PE Teaching

A number of degrees at ATU offer a pathway to PE Teaching. 

Further Information (Sligo Campus)

Level 7 Applied Sport with Business: Students who complete this three-year degree before going to complete our one-year Add-on in Level 8 Sport with Business degree. This pathway, which is four years total in ATU Sligo, has the requisite core and optional subject modules that align with the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements for the teaching of PE and Business. Students can then apply for admission to the Professional Master of Education (PME) in PE Teaching at the University of Limerick. Students can also pursue PGCE studies in Northern Ireland and the UK. Our graduates have successfully completed the PME at the University of Limerick and various universities throughout Northern Ireland and the UK. 

Level 8 Sport with Business: Students who complete this three-year degree, can apply to a Professional Master of Education (PME) or a PGCE. However, students may be required to complete two additional modules for teaching PE i.e. gymnastics and athletics. We have had several students choosing this pathway to become a PE Teacher. Students who follow this route can complete the missing modules as standalone modules at a later date, as per the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements.  

Our degrees also have several embedded coaching awards and students undertake work placement during their studies. This helps them build a strong resumé and application for their postgraduate studies in Physical Education Teaching.  

Below are some student stories from recent graduates who have taken this route to becoming a Physical Education Teacher: 

Aoife Gannon

I wasn’t sure if I was going to get accepted to the PME (Professional Master of Education) in Physical Education Teaching. It was a long waiting process. We had to write an entry piece about why we wanted to study the PME and we had three follow up interviews and a short assignment. There was a limited amount of places for students and it had to be narrowed down from 100 students to 12. I am now in second year of the PME and absolutely loving my studies.

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Michael Patton

Over the first three years of the degree, I really enjoyed the practical elements. Personally, I enjoy being outdoors, exploring and being active, which is what we participated in with outdoor adventures and team sports activities. Whether that was based with field sports or track sports, it was really enjoyable.

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Dónal Ó Loideáin

I particularly enjoyed the practical side of the course. The course offered numerous opportunities to study outside of the classroom, which was a welcome bonus to all of us who enjoyed being active. Examples I fondly remember include classes in the Knocknarea Arena, classes on the running track, and powerboating off Sligo harbour.

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