The BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching & Physical Education is a future-focused undergraduate degree designed for those who want to build a career in sports coaching, physical education, or progress towards PE teaching. Whether you are a school leaver, a recent graduate, or an adult learner looking to upskill or change career, this programme provides a clear, flexible and professionally aligned pathway into a growing sector.
Delivered in two modes: in-person weekdays or blended learning, the programme supports learners at different life stages. The in-person weekdays delivery is ideal for school leavers and those recently out of school, while the blended learning option is designed for people already working in sport, fitness or education, or those seeking a career transition alongside employment.
This degree is deliberately structured to keep career options open. It provides a strong foundation for:
Progression into sports coaching across community, youth, performance and participation settings
Progression towards Physical Education teaching, aligned with the Curricular Subject Criteria for Physical Education (2023)
Graduates who wish to become PE teachers will be academically prepared to progress to a Professional Master of Education Physical Education (PME PE), while those pursuing coaching careers will graduate with applied skills, real-world experience and sector-relevant knowledge.
A key advantage of this programme is the opportunity for students to receive a conditional offer before sitting the Leaving Certificate. Securing a place in advance provides clarity and reassurance at a crucial stage, significantly reducing the pressure and uncertainty often associated with exam results and the CAO process. Knowing that a pathway into higher education is already in place allows students to approach their Leaving Certificate with greater confidence, focus and peace of mind, while giving them time to plan their next steps with certainty.
The curriculum blends theory and applied practice across all key areas of the Irish PE curriculum and contemporary coaching practice. Students develop expertise in:
Human anatomy, exercise physiology and nutrition
Movement education, pedagogy and coaching principles
Inclusive physical activity, digital technologies and healthy lifestyles
Leadership, research skills and evidence-based practice
Crucially, students complete two structured placements:
Year 2 – Coaching Placement
Year 3 – PE Setting Placement
These placements allow students to experience both sports coaching and PE teaching environments, helping them make an informed decision about their preferred career direction while building a strong professional CV.
Graduates are well prepared for a broad range of roles, including:
Sports coach (youth, community, performance or participation sport)
Physical education teacher (via progression to PME)
Sports development officer
Physical activity and wellbeing coordinator
Community sport and inclusion roles
Outdoor education and adventure learning roles
Further study in education, sport or health sciences
Coaching Ireland
Portobello Institute sports students or graduates can register with Coaching Ireland for the discounted price of €49 (normally €99) and avail of discounted member insurance with Balens, alongside other member benefits. Any questions related to this can be directed to our career pathway consultant or info@coachingireland.ie.
Students benefit from small class sizes, one-to-one academic support, and access to an excellent placement network across coaching and education settings. The programme is led by a dedicated and highly experienced Programme Lead with extensive real-world experience in both sports coaching and PE teaching, ensuring students gain practical insight, professional mentoring and career guidance throughout their studies.
Awarded by University of Essex, graduates will hold an instantly recognised qualification. This is a degree designed not just to educate, but to open doors, giving graduates the knowledge, experience and confidence to build a meaningful career in sport or physical education.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202228 |
| Course Location | EU |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Honours Bachelor Degree |
| Awarding Body | University of Essex |
| Awarding Body Details | Undergraduate Honours Degree |
| Course Start Date | 3rd October 2026 |
| Course Duration | Three years |
| Course Fee | €5,185.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. Leaving Certificate requirements – 2 subjects at H5, 4 subjects at 06/H7 including English or Irish and Math. Students are accepted onto this programme without a leaving certificate however applicants must meet one of the following criteria; QQI level 5 major award with a minimum of 3 distinctions. All potential candidates are required to demonstrate competence in the English language. Non-Irish/UK students will be required to demonstrate command of English at IELTS 6.0 level (minimum score of 5.5 in all categories) or equivalent qualification. Mature entry at 21 years. Mature students are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. 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 a suitability assessment. Entry through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Portobello Institute has Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning policies - Ask our career path consultants for more information. *Places cannot be held open for applicants awaiting leaving certificate results, however, should a student accept a place and then choose not to progress with this course having received a CAO offer, a refund of 75% of fees paid will be made. Refunds must be requested in writing within 48 hours after the first-round offers have been made. This will only be accepted by emailing refunds@portobelloinstitute.com. Evidence of CAO offer acceptance must be provided along in order to apply for a refund. |
| Career Path | Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching & Physical Education at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across sport, education, and community settings. The programme combines coaching, physical education, and practical placement experience, preparing you to work in environments that support participation, development, and performance. Sports Coaching and Physical Education Career Opportunities This programme prepares you for roles across coaching, physical education, and sport development. Typical career pathways include: Sports Coach Performance or Development Coach Physical Education Instructor Sports Development Officer Community Sports Coordinator Physical Activity and Wellbeing Programme Coordinator Outdoor and Adventure Education Instructor Youth Sport Development Coach These roles involve delivering coaching sessions, supporting athlete development, promoting participation, and contributing to physical education and community sport programmes. Employers Recruiting Our Graduates Graduates work across a range of sport, education, and community organisations, including: Schools and educational institutions National and local sports organisations Community sport partnerships Leisure and recreation centres Youth sport and physical activity programmes These organisations value graduates who can combine coaching knowledge with practical delivery and communication skills. |
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