Physical Education Studies - Kerry / Online
The Higher Diploma in Physical Education (P.E) Studies is a two-year (four semesters), part-time NFQ Level 8 programme with 60 ECTS credits of Physical Education-related content.
| Award Name | Higher Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
2 years, part-time, blended.
Location(s)
MTU Kerry North Campus, Kerry, Online
Entry Requirements
The programme is specifically designed to cater for two cohorts of applicants.
Qualified secondary school teachers, registered with the Irish Teaching Council, who wish to add Physical Education to their portfolio of qualified subjects.
Graduates of degree programmes in a cognate area to physical education, who do not meet the full teaching council requirements for physical education and who intend to apply for a place on a Professional Master of Education (Physical Education) and ultimately qualify as a PE teacher. Such applications will be processed on a case-by-case basis, and in many instances these modules may be completed within the one academic year.
Application Process (Portfolio Requirements)
There is a two-stage application process.
Stage 1: Prospective applicants are asked to submit the following:
A portfolio evidencing engagement in leadership/coaching/teaching role in a sport, a physical activity or physical education. Evidence of verifiable engagement in sport and/or physical activity in the form of a portfolio of experience.
Personal Statement. The personal statement should include academic background, professional background, relevant experience and professional goals/aspirations.
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of the above submissions.
Stage 2: Students will be invited to attend for interview. The interview will assess the candidate's suitability for the programme.
Applicant interviews are likely to be held in June
Please note: Garda Vetting is a mandatory part of the registration process for all applicants to this course.
The Admissions Office will advise you on the process at the offer stage.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
This course has been designed in line with the Teaching Council’s curricular subject registration requirements for Physical Education and as such, graduates of the programme will meet all of the Irish Teaching Council’s current subject requirements for Physical Education.
Graduates of degree programmes in a cognate area to physical education, who do not meet the full teaching council requirements for physical education can subsequently apply for a place on a Professional Master of Education (Physical Education) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and qualify as a PE teacher.
Further information
Next intake starting in September 2026.
€2,250 per year.
Application Deadline
Applications for the next intake starting in September 2026 will open in late January 2026.
The Higher Diploma in Physical Education (P.E) Studies is a two-year (four semesters), part-time NFQ Level 8 programme with 60 ECTS credits of Physical Education-related content.
The course is designed for delivery in a blended mode, delivered partly online and partly on campus. Online content is delivered weekly while on-campus study blocks are scheduled for specific times of the academic year.
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Physical Education Studies will emerge with a comprehensive theoretical and practical competence in physical education and will have in depth knowledge of teaching, learning and assessment techniques for ensuring optimal pupil learning and engagement in physical education.
Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2)
Pedagogy of Physical Education 1
Applied Pedagogy of Games
Applied Pedagogy of HRA and Athletics
Applied Pedagogy of Gymnastics
Applied Pedagogy of Dance
Applied Pedagogy of Adventure Activities
Year 2 (Semesters 3 and 4)
Pedagogy of Physical Education 2
Performance Physiology: Testing and Training
Sport in Society
Applied Pedagogy of Aquatics
Inclusive Physical Education
Facilitating Wellbeing at Second Level
Eimear Foley
Department of Health and Leisure Studies
Tel: 066 7144168
Email: eimear.foley@mtu.ie