Dylan Prendergast – Post Graduate Diploma in Physical Education As A Pathway to PE Teaching

Dylan Prendergast graduated from Portobello Institute’s Post Graduate Diploma in Physical Education and will soon start his Professional Master of Education (PME) to become a PE teacher.

With a BA undergraduate degree and strength and conditioning qualifications, Dylan jumped at the opportunity to complete this graduate diploma which gave him the credits needed to continue on his path to becoming a PE teacher.

“The second I found this course, I was in no doubt that I was going to do it to get my 60 physical education credits. I always had a robust interest in all things sports, and when I saw this course, I knew it was for me. My passion has always been sports since a very young age. This course is exactly what I am interested in and passionate about,” he said.

Dylan followed his passion for sports and is now on his way to fulfilling his potential in the career he wants.

“My time with Portobello has been very enjoyable. It has completely blown my expectations. This time last year I did not know what I wanted to do, but I have now nearly completed this post-grad and I have been accepted onto the PME in Physical Education at the University of Limerick, starting in September 2023.

“If you had told me this time last year I would be in the position I am now, I would not have believed you. Portobello Institute has given me the 60 credits I needed for the teaching council to apply for the PME, and I will be forever grateful to them for allowing and helping me to pursue my dream of being a PE teacher.

“Portobello Institute has given me an opportunity I thought I’d never get. My dream has always been a PE teacher due to my interest in sports.

“After studying geography and economics at a level 8 due to pursuing a career in professional rugby, I was wondering how I could cross over into sports coaching or the physical education world. Portobello then provided me with this opportunity, due to their Post Graduate Diploma in Physical Education.

“I am now very excited to be starting the PME in UL in September, a dream I thought would never come true,” he said. 

Dylan said he enjoyed how flexible the course delivery was as he was working full-time while gaining his qualification.

“The main reason I chose Portobello Institute was due to how friendly the staff were when I first rang and enquired about it. They were extremely helpful to me, providing details of exactly what the course was, what it gives you, and what it consists of.

“The most thing I liked about Portobello was the friendly staff and the remote learning aspect of the course. I have a very busy lifestyle, working in-person weekdays, but with the remote studying, it gave me the opportunity to complete this post-grad while always carrying on with my busy life,” he said. 

Portobello Institute offers pathways to becoming a qualified PE teacher. We offer a three-year level 8 BA (Hons) in Physical Education which is awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University for those who are starting out on their journey.

Others who may already have a sports or teaching qualification may gain a Graduate Diploma in Physical Education to continue on the pathway to PE Teaching.

We also offer an MSc in Physical Education combined with the Postgraduate Certificate in Education International & QTS package. QTS is a UK 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.

If you are interested in any of our sports courses or have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert sports advisor Jason Lester, email [email protected] or call 01 892 0029. 

Read More: Discover PE Teaching as a Rewarding and Active Career