Course Details
Delivered over 2 years, this combined programme of an MSc Physical Education, PGCEi and QTS (AO) offers you the opportunity to develop your critical understanding of physical education, through theoretical, practical and work-based learning experiences and a pathway towards PE teaching.
Level
PostgraduateQualification
Masters DegreeCourse | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc Physical Education, PGCEi & QTS package |
Blended Learning
|
10th February 2024 | 2 years | |
MSc Physical Education, PGCEi & QTS package |
Blended Learning
|
12th October 2024 | 2 years |
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
Overview
What will I study during this MSc Physical Education, PGCEi & QTS Route course?
Contemporary content for modern day physical education
During the master’s program, you will learn how to effectively plan, teach, and utilize assessment methods within your specific subject area. Drawing upon a wide range of Physical Education knowledge and pedagogical approaches, you will develop the skills to create engaging and impactful learning experiences.
The content of the PGCEi will support you to deepen your knowledge and critical understanding of principles and theories relating to education, teaching and learning. To identify and apply strategies and methods which translate into effective teaching, learning and assessment practices in the educational environment.
More detailed information of the content covered during each of these programmes is outlined in the “What will I study” section of each course page linked here.
- MSc Physical Education
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education International
Who will I learn from?
Personal Academic Tutor
You will learn from a range of applied practitioners including primary and secondary school PE specialists, psychologists, sports and exercise scientists.
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.
How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
This programme is designed for integrated study with a combination of taught modules delivered online, self-directed learning and practical placement in schools.
Portobello ensures scheduling of taught modules is considerate of students working and study-life balance. The course timetable is condensed to be delivered with online webinars delivered live at the weekend and recorded so you can catch up later should you miss the session.
Online modules commence 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 even if you are off-site or 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.
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.
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.
Tutor Support
You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query and there will be scheduled opportunities to submit a draft of your assignment. Our programme management team are always available to meet you or offer you telephone and email support. For more information about our team, click here. 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.
This level of one-to-one support is unique and is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello Institute. We have invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced and knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme and support you to achieve your personal best.
Online Learning Portal – ePortobello
During the induction seminar, 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 ePortobello. 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 assessments.
Practical Placements
You will be required to complete a practical placement as part of the requirements for this programme. There will be set tasks for you to complete and if you are already working in an educational environment, these hours can be used as your placement provided you can complete the tasks required.
Application for the Qualified Teacher Status requires completion of 120 days of teaching placement across two secondary schools (the majority of placement days can be spent in one school). A typical school day is 3-4 hours per day. The placement can be completed over 4 blocks:
- Block 1: 2 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over a 6-week period
- Block 2: 2 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over a 6-week period
- Block 3: 4 days per week over a 12-week period
- Block 4: 3 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over an 8-week period
We provide support to students whilst sourcing placements however students are responsible to source a placement convenient to their location and availability.
There is some flexibility if this schedule does not fit with your work/home life.
Course Structure
This course is delivered over two years with entry points in October and February each year.
The time table for online with webinars will be released shortly.
The programme has been designed to integrate the MSc Physical Education modules and the PGCEi modules, with the practical placement requirements to prepare you to apply for QTS AO by the end of the second academic year.
Academic Calendar - February 2024 Start Date
Semester 1 runs from 10/02/24 – 31/05/24
Semester 2 runs from 12/10/24 – 31/01/25
Semester 3 runs from 08/02/25 – 31/05/25
Academic Calendar - October 2024 Start Date
Semester 1 runs from 12/10/24 – 25/01/25
Semester 2 runs from 08/02/25 – 31/05/25
Real Life Learning Opportunities
Work Placement
As part of this integrated programme and to prepare you to apply for QTS through the Assessment Only route, you will gain important practical skills and experience through placement in schools and will be supported to compile a portfolio of evidence which you will present for assessment towards the end of the programme.
Application for the Qualified Teacher Status requires completion of 120 days of teaching placement across two secondary schools (the majority of placement days can be spent in one school). A typical school day is 3-4 hours per day. The placement can be completed over 4 blocks:
- Block 1: 2 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over a 6-week period
- Block 2: 2 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over a 6-week period
- Block 3: 4 days per week over a 12-week period
- Block 4: 3 days per week over a 12-week period or 4 days per week over an 8-week period
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.
Group assignments will add another dimension to your learning experience – they will help you to learn to work in teams and will provide you with benefits of peer learning.
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.
Career prospects
This postgraduate package of qualifications in Physical Education can open up various career prospects in the field of education and sports. Here are some potential career paths for a graduate of this programme:
- Physical Education Teacher: With this degree, you can pursue a career as a physical education teacher within the UK and Internationally. You are eligible to apply for registration to the Teaching Council of Ireland via the qualified abroad route. As a PE teacher, you would be responsible for designing and implementing physical education curricula, teaching various sports and fitness activities, and promoting healthy lifestyles among students.
- Athletic Director: An M.Sc. in Physical Education can also qualify you for roles as an athletic director in schools or colleges. As an athletic director, you would oversee sports programs, manage sports facilities, coordinate athletic events, and support student-athletes in their academic and athletic development.
- Sports Coach: With a focus on physical education and sports, you can pursue a career as a sports coach. You could work with school or community teams, specialising in a particular sport or coaching multiple sports. Your role would involve teaching technical skills, developing training programs, and motivating athletes to reach their full potential.
- Physical Education Curriculum Specialist: Some educational institutions or educational publishing companies hire curriculum specialists to develop and improve physical education curricula. With your postgraduate qualifications, you can contribute to designing curriculum materials, assessments, and resources that align with current educational standards and promote effective physical education instruction.
- Sports Researcher: If you have an interest in research, you can pursue a career as a sports researcher. You could work in academic institutions or sports organizations, conducting research on various aspects of physical education, sports performance, or exercise science. Your findings can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and inform best practices.
These are some of the career prospects that a graduate with the postgraduate qualifications of MSc Physical Education, PGCEi, and QTS can consider. It’s important to note that specific opportunities may vary based on your location, past qualifications and experience, and personal interests.
Who else has studied this degree?
Follow the links below to read the many stories of our successful graduates.
Related Courses
MSc Physical Education
Delivered through blended learning, this MSc Physical Education provides you with an in-depth and relevant focus on the concepts and the key skills underpinning physical education theory and pedagogy.
BA (Hons) Physical Education
Delivered over 3 years, the BA (Hons) Physical Education programme aims to develop your critical understanding of physical education, through theoretical, practical and work-based learning experiences. You will have the opportunity to qualify and work in professional sports coaching and the option to study a PGCEi and a MSc Physical Education.
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

Sports Advisor
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.
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college
Applicants will be required to have a minimum of a 2.2 (or equivalent) in a related subject discipline. You should also submit an up-to-date CV and copies of awards/professional qualifications.
For non-standard entry, applicants would need to be able to demonstrate a comparable academic standard through past studies and relevant work experience.
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the online booking form.
Step 2
Applicants will be contacted for confirmation of the entry criteria.
Step 3
Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants immediately meeting the criteria.
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
Exam Body Reg. Fee
Overall Course Price
Total amount due
Easy Payment Plan
Payment Option 1
30% deposit payment (€2,767.50), followed by 6 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 €295.
- €1,076.25 due in month 1
- €1,076.25 due in month 2
- €1,076.25 due in month 3
- €1,076.25 due in month 4
- €1,076.25 due in month 5
- €1,076.25 due in month 6
Year 2 Fees
Course Price – €8,495.00
Exam Body Reg. Fee – €885.00
Similar payment plans to year 1 available
Available Courses
Course | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration | Fees Per Year | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSc Physical Education, PGCEi & QTS package |
Blended Learning
|
10th February 2024 | 2 years | €8,930.00 | |
MSc Physical Education, PGCEi & QTS package |
Blended Learning
|
12th October 2024 | 2 years | €8,930.00 |
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
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:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch