Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Making physical education an essential part of our children's education and development

Understanding Physical Education (PE)
Physical education has an important influence on the long-term health of our children. As such, it is an integral part of the education process, one that promotes the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of a child, as well as their attitude to activity, learning and each other. This is embraced through involvement in games, health-related fitness, aquatics, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor adventure education.

Physical Education with Mathematics
Mathematics is a key subject in the understanding of the modern world, being necessary in areas as diverse as international financial systems and the use of statistics in sport. This makes the job of teaching mathematics hugely important. As a graduate, you will be qualified to teach PE and maths to Leaving Certificate level. Both the PE and maths elements of this course have approval from the Teaching Council for registration as a secondary teacher.

About You:

To succeed on this course you will need:

• A passion for sport and exercise.
• Evidence of past participation in, enjoyment of and an enthusiasm for involvement in sport and exercise.
• An analytical mind with a passion for maths.
• A willingness to teach others and to help them to learn.
• An enthusiasm for learning and understanding how others learn and develop through good teaching.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see How to Apply section), the following requirements apply: OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS OC3 or HD3 in one of physics, chemistry, biology, physics with chemistry, agricultural science.

Course Structure:

This course involves three strands - Physical Education, Maths and Education Studies.

Physical Education
The physical education element of the course has theoretical and practical aspects: The theoretical part involves the academic study of human movement through subjects like psychology, biomechanics (the science of movement) and sociology. The practical elements will enhance your teaching skills by engaging you in a range of competitive, aesthetic, adventure, aquatic and artistic activities.

Mathematics
You will learn the core elements of the maths curriculum, including maths for the physical sciences, linear maths, calculus, differential equations, numerical methods and abstract algebra. In addition to this, you will complete a number of modules focussed on how to teach this mathematics content in second level schools.

Education Studies
This part of the course integrates educational theory and practice through 'coaching rather than teaching'. This involves group work, reflective diaries, online reporting and reflection, case studies and other problem-based learning approaches to the acquisition of the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to teach in a changing environment.

Teaching Practice
To put all of this into practice and to provide you with invaluable experience, you will be placed in schools during Years Two and Four. This is teaching practice at its best and gives you an opportunity to explore and clarify many of the key issues that will define you as a teacher.

All students are required to complete an Outdoor Adventure Activities weekend over the course of the four-year period at a cost of approximately €100.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• A modern course developed to meet the changing needs of young people today in relation to physical activity, exercise and sport.
• A unique opportunity to study the human body and its role in physical activity, sport and health.
• A mixture of applied physical education classes, laboratories, lectures, tutorials and seminars.
• The course is supported by state-of-the-art teaching and physiology, biomechanics and psychology laboratories.
• A small number of places reserved for elite sports people.
• Relatively small classes allow for individual attention from high-quality staff.

Career Prospects:

When you graduate you will be qualified for teaching posts at all second-level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools) and for admission to the Open Register of the Teaching Council (see www.teachingcouncil.ie for further details). Through the many skills you have learned on this course, you can also pursue other options such as coaching, sports development or further education.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS Grade OC3 or HD3 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in Mathematics PLUS GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

FETAC Level 5

How to Apply and Closing Dates

Make an Application

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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Fee information