas stops outside our door, and we are located within minutes from the major transport hubs.
  • Affordable payment options – all our courses offer you the option to choose an easy payment plan supporting you to spread the cost out over your learning journey.

Why should I study this course?

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 here.

What will I study during this Graduate Diploma in Physical Education course?

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.

  • Skills Acquisition 1

    This module will introduce students to key concepts related to skill acquisition and
    motor development throughout childhood and adolescents. Students will develop
    their critical understanding of motor skill development and acquisition and apply this
    knowledge to core elements of the physical education curriculum delivery (e.g.
    gymnastics, dance, games and athletics). Students will critically appraise different
    motor skill development and acquisition theory and demonstrate practical proficiency
    in applying these theories to the lesson planning and delivery in gymnastics, dance,
    games and athletics.

    Learning Outcomes
    After completing the module the student should be able to:
    1 Critically evaluate key concepts of skill acquisition and stages of motor
    development
    2 Critically apply skill acquisition knowledge concepts in the design and delivery of
    gymnastics, dance, games, and athletics lessons.

    Learning Outcomes of Assessments
    The assessment item list is assessed via the learning outcomes listed:
    Critical literature review
    Lesson plan and practical

  • Skills Acquisition 2

    This module aims for students to develop a critical understanding of non- linear
    pedagogy models and how to apply them to improve motor skills and psychosocial
    skills during physical education lessons. This will be based upon a dynamical
    systems framework and include a constraints-based approach to teaching
    specifically using adventure activities and aquatics to explore physical literacy
    development.

    Learning Outcomes
    After completing the module the student should be able to:
    1 Critically evaluate models of skill acquisition and discuss how these models can be
    deployed for teaching core components of the PE curriculum (aquatics and
    adventure activities)
    2 Design and deliver physical education activities which meet the needs of all
    learners
    3 Critically evaluate the physical, social and psychological skills developed through
    physical education in aquatics and adventure activities.

    Learning Outcomes of Assessments
    The assessment item list is assessed via the learning outcomes listed:
    Oral Presentation
    Lesson Plans

  • Applied Pedagogy

    This module will enable students to consider and appreciate how physical education
    can provide a positive learning environment for the development of a wide range of
    Page 3 of 4
    skills and attributes. These include movement, sport-specific skills, leadership, and
    teamwork. This module will allow for reflection on how pedagogy can impact on the
    physical, affective, cognitive, and social development of individuals.

    Learning Outcomes
    After completing the module the student should be able to:
    1 Critically appraise theories of teaching and learning commonly deployed in a
    physical education context and discuss factors that influence the learning process.
    2 Apply pedagogical theories to varied Physical Education learning environments
    3 Critically evaluate safe practice conventions to practical activities and identify
    appropriate adaptations for inclusive PE practice for students with disability

    Learning Outcomes of Assessments
    The assessment item list is assessed via the learning outcomes listed:
    Portfolio

  • Applied Pedagogy 2 (20 credits)

    This module will enable students to consider and appreciate how physical education can provide a positive learning environment for the development of a wide range of skills and attributes. These include movement, sport specific, leadership, teamwork.

    This module will allow for critical reflection on how pedagogy can impact on the physical, affective, cognitive, and social development of individuals. Conceptual models such as Teaching Games for Understanding and Physical Literacy will be explored.

    After completing the module the student should be able to:

    • Apply pedagogical models to practical teaching situations
    • Explain, using learning theories, how varied pedagogical approaches enable young people to develop skills
    • Demonstrate how creating positive physical education learning environments enable young people to develop physical, affective, cognitive, and social skills
  • Applied Pedagogy 3

    This module aims to critically analyse the needs and performance of learners. By
    providing students with a conceptual understanding of pedagogical and talent
    development theory.
    Learning Outcomes
    After completing the module the student should be able to:
    1 Critically evaluate talent development theory
    2 Use ICT to critically analyse more advanced skills, tactics, or concepts in physical education activities.
    3 Using established learning theories, design solutions to pedagogical issues
    Learning Outcomes of Assessments
    The assessment item list is assessed via the learning outcomes listed:
    Critical Report  – 4500 words

  • Contemporary Issues in Physical Education

    This module aims to develop a deeper understanding of the role physical education
    plays in promoting physical activity, health, and well-being of young people. Students
    will also critically reflect on the challenges, choices, and constraints that young
    people experience within the complexity of the educational environment and wider
    society using a range of philosophical and sociological perspectives.

    Learning Outcomes
    After completing the module the student should be able to:
    1 Critically examine the processes and structures in physical education that
    contribute to the development of physical activity in young people.
    2 Reflect on and critically analyse the provision, policy and practice of Physical
    Education and the impact this has on young people.
    3 Critically examine the role of physical education in promoting health and well-being.

    Learning Outcomes of Assessments
    The assessment item list is assessed via the learning outcomes listed:
    Portfolio

Who will I learn from?

Personal Academic Tutor

Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.

This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.

Alan Whelan

Alan Whelan is a Portobello Institute lecturer who worked in psychology away from sports before moving into sports education. Cathal Brady was a Portobello student before becoming a lecturer. Barry Roe underwent a late career change to become a sports lecturer.

Alan Whelan?

Alan Whelan did all three.

“The big thing for me is I put off going back to full-time education. I sat in a job for six years, six out of 10 years that I knew I didn’t like it…I put off for years making that jump. And that’s always something I say to a lot of people, just go and chase what you want to do.

Even if it’s a mistake you won’t regret it.”

It wasn’t a mistake for Alan. He was 36 years of age when he first walked through the doors at Portobello Institute. Fearing that he would be the oldest student in the class, he’s familiar with how mature students feel when they now walk into his lectures.

Fortunately for Alan, his class was diverse and he wasn’t even the oldest student in the class. He almost proudly noted that another student was six months older than him.

Many of our sports students come back to education later in life because they weren’t pushed towards a career in sports when they left school. Despite being an intelligent student and a sports-obsessed teenager, the adults in Alan’s life guided him towards a more traditional college and career choice.

Real estate and corporate finance made up most of Alan’s next 18 years.

The day-to-day monotony of going into school to study subjects he had no interest in was replaced by the day-to-day monotony of going into an office and doing the same work over and over again.

“That mundane 9-5, sitting in a desk in front of a computer in that kind of corporate world was just killing me. It was boredom, it was monotonous. It was the same thing day in day out with little gratitude.

It was my wife who pushed me. She said ‘Look, you’re clearly not happy. Go and take the risk and do it’…I completely packed in my job, I was a couple months shy of 10 years working there.”

Had Alan reached the 10-year milestone, he could have earned an extra five days off each year. That was the only thing driving him to stay in work, the opportunity to get out of work. Instead of getting that five days off, he took three years off and studied the Sports Science and Physical Education degree at Portobello Institute.

“When I gave up my full-time job, I had a little bit of savings behind me. My idea was I was going to completely stop working and I was going to focus on year one of the degree, then with the potential of getting some part-time work in year two and three to help.

But I actually ended up not working for the entire three years.

I remember I used to say to people ‘I have never been so broke in my entire life but I’ve never been as happy as I am now.’”

That happiness extended further when Alan travelled up to the University of Ulster in Belfast to do his master’s in sports psychology.

Dr. Susan Giblin had noticed Alan’s enthusiasm for his education in sports. She also noticed how impressive his dissertation was before offering him the opportunity to become a lecturer at Portobello. Alan took all of five seconds to realize it was a great idea.

“I’m enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. It’s more freedom [compared to my previous jobs]…Now I’m working in Portobello and I set up my own psychology business last February.

It’s night and day the difference, particularly in relation to my own happiness.”

Having followed the path from uninterested secondary school student to college dropout to staying in the wrong career for more than 10 years, Alan can empathize with all of his students. Those students who have experienced that office depression can listen to him outline what his job is now and where he works.

He is no longer chained to an office for eight hours a day. Instead, he can work from home, can work in a sports hall, a classroom, on a field, in a locker room or, if he suddenly gets the urge, he can go and work in an office.

But working in an office would now be a choice he makes rather than something he does out of necessity.

That is because of the education he received at Portobello Institute and the decisions he made to take risks in pursuit of what he wanted.

Alan himself notes that he’s a happier person now, which makes him a more effective lecturer. He loves engaging his students and guiding them towards where they want to go.

“I am a very open and approachable tutor. I believe in a student-centred approach to learning, with student engagement and discussion at the heart of every lecture.

A firm believer in the benefits of effective goal setting, engaging in reflective practice and practical application, I employ a number of sport psychology related skills into the education setting to ensure all students maximize their potential for learning.”

Anthony Sheriff

“I very much took the scenic route to education.”

Anthony Sheriff isn’t joking. After leaving school in Ireland, he spent a year in Australia before returning to Ireland before then going to college in Liverpool. From there he found his way to different cities in the United Kingdom before spending two years as a teacher in Dubai.

Travelling the world may or may not have been a goal for Anthony that he was always aware of but it definitely would have been a surprise to his younger self that he was travelling as a teacher.

“When I was a teenager absolutely I was sports mad. Right back as far as I can remember as a child, my mam always says that I was kicking a football before I could walk. You’d probably struggle to find a sport that I haven’t played or competed in at one stage.

I was never the academic type. I was never the type to be massively interested in school apart from PE. When I was in school all I wanted to do was to be out playing sport really. It’s not that I hated school, I got the work done that had to be done but I think my mind was just on sport the whole time so I was never massively interested.”

Initially after leaving school, Anthony worked in different jobs. He was a greenkeeper, worked in a bar and in construction. He moved to Australia for a year on a whim when his friend asked him if he wanted to go.

Anthony openly admits that he didn’t know what he wanted to do at that stage of his life.

College didn’t become an option for him until he was 22 years of age after leaving secondary school at 18. It was all that time he spent on building sites in Australia that made him realize what he really wanted to pursue in life.

“I was doing a lot of these labouring jobs and it was a bit of craic and all on the site, it was enjoyable at times but I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term. That’s when I started to have a deep think about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.”

Since PE was the only thing he had any care for during his time in school, Anthony began searching through online courses to see what qualification he could actually earn and what career he could build. That led him to Liverpool John Moores University in England.

Once he started studying in Liverpool, Anthony no longer had to figure out what he wanted to do. His career outlined itself in front of him.

“Liverpool was where the opportunity was…an absolutely excellent college. It’s just a fantastic place. The tutors the way they worked with us so closely because going into it I was worrying you’d be going into a class of 100 people the way you see college on television and there’s these big lecture halls. It’s very impersonal.

But that wasn’t the experience at all. They focus on each individual. They’re just very, very helpful and the course they put on was excellent.”

After finishing his degree at LJMU, Anthony became a qualified PE teacher in England and earned his master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology. Working in Manchester and studying in Leeds after going to college in Liverpool, Anthony was able to broaden his connections within the sports industry.

Since then he has worked with top level athletes to help them in sports psychology while also starting his own podcast that features some big names across different sports.

The balance between his two areas of expertise, sports psychology and teaching, have helped Anthony to become a very approachable tutor who encourages discussions in lectures to maximize the time he has with his students.

“I believe strongly in working together with the students n my class and will always encourage students to share their opinions to help create interesting discussions. I am also a strong believer in reflective practice and believe that this approach will allow me to improve continuously which will then maximize the student’s potential to achieve their goals.”

The broad nature of Anthony’s skill set and the fact that he has worked internationally in different roles at high levels made him an appealing tutor for Portobello Institute.

Our students continually benefit from his ability to connect with the individual and understand their needs.

“I’m used to working with children, teenagers, adults, whatever it may be. But also when I see students coming in and they’re studying PE, I can better understand them because I’ve taken the scenic route.

A lot of people come in straight from school, straight to college and then back into a classroom teaching whereas I very much didn’t do that. I know what it’s like to finish school and not really have a clue about what you want to do.

I’m one of those people who did every job in the world and I found out what I didn’t want to do before I found out what I did want to do. That’s definitely helped me understand students coming from different areas of life.”

 

Qualifications 

BA(Hons) Education Studies and Physical Education

PGCE Primary Education with PE Specialism

MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

 

Catherine Corcoran

Position: Tutor in Physical Education

“As a passionate physical educator, I am keen to share my enthusiasm for the subject and promote the limitless benefits of physical activity for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.”

About Catherine Corcoran 

In 2015, I concluded my undergraduate studies at the University of Limerick, graduating with a first-class honours qualification in Physical Education, in addition to receiving a certificate for outstanding academic achievement. 

Having worked in a diverse range of educational settings, I am presently working as a physical education teacher at Mount Anville Secondary School, contributing to a comprehensive and dynamic physical education programme. Having previously represented Ireland as a youth athlete and the South East in the interprovincial hockey series, I also contribute to extensive hockey and athletics programmes within the school, winning a number of Leinster and All Ireland titles. 

Outside of academia, I coach club and county athletes up to the youth international level and have previously coached the SIAB Schools International team. I am also presently Chairperson of the East Leinster Schools Athletics Union.  

Catherine’s Teaching Philosophy

When teaching, I combine the practical knowledge obtained and utilised on a daily basis with the theoretical content acquired during two degrees and various professional development opportunities. I aspire to engage in Socratic teaching methodologies that encourage students to consider the knowledge that they have acquired and how this can best be adapted and utilised within a diverse range of classroom environments. I believe that this ability to utilise our knowledge to engage all students is essential to the successful delivery of any physical education programme 

Qualifications 

  • BSc Physical Education 
  • MSc Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine

Meet more members of our sports lecturing team here.

