Physical Education with Teaching

A concurrent teacher-education degree that qualifies you to teach Physical Education in Irish post-primary schools. You study exercise science, sports psychology, biomechanics, motor learning and curriculum design alongside a second teaching subject such as Science, Maths or English. Practical teaching placement in post-primary schools takes up a significant portion of each year, supervised by university tutors and school mentors. A typical week combines lectures and lab sessions in the morning with coaching practical activities, sports hall work and planning lessons in the afternoon. Some programmes offer Erasmus exchange opportunities in Europe, letting you experience PE teaching in different educational cultures. By graduation you hold a professional teaching qualification recognised by the Teaching Council.

Entry is through the CAO and is highly competitive, reflecting strong demand and limited places. You typically need a minimum of six subjects in the Leaving Certificate, including English at Ordinary level or above, with many successful applicants holding Higher-level results across most subjects. Higher-level Maths and Biology or Physical Education are regarded as useful preparation, and performance in physical skills assessments or interviews may form part of the selection process. QQI Level 5 or 6 FET awards in Sport, Recreation or a related field can provide a progression route for applicants without the standard Leaving Certificate profile. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply through a separate mature-student pathway and are assessed on relevant experience and aptitude. HEAR and DARE access schemes are available for applicants from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.

Demand for qualified PE teachers in Ireland remains steady, supported by the curriculum's growing emphasis on wellbeing and active school initiatives. Teaching Council registration provides a clear professional pathway into permanent or contract posts in ETB, community, voluntary and fee-paying schools. Graduates who hold a second high-demand subject such as Maths or Science tend to find school employment more quickly. Outside teaching, the broader sport, health and recreation sector in Ireland continues to expand, offering alternative career paths.