Key Info
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
If you are the type of individual that likes working with other people to help them improve, has a broad interest in sport and/or physical activity and health and would like to work with young people, then this programme might very well be for you.
Why Study Physical Education at UL?
UL's School of Education is the largest post-primary teacher education provider in the state and is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for Education programmes. University of Limerick is also ranked within the top 75 universities in Europe for excellence in teaching and learning.
The B.Sc. in Physical Education is one of the most popular undergraduate programmes in the University of Limerick. The programme is designed to qualify graduates as teachers of Physical Education along with a second subject in Irish Post-Primary Schools. Graduates of the programme are qualified to teach Physical Education and their second subject to Leaving Certificate level. The current second subjects on offer include English, Gaeilge, Geography and Mathematics.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
The central focus of this course is on teacher education and you will be educated to teach Physical Education, and your chosen elective option, as well as educational studies in contemporary society. Your placement in schools for blocks of teaching practice is viewed as an essential part of your professional development.
Physical Education
In the physical education part of the course, you will study human movement from the perspectives of kinesiology (science of movement), sociology, psychology, and philosophy, together with the art of teaching. The practical experience will involve you in a range of competitive, aesthetic, adventure, aquatic and artistic activities, which will enhance your effectiveness as a teacher.
Education
You will study various topics which will enable you to assess the effectiveness of your own teaching, and contribute to the evaluation of current and innovative educational methods.
SPECIALIST OPTIONS
The four-year programme in English offers a balanced and comprehensive view of selected writers and movements in the field of English, Irish and American literature and drama. Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. You will be expected to take an active, constructive role in the development of courses and the management of your learning. Time is allowed for individual and group projects.
Sa chúrsa Gaeilge, déantar staidéar ar theanga agus ar litríocht na Nua Ghaeilge agus ar bhéaloideas na hÉireann. Leagtar béim faoi leith ar chabhrú le mic léinn a gcumas Gaeilge a fhorbairt agus a thabhairt chun cruinnis, agus chuige sin moltar do mhic léinn na Gaeilge freastal ar chúrsaí a eagrófar dóibh sa Ghaeltacht i rith na laethanta saoire. Déantar obair an chúrsa céime seo trí mhéan na Gaeilge.
Prior to completion of your teacher education studies, applicants should provide verifiable evidence of an immersive educational experience in Gaeilge of a minimum of four weeks duration.
This may be accessed in two blocks, each of which must be at least two weeks. At least one of these blocks must be in a Gaeltacht setting with the option of one block in an Irish medium setting. Students are responsible for securing and completing these immersive educational experiences themselves.
The immersive educational experience(s) must be one of the following:
- attending an Irish language course
- working as a staff member in an educational setting in the Gaeltacht
- conducting an action research project which is of relevance to their teaching studies
- engaging in School Placement.
The geography programme provides an in-depth understanding of the processes shaping both human and physical environments and considers how we can meet the urgent need to live in a way which is sustainable. Through lectures, tutorials, labs and fieldwork students gain the skills to think like geographers and in this way learn to stimulate a curiosity about the world in their future post-primary pupils.
The mathematics elective is a four-year programme of study in mathematics and mathematics education. The programme is designed to develop your competence in mathematics to the requisite level.
Subject Pedagogics
You will take courses in Subject Pedagogics in relation to your specialist options, in which you will consider the philosophy and practice of teaching these specialist options in the context of your teaching practice programme.
Module Electives - what are they?
Electives give you the opportunity to choose modules that you want to study.
Each Semester you will be given a choice of a number of modules and you will be asked to select a certain amount to study. This can range from 1 module to 4 modules, based on the course.
For example, you may be given a list of 4 modules, and will be asked to choose 2 to study for the upcoming semester.
Course Pathways - what are they?
A course pathway, or elective stream, is where you choose a particular area to specialise in within the broader course.
The pathway you choose will influence the modules you can study each semester and will be recognised in your final degree as an area of expertise.
For example, if you are studying Applied languages you are required to specialise in 2 languages from a selection of French, German, Irish and Spanish.
For this course
Students on this course must first choose their second subject that you will then be able to teach up to Leaving Certificate Level. This pathway choice will then decide what modules you will study along with the common course modules. The second subject choices are:
English
The four-year programme in English offers a balanced and comprehensive view of selected writers and movements in the field of English, Irish and American literature and drama. Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and tutorials. Students will be expected to take an active, constructive role in the development of courses and the management of their learning. Time is allowed for individual and group projects.
Gaeilge
Sa chúrsa Gaeilge, déantar staidéar ar theanga agus ar litríocht na Nua Ghaeilge agus ar bhéaloideas na hÉireann. Leagtar béim faoi leith ar chabhrú le mic léinn a gcumas Gaeilge a fhorbairt agus a thabhairt chun cruinnis, agus chuige sin moltar do mhic léinn na Gaeilge freastal ar chúrsaí a eagrófar dóibh sa Ghaeltacht i rith na laethanta saoire. Déantar obair an chúrsa céime seo trí mhéan na Gaeilge.
Geography
The four-year programme provides a contemporary synthesis of third level Geography so that graduates are fully prepared to teach the subject up to and including honours Leaving Certificate level both from a Human and Physical perspective). The programme aims to ensure that graduates are aware of the rich variety of opportunities offered by Geography to the teacher.
Mathematics
The mathematics elective is a four-year programme of study in mathematics (analysis, theory, application, etc.) and mathematics education. The programme is designed to develop your competence in mathematics to the requisite level.
Your pathway choice will then determine your modules and module choices. For example, see below for the first year modules for each pathway choice.
| Specialist area/pathway | Module 1 | Module 2 |
| English |
EH4001 - CP1: Academic Reading and Writing or EH4141 - English Literature 1: Novels and Short Fiction |
EH4121 - Gothic Literature in Ireland |
| Gaeilge |
GA4133 – Litríocht agus Saíocht 1: 1890-1940 or GA4153 – Litríocht agus Saíocht: 1250-1690 |
GA4141 – Teanga, Sochaí agus Saíocht 1 |
| Geography |
GY4703 – Evolution of the Irish and British Landscapes |
GY4741 – The Dynamic Earth |
| Mathematics |
MB4001 – Algebra 1 |
MS4021 – Calculus 1 |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| PY4111 | Foundations of Movement: Motor Learning in Physical Education | PY4132 | Foundations in Health and Performance Fitness |
| PY4091 | Competitive Team and Individual Game-based Activities | EN4042 | Professional digital competence for teaching |
| EN4051 | Contemporary Understandings and Thinking on Education | EN4052 | Understanding Young People and How They Learn: Psychological Perspectives |
| Elective module | Elective module | ||
| Elective module | Elective module |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 | ||
| PY4163 | Aesthetic and Expressive Activities | EN4054 | Understanding Classroom Practices |
| PY4143 | Adventure and Water-based Activities | TP4024 | SCHOOL PLACEMENT #1 |
| PY4153 | Subject Pedagogy 1 - Physical Education | ||
| EN4033 | Planning for Learning | ||
| Elective module | |||
| Elective module |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| PY4165 | Adapted Physical Education and Physical Activity | PY4055 | Sociological Concepts of Teaching and Learning in Physical Education |
| EN4045 | Diversity and Social Justice in Education: Sociological Perspectives | PY4106 | Motor Learning and Development with a focus on athletics |
| EN4035 | Curriculum and Assessment, Policy and Practice | PY4116 | Subject Pedagogy 2 - Physical Education |
| Elective module | EN4046 | Diversity of Learners: Inclusion and Special Educational Needs | |
| Elective module | Subject Pedagogy 2 - Elective subject | ||
| Elective module |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| TP4027 | School Placement 2 | PY4128 | Policy and Provision in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport |
| EN4018 | Teacher as Professional | ||
| Elective module | |||
| Elective module |
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, unless you are applying as a mature student (23 years old by or on 1st January in the year of enrolment) only the Leaving Certificate is accepted. Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade H5 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade O6/H7 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics, Irish or another language and English).
It is desirable that the candidate wishing to take a specific elective subject within this Degree should hold at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject.
There is no late application process available.
Generally, it’s not possible to transfer into PE within the first few weeks of starting at UL.
- Changing course in Semester 1 of First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)
- Changing course in Semester 2 of First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)
- Transferring course after First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)
Applications must be submitted to the Student Status Committee via Student Hub Online.
For a full guide to all the subjects you will take on the PE course, look in the Course Structure section of this course. The course is a mixture of practical and theory. You are not expected to come to UL as an expert in all these areas.
- You will take all the PE post primary curriculum strands – adventure and outdoor education, athletics, aquatics, dance, games, gymnastics, health related activity, fundamental motor skills, alternative physical activities such as yoga.
- You take theory in learning HOW to teach and assess PE, sociology of PE, sport and exercise psychology, physiology, anatomy, PE for young people with disabilities, youth sport and philosophy.
Per week you will be in lectures, tutorials and practical classes for a total of about 21 hours. You will also be doing about the same again, per week for private study and assessment preparation.
Work placement on the BSc Physical Education is called School Placement. There are two block of School Placement, an 8 week block in year 2 and a 10-week block in year 4. You can do these placements in your home locality but NOT at your old school
English, Gaeilge, Geography and Mathematics are the options available to you as Electives with the PE course. There are no plans currently to add any more subjects to these options. You can only take one elective subject along with PE.
In the elective subject you wish to choose, it is desirable that you hold at least a Higher Grade C3, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject. In the new LC grading system this will be at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject.
All relevant information on applications is available at http://ulsites.ul.ie/mso/
What are you looking for in my application?
- Relevant work / voluntary experience
- Teaching and/or coaching awards
- Strong personal statement
- Professional looking application
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
533
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes. |
| Subject requirements |
It is desirable that the candidate wishing to take a specific elective subject within this Degree should hold at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject. |
| Additional considerations |
We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryIn addition to the entry requirements for LM090 outlined in the QQI/FET booklet, it is desirable that candidates hold at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject that they wish to undertake as their elective subject (i.e. English, Irish, Geography, Maths). The approved equivalent for Maths is a distinction in QQI Mathematics for Stem (5N0556). All applications for admission under the QQI entry pathway must be made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €20,900 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €21,000 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Brad Duffy Access Scholarship | €5,000 for one year | 1 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
Careers open to you with a degree in PE include;
- PE teacher in secondary school
- English/Irish/Geography/Maths Teacher in Secondary school
- Third level Lecturer
- Sports Development officer
The B.Sc. in Physical Education is designed to qualify graduates as teachers of Physical Education along with a second subject (English, Gaeilge, Geography, Mathematics and Chemistry) in Irish Post-Primary Schools. Graduates of the programme are qualified to teach Physical Education and their second subject to Leaving Certificate level.
Student Profiles
Jean Masterson
Sport is a hugely rewarding part of my life and I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle. On gaining some coaching experience in my community, I realized how enjoyable it is to work with and help young people to achieve. I wanted to know how to best teach young people, and how to enjoy and appreciate sport and exercise in the right ways.
PE at UL offers practical experience in a great variety of sports and games, gymnastics, dance and aquatics, along with the key knowledge and teaching skills to enable you to apply this experience in both teaching and sporting contexts. All of this helps to give a great insight into the important concepts, knowledge and skills needed to teach PE or coach young people.
What I like most about the course is the worthwhile and rewarding opportunities it offers to teach and coach - whether it’s getting involved in community events, youth sport or working with people with disabilities. Such experiences have allowed me to prepare for a career in either teaching or coaching by applying newly-learned skills and knowledge in realistic settings, while interacting with people of varying ages, abilities and interests.
As an integral part of the course, school placement is a busy time but it really gives you the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice. The school placement experiences helped me to realize how much I enjoy teaching and enabled me to identify my own strengths in this area. I got the best possible insight into what it’s like to teach PE and coach teams in schools today.
Laura O’Sullivan
Sport is a hugely rewarding part of my life and I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle. On gaining some coaching experience in my community, I realized how enjoyable it is to work with and help young people to achieve. I wanted to know how to best teach young people, and how to enjoy and appreciate sport and exercise in the right ways. PE at UL offers practical experience in a great variety of sports and games, gymnastics, dance and aquatics, along with the key knowledge and teaching skills to enable you to apply this experience in both teaching and sporting contexts. What I like most about the course is the worthwhile and rewarding opportunities it offers to teach and coach - whether it’s getting involved in community events, youth sport or working with people with disabilities. Such experiences have allowed me to prepare for a career in either teaching or coaching by applying newly-learned skills and knowledge in realistic settings while interacting with people of varying ages, abilities and interests.
