Masters Degree

MSc PE, PGCEi & Teaching Assessment Ready

Course Overview

This combined programme of an MSc in Physical Education, PGCEi & Teaching Assessment Ready offers you the opportunity to develop your critical understanding of physical education, through theoretical, practical and work-based learning experiences and further develops your pathway towards PE teaching.

Level Postgraduate Qualification Masters Degree

Blended Learning

Duration 2 years

Start date

1^st Year Fees €8,930.00

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Aimed towards aspiring educators, this master’s program is tailored to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of physical education.

Our students can use this integrated programme with dual qualifications as an entry pathway to becoming a PE teacher, preparing you to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via the Assessment Only (AO) route in the UK.

QTS is an English teaching qualification, application for registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland can subsequently be made through the “qualified abroad route” and is reviewed by the council on a case-by-case basis.

Awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU), graduates will hold an instantly recognised degree from one of the world’s leading universities for sports science and physical education. Upon successful completion of the programme, a graduation ceremony will be arranged by Portobello Institute.

Contemporary content for modern day physical education

During the master’s program, you will learn how to effectively plan, teach, and utilise 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.

The QTS Assessment Only (AO) route is a fast-track option for experienced teachers, typically lasting 8-12 weeks. It’s designed for those already teaching who can demonstrate they meet the required teaching standards without further training.

Candidates provide evidence of their teaching skills through a portfolio, classroom observations, and interviews. Assessment usually takes place in the candidate’s current school or a secured placement if they are not currently teaching.

Research Methods and Physical Education Pedagogy 20 Credits

Physical Education as a Learning Process 20 Credits

Teaching Efficacy and Teacher Development 20 Credits

History, Policy and International Development of Curriculum of PE 20 Credits

Physical Education Teacher Education and Development 20 Credits

Physical Literacy and Universal Models in Physical Education 20 Credits

Dissertation in Physical Education 60 Credits

Academic Year 1

Semester 1 runs from 08/02/25 – 07/06/25

Semester 2 runs from 21/06/25 – 01/11/25

Semester 3 begins on 06/12/25

For Spring semester you can find the schedule here.

A similar schedule runs for year 2.

This programme is designed for integrated study with a combination of taught modules delivered online, self-directed learning and practical placement in schools.

This mode of delivery includes contact tuition via web-based e-learning and interactive webinar sessions. It is suited to you if you have a busy work and home life and want to fit study around this.

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.

Practical 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

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.

All potential candidates are required to demonstrate competence in the English language.

1
Complete the online application form.
2
Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.
3
You will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place by email.
4
Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed.

Blended Learning

Course: €8,495 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €435.00

€8,930.00 Year 1 total fee

Year 2

Cost per academic year: €8,930

Blended Learning

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.