John Murphy

Position: Lecturer in Physical Education

“My job is focused on preparing students for the challenges involved in teaching PE to Irish adolescents. PE has never been more important as we are more aware of both the physical and mental health benefits. Physical activity levels are at an all-time low while mental health issues are on the rise. We can provide students with an opportunity to enhance their experiences of physical activity with a view to increasing their activity for the future.”

About John Murphy

I have been a PE teacher for 10 years mixed between an all-girls school and more recently in a mixed school. I have coached a number of sports, mainly GAA, across all levels and provide a lot of Coach CPD for both the GAA and Sport Ireland. I completed my PhD on the associations between physical activity and mental health in adolescents. The knowledge and experience gained throughout this journey have highlighted the importance of enjoyment during physical activity experiences and how we can benefit students in a number of ways through high-quality PE teaching.

John’s Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching is based on engaging students in the key topics being taught. I like to employ a practical teaching style where possible and prefer to facilitate learning across the group instead of a largely didactic approach. I get the most excited about teaching topics that I see have an immediate impact on the wider physical activity and the sporting world such as coaching through games, coaching teenage girls, and developing life skills through physical activity.

The current PE landscape values far more than the execution of physical skills but includes the holistic development of the whole person. PE teachers play a huge role in developing students physically, emotionally and mentally, therefore must be equipped with the skills required to do this in a manner that is both enjoyable for the students and also the teachers themselves.

Qualifications

  • BSc Physical Education
  • MSc Exercise & Nutrition Science
  • Postgrad Cert Leadership & Management
  • PhD Physical Activity & Wellbeing

Research/Industry Participation 

  • Award 2 GAA Coach & Tutor
  • SENr Nutritionist
  • S&C Coach
  • PEAI Member

Meet more members of our sports lecturing team here.

Paidi Kelly

Position: Sports Tutor

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I will remember. Involve me and I will learn.”

About Paidi Kelly

My teaching journey started with the B.Ed Sports Studies and Physical Education at UCC where I studied to be a PE and maths teacher. After finishing my undergraduate degree in 2020, I studied for an M.Sc in Sports Performance at the University of Limerick.

Since graduating, I have worked in several schools in the Cork area, including various DEIS schools. I have continued to work in education after completing my master’s due to the passion that I have for teaching and providing education, especially in DEIS schools.

I have also worked with various teams and clubs as a sports performance analyst from the local level to the intercounty/elite level.

Paidi’s Teaching Philosophy

I use my experience from the various types of schools that I have thought in, as well as current research to guide students to their own academic journey. My classes are highly interactive, with a lot of peer-to-peer teaching and practical elements designed to prepare students for teaching PE.

Qualifications

  • B.Ed Sport Studies and Physical Education – UCC 2020
  • M.Sc Sports Performance – UL 2022

Research/Industry Participation

  • IMART 2022 –Injury surveillance researcher

Meet more members of our sports lecturing team here.

How will I learn?

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.

What is a webinar?

A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class.

Interactive break-out rooms

The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you.

Secure online learning environment

The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

Peer to Peer Support

Learning from the experience of other students is often cited as an integral part of any learning journey through a programme. This programme is conducted primarily online and to achieve peer to peer learning, we create study groups. This is a group of students either with a similar research interest or located regionally for ease of “meeting up”. Many graduates tell us that the relationships they build in their study group, offers them a professional network to tap into through out their careers as well as some lifelong friendships.

Tutor Support

You can email your tutor during the module to ask a simple query or submit a draft of your assessment. Our programme management team are available to offer you telephone and email support and if you need to, you can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance.

For more information about our team, click here. Portobello Institute has invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced early years practitioners as well as qualified and knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you during your learning journey through this programme.

Online Learning Portal

During the induction webinar, we will show you how to navigate and find what you need with all of the information you need to complete this programme uploaded on to the learning portal. The content of this programme is set out in an easy to follow format with a combination of notes, articles, podcasts and other materials that will help you to understand the subject and complete your assessment. You will need basic computer skills to search the internet and type a word document to complete your assignment.

Course Structure

This course is delivered over 8 months with supported seminars held at weekends an exact schedule is not available yet, however, you can view a similar schedule here.

During this course, you will complete six modules.

All online only lectures are recorded for you to catch up later. During each semester, a number of practical workshops will take place in Dublin and these are in person only events which are not recorded.  Attendance at practical sessions within this course is an essential requirement as a result of the practical nature of the subject.’

You will need to complete a work related placement of approximately 15 days as part of this course if you are not currently in a ‘related practice’.  A related practice may include, for example, teaching another subject with coaching experience, sports coaching, physical activity promotion etc. Applicability will be judged on an individual basis.

If you are interested in progressing to a Masters in Education and becoming a PE teacher, our graduates have found this first-hand experience and insight into physical education in schools gave them advantage when preparing for interview and subsequent successful entry to Masters programmes.’

Having the flexibility to choose whether you attend a lecture as it is taking place or to catch up later means you can seamlessly access and fit education into your life whilst still continuing with your everyday life.

THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR - SEPTEMBER '23

The academic year of this course runs from 30/09/23 for 8 months

A FLEXIBLE LEARNING JOURNEY

Classes are delivered on scheduled Saturdays or Sundays. Theory classes are delivered simultaneously onsite and online by Webinar whilst practical classes are delivered on site.

Webinars are recorded so you may catch up later if you are unable to attend offering you further flexibility during your learning journey.

The schedule for this programme will be released shortly.

How will I be assessed?

SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.

The primary aim of the varying assessment styles is to support you to demonstrate your knowledge of theory and practical as a result of a range of assessments.

All these methods are seeking to support you to combine theory with scenario-based learning and encourage and guiding you for future implementation into your career as a physical education teacher.

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 Graduate Diploma in Physical Education 		Delivery Mode
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Speak to an expert

Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to Masters programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.

It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.

Your Consultant

Jay Lester

About

As the Sports Admissions Advisor, I work with students from our sports departments. I get to play a vital part in the advancement of peoples lives and career ambitions from supporting students at the start of their journey through education, taking that forward with them as a lifelong passion and desire. Knowledge is key and I carry this message to all who have an interest in joining any of our sports courses.

What do you enjoy about working in Portobello?  

Being in admissions for the sports department you are lucky because not only do you play a vital part in the student’s life by way of providing clear advice on courses you also get to know the students and understand their visions from the very first interaction.

What inspires you about working in education?  

Education has always been a passion of mine as I do firmly believe that with the knowledge and skills for our desired careers, we can really go on to accomplish anything in life. I don’t believe that barriers shouldn’t exist when it comes to education, and I like to ensure nobody else feels they should either.

Have you a story that you recall that touched you/made you laugh/made you cry? 

Many of us can recall that one person be it an old schoolteacher or a college tutor who took that extra bit of interest in us, I believe these occurrences are pivotal. I’ve been fortunate enough in life to see the impact education and a second chance can do for people this attracted me into the career I have today.

Why do you want to help students to decide on their course choice?  

I love being a source of support and guidance for students as they navigate through the learning world. Portobello Institute is a special place to do this. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated and warm-hearted team and love the dynamic and accommodating environment provided to meet everyone’s needs at every step of their journey.

Book a consultation

How do I apply?

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

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.

Application Process

Step 1

Complete the online application form.

Step 2

Applicant’s application will be reviewed by the Portobello enrolment team.

Step 3

Applicant’s will be contacted by the Portobello enrolment team to confirm place on the course or for more information

 

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.

Fees & Payment Options

Fees

Course Price

Year 1 base fee

€5,150

Exam Body Reg. Fee

€335.00

Overall Course Price

Total amount due

€5,485.00

Easy Payment Plan

Payment Option 1

33% deposit payment (€1,930.50), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.

  • €489.94 due in month 1
  • €489.94 due in month 2
  • €489.94 due in month 3
  • €489.94 due in month 4
  • €489.94 due in month 5
  • €489.94 due in month 6
  • €489.94 due in month 7
  • €489.94 due in month 8
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Available Courses

Course Delivery Mode Start Date Duration Fees Per Year
Course
 Graduate Diploma in Physical Education 		Delivery Mode
Blended Learning
 Start Date
 30th September 2023 		Duration
 8 months 		Fees Per Year
 €5,485.00

Apply

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  1. Enter your email
  2. You'll be redirected to our Application platform
  3. Start your application
  4. Choose your preferred payment option
  5. Submit your application
  6. One of our course advisors will review and be in touch

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Apply

Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:

  1. Enter your email
  2. You'll be redirected to our Application platform
  3. Start your application
  4. Choose your preferred payment option
  5. Submit your application
  6. One of our course advisors will review and be in touch

portobelloinstitute.com needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy.