Program Overview

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Physical Education, Sports Studies & Arts

The Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts degree is a dynamic course that aims to produce creative educators in physical education, sport and physical activity settings. As well as qualifying to teach physical education, students will also graduate in a chosen specialist arts subject from one of the following: English, Gaeilge/Irish, Mathematics, French, or History.

Course Outline

Our staff are experts and research-informed practitioners in their discipline. Teaching, coaching and community placements are available throughout the degree, and the programmes works in partnership with schools, clubs, and the community, allowing students to immerse themselves in teaching and coaching from the beginning.

Modules

• ED1308 Sport Psychology: Fundamentals & Application
• ED1309 Motor Development and Learning for Skill Competence
• ED1310 Introduction to Exercise Physiology, Diet, and Nutrition
• ED1314 Curriculum-Based Physical Activities 1
• ED1323 Curriculum-Based Physical Activities 2
• ED1324 Pedagogical Foundations
• ED1325 Curriculum and Pedagogical Coherence in Junior Cycles
• AN1063 Anatomy of Exercise
• DH1001 Digital Humanities: Theories & Concepts 1

Elective Modules

One Arts subject (15 credits) from the following: English, French, (a student will not normally be allowed to select French unless they have attained a pass standard in French in the Leaving Certificate examination [or equivalent]), Gaeilge/ Irish, History and Mathematics.

Year 2

• ED2322 Curriculum and Pedagogical Coherence
• ED2324 Arts Subject Pedagogy 1
• ED2325 Placement 1
• ED2405 Curriculum-Based Physical Activities 3
• ED2406 Curriculum-Based Physical Activities 4

Elective Modules

Arts subject continued from Year 1

Practical modules include dance, gymnastics, G.A.A., and rugby. Students will also complete their second placement in a school setting where they will observe, plan and teach physical education, under the guidance of a mentor (co-operating teacher).

Year 3

• ED3304 Curriculum-Based Physical Activities 5
• ED3307 Coaching Science 1
• ED3308 Health and Wellbeing
• ED3327 Creativity and Innovation in Education
• ED3328 Community-Based Physical Activity
• ED3329 Placement 2

Elective Modules

Students will complete their third placement in a school setting where they will observe, plan and teach their chosen Arts subject, under the guidance of a mentor (co-operating teacher).

Year 4

• ED4104 Conceptual Foundations in the Philosophy and History of Education
• ED4105 Conceptual Foundations in the Psychology and Sociology of Education
• ED4106 Conceptual Foundations in Curriculum and Assessment
• ED4107 Conceptual Foundations in Inclusive Education
• ED4326 Professional Relationships and Development in Education
• ED4315 Final Year Research Project
• ED4320 Placement 4

Elective Modules

• The Teaching of Irish
• The Teaching of English
• Second Language Education - French
• The Teaching of History
• The Teaching of Mathematics

A large proportion of Year 4 will comprise school placement for the student, specifically teaching physical education and the selected specialist Arts subject for an entire school year. Students will then return to university for lectures, practicals and workshops in the afternoons.

Course Practicalities

As part of the degree's semesterisation format, some written exams will take place before Christmas (semester one), and in May (semester two). Not all modules will have formal written summative-type examinations. Many modules use continuous and formative types of assessment, including in-class tests, oral presentations, end-of-semester assessments, digital portfolios, online learning tasks, reflections and micro-teaching/micro-coaching etc.

Who teaches this programme?

• Dr Fiona Chambers, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Trish Fitzpatrick, School Placement Coordinator and Lecturer
• Dr Joao Mota, Curriculum-based Physical Activities Coordinator and Lecturer
• Dr Diarmuid Lester, Lecturer
• Dr Wesley O Brien, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer
• Mr Arthur Twomey, Lecturer
• Dr Conor Philpott, Lecturer
• Ms Holly Peters, School Placement Coordinator and Lecturer

Why Choose This Course

Previous students have praised the course for its practical approach to learning, the support of the staff, and the state-of-the-art facilities available at UCC.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.

Fitness to Practise

This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.

Student Garda Vetting

All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• Year 2: School Placement teaching Physical Education
• Year 3: School Placement teaching chosen Arts subject
• Year 4: School Placement teaching PE and Arts subject (entire school year)

Skills and Careers Information

Our graduates gain a range of transferable skills in planning, implementing and assessing learning across the lifespan – whether in schools, clubs or communities – specifically in the areas of sport, physical activity and physical education.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

Additional costs may include approximately €150 for SSPE sports clothing and €400 for the Assistant Swim Teachers Course.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.