The Graduate Diploma in Physical Education Curriculum Based Activities at Portobello Institute responds directly to the growing demand for qualified PE teachers and specialists across Ireland and beyond.
Designed for graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds, the programme provides a structured and supported route into physical education through a focused, professionally relevant curriculum grounded in contemporary educational practice.
Students benefit from a combination of online academic delivery and on-campus practical sessions, allowing you to engage fully with both the theoretical and applied dimensions of physical education while balancing work, family, and other commitments. This accessibility makes the programme particularly well suited to career changers and working professionals.
The curriculum is deliberately broad and inclusive, ensuring graduates gain exposure to all mandatory areas of physical education, from games and athletics to aquatics, outdoor learning, creative movement, and health-related physical activity.
Alongside this practical breadth, students develop a strong understanding of curriculum planning, coaching methodology, skill acquisition, and the effective use of technology in sport and education. The emphasis throughout is on applied learning that reflects real school, community, and coaching environments.
The programme also prioritises professional readiness. Assessment is designed to support practical competence, reflective practice, and employability, with students building a digital ePortfolio that captures their learning, planning work, and applied teaching or coaching skills. This portfolio can be used to support applications to postgraduate teacher education programmes or to demonstrate capability to employers in education and sport-related sectors.
While the course is primarily intended as preparation for progression to a Professional Master of Education (PME) in Physical Education, it also offers clear value in its own right. Graduates may use the qualification to enhance their professional standing or pursue opportunities in community and public-sector sport.
Studying at Portobello Institute means joining a learner-focused academic community with a strong track record in delivering flexible, career-oriented programmes. With small class sizes, responsive lecturers, and a practical approach to learning, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies offers a credible, modern pathway into one of the most in-demand subject areas in education today.
This course focuses on developing content knowledge in physical education as an academic discipline. It is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme and is therefore not subject to accreditation by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Completion of this course does not lead to a teaching qualification in Ireland or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK.
The programme has been designed with reference to the Teaching Council’s Curricular Subject Requirements for Physical Education (2025). Admission to a Professional Master of Education (PME) programme based on completion of this programme is determined by individual PME course providers.
Eligibility for registration as a teacher in Ireland is assessed separately by the Teaching Council. Each application is considered on an individual basis as part of the qualifications verification and recognition process, in accordance with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations (2024).
Awarded by University of Essex, graduates will hold an instantly recognised qualification. Upon successful completion of the programme, a graduation ceremony will be arranged by Portobello Institute.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202231 |
| Course Location | EU |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Awarding Body | University of Essex |
| Awarding Body Details | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Course Start Date | 3rd October 2026 |
| Course Duration | One year |
| Course Fee | €5,485.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. Applicants are required to have a minimum of 2.2 bachelor’s honours degree or equivalent award in any discipline. Students who have not completed their primary degree through English will need to demonstrate IELTS overall 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component). Irish Leaving Cert English or GCSE English for UK students. Garda Vetting is required due to practical activity settings |
| Career Path | Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Physical Education Curriculum Based Activities at Portobello Institute have career opportunities across education, sport, and physical activity settings. The programme supports progression into Physical Education teaching and roles that promote participation in sport, physical activity, and wellbeing. Career Opportunities This programme prepares you for roles across education, coaching, and sport development. Typical career pathways include: Physical Education Teacher (following PME) Sports Coach School-Based Physical Activity Coordinator Community Sports Development Officer Youth Sport Development Coach These roles involve delivering physical education, promoting participation, and supporting physical activity across different age groups. Employers Recruiting Our Graduates Graduates work across: Schools and educational settings Sports organisations and governing bodies Community sport programmes Leisure and recreation services These organisations value graduates who can deliver structured physical activity and support participation. |
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