BA (Hons) Physical Education

Course description

With the change in the Irish Education System and the introduction of Physical Education as a state exam subject, this course is equipped to meet the demands of the growing market for specialist trained PE teachers in Ireland. Each school will be required to employ a minimum of specialist trained PE teacher to deliver the new exam curricula, thus there will be a requirement for current teachers delivering PE without curricular content specialisation to retrain. Currently the number of institutes delivering PE as a curricular subject is limited (n=3). Research investigating effectiveness of Irish PE teachers has promoted the need for a single subject focus on PE (rather than the current dual qualification) therefore Portobello institute will be the first Institute to deliver single subject PE qualifications over 3 years.
Course structure
This is a full-time course delivered efficiently over 2-3 days per week for 3 academic  years. The academic year runs from October – June over 2 semesters.
Qualifications gained
BA (Hons) level 8 degree in Physical Education
Entry requirements
Entry to this course is by direct application with an offer of acceptance on the programme issued following an interview. Students will be registered as an undergraduate degree student  with London Metropolitan University.
Course content modules

• Introduction to Athletics & Games for PE
• Introduction to Gymnastics & Dance for PE
• Pedagogy for Adventure Activities Education
• Pedagogy for Aquatics in PE
• Advanced Pedagogy for Disability PE
• Advance Pedagogy for Health Promotion PE
• Principles of Effective Teaching & Coaching
• Psychology of Individuals & Teams
• Curriculum Development

Learning outcomes
On completing the course the student will be able to:

●Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to work as a physical education teacher or sports coach.
●Critically evaluate the principles and limitations of measurement and assessment strategies in sport, exercise and physical education
●Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sport, exercise and physical education
●Facilitate the enhancement of physical education through effective teaching
Course aims
The principal aim for all awards in this pathway is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. The development of potential is viewed as comprising both subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable skills. The course is designed for those students considering entering the teaching profession. Students study a range of modules considering learning and teaching alongside the main sports science disciplines. Modules such as Practical Delivery in Sport & Physical Education, Inclusive Education and Contemporary Issue in PE provide the foundations for the Physical Education component. Excellent links with local schools allow all students to experience an education-based placement as part of their course.