PGCE Physical Education
Entry requirements
a.English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE, eg. Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level Grade H6 or above or Ordinary Level O4 or above. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this course). Students wishing to take Religious Education (RE) as an optional level 6 module must have a GCSE grade C or above in RE.
b. At least a 2:2 Honours degree (or above) in physical education, sports science or sports studies (or another sports related degree that is at least 50% vocationally relevant to physical education). In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject.
c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character.
d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.
e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.
f. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic litearcy skills are required throughout the application process. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece.
g. Applicants should comply with the DE circular requirements as outlined in the hyperlink below
h. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, the following additional criteria will be applied: evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people for at least 16 weeks. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list.
Months of entry
September
Course content
**The closing date for applications is 8th January 2025.**
On successful completion of initial teacher education student teachers will be able to evidence their competence and be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education allowing them to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. They will also accrue 60 CATS points towards a Master’s degree in Education. In total the PGCE is worth 120 points ( 60 at Master’s level 7 and 60 at Post graduate level 6).
The aim of a PGCE is to prepare you to become a competent teacher. In order to ensure a close link between theory and practice, the courses include both university and school-based work throughout the year.
The university components are taught through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Tutorials: group or individually designed to advise in the preparation for school experience, curriculum projects and/or school-based investigations
- Practicals: involving simulations, role play, practical activities and school experience
- Workshops: designed primarily to allow students to examine the relationship between theoretical perspectives introduced in lectures and their main subject specialism.
Successful completion qualifies you to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. If you hope to teach in other jurisdictions you will need to contact the relevant authorities to determine their requirements for recognised teacher status. The PGCE is an internationally recognised programme for initial teacher education leading directly to a career in teaching. The Post Primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range.
Information for international students
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PGCE
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Paul McFlynn