Teaching Physical Education, Sport and Physical Activity

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The programme is offered by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) in the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. One of the two elective modules focuses on mentoring and supervision and is currently offered by the Department of Education and Professional Practice and may be chosen to meet the needs and interests of physical education teachers.

Aim

The proposed Graduate Diploma / M.Sc. aims to build knowledge and capacity of graduates related to important issues affecting physical education in the Irish schools setting. This innovative programme seeks qualified physical education teachers interested in the promotion of physical education and upgrading their teaching skills and programmes offered to young people in school sites. Design of the programme is a result of frequent interactions with teachers on linking teaching and learning in physical education and teachers' desire to increase their knowledge and skills in teaching.

The programme encourages physical education teachers to participate actively in their own learning and in reflective practice whereby theoretical aspects are grounded within their practical experience and the programme encourages the development of relevant and active pedagogies in support of pupil learning. Additionally, the programme intends to involve physical education teachers in actively researching their own practice and that of young people in a physical education setting. The Graduate Diploma intends to serve as a pathway for recognition in the development of practicing teachers as they pursue their own professional development regardless of whether or not they pursue the full MSc.

The part time programme is designed to provide flexibility for physical education teachers and opportunities to share best practice among colleagues by offering modules during summer, autumn and spring semesters and following a non-traditional format. It is intended that modules will be delivered in various parts of the country throughout the academic year using various formats such as spring break programming, extended weekend contact, intense summer school modules, and distance learning applications. Modules will be designed around a time frame and location that most suits the practicing physical education teachers who are attracted to the programme. In some cases this may mean that the instructors travel to a local site rather than physical education teachers travelling to campus.

Graduate Diploma - 60 credits

Year 1 - Three core modules
Year 2 - Two core modules and one elective module chosen from two options

MSc - 30 credits (90 total including Grad Dip)

Grad Dip modules plus the following
Year 3 - Two core modules

Year 1

Summer : Review and Application of Research on Physical Education
Autumn : Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction in Physical Education
Spring : Research Methods in Physical Education

Year 2

Summer : Action Research
Autumn : Elective : Mentoring in Practice OR Independent Study of Professional Practice in Physical Education
Spring : Project

(the Graduate Diploma concludes at the end of the summer).

Year 3

Autumn : Dissertation 1
Spring: Core: Dissertation 2

Entrance RequirementsThe programme is designed to involve physical education teachers with the teaching and learning environment which requires they hold an undergraduate degree (level 8), teacher qualification in physical education, and a minimum of two years experience teaching physical education in post primary schools.Entry to the programme will be based on the result of a written application and interview where physical education teachers will share insights about teaching and learning gained from their own practice. Garda clearance will be required before students will start the programme.A cohort will begin the programme every two years with two possible exits allowed to accommodate physical education teachers interested in improving their teaching skills and their programmes and those interested in research and completion of the full MSc. The Graduate Diploma will conclude at the end of the second year with completion of a project focused on inquiry and research of teachers own teaching practice. Those who attain a minimum honours 2.1 standard in this taught component, including the Project at the end of the second year are eligible for progression to the MSc component of the programme. Those who do not meet these criteria or choose not to pursue the full MSc will complete the second year with a Graduate Diploma.What to Include with Your Application * Full degree transcript and certificates/awards (including English translation if applicable) * English language qualifications (if English is not your first language) * A copy of your birth certificate (long document) English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80