Sports & PE Pre-Teaching - Sports, Recreation & Exercise
This one year course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to work across a variety of different areas within the sports and leisure industry and for those in particular interested in progressing to pursue a career in PE Teaching.
| Award Name | Coaching Certificate |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Football Association of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching Certificate | Football Association of Ireland | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
- Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
- Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
- Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
- Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
- Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
- Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.Ed. Sports Studies and Physical Education at University College Cork (UCC)
B. A. (Ord) Sport Coaching and Business Management (Rugby) OR (GAA) South East Technological University (SETU)
B.Sc. Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.Sc. Coaching and Sports Performance at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.Sc. (Hons) Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity at Munster Technological University (MTU)
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
During the course year students will study the coaching modules of:
• GAA Coaching
• Basketball Coaching
• Soccer Coaching
Students will get certified from successful completion of these modules which will allow them to gain employment within these areas.
Some of our past students have gained employment at Cúl Camps coaching football and hurling, basketball camps and soccer camps both here in Ireland and abroad in America.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
This Course will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to work across a variety of different areas within the sports and leisure industry, particularly for those with an interest in progressing to pursue a career in PE Teaching.
From successful completion of the course students will receive QQI Level 5 Award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise.
You will also have the opportunity to get further qualifications in Basic First Aid, Manual Handling and Pool Lifeguarding.
Along with this, students will get to engage and participate in variety of sports on campus as well as visiting many sports organisations within the region throughout the academic year.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (5M5146).
Also; GAA Football Coaching Award, GAA Refereeing Badge, FAI Soccer Coaching Certificate.
What will I study?
Basketball Coaching (5N4888)
Communications Level 5 (5N0690)
Concepts in Education and Training (5N3631)
Exercise and Fitness (5N2668)
GAA Coaching (5N5085)
Leisure Facility Operations (5N4667)
Nutrition (5N2006)
Soccer Coaching (5N4887)
Sports and Recreation Studies (5N2667)
Work Experience (5N1356
5M5146 - Sport, Recreation and Exercise.
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm