Physical Education with Mathematics
Physical education (PE) is important to the long-term the physical, social, emotional and intellectual health of our children. The Physical Education with Mathematics degree involves three strands of study—PE, Mathematics and Education Studies—all of which will be put into working context in your extensive school placement.
The PE element of the course pairs psychological, biomechanical and sociological theory, with practical instruction on how PE is taught through games, aquatics, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor adventure education.
In the Mathematics modules you’ll study maths for the physical sciences, linear maths, calculus, differential equations, numerical methods and abstract algebra. You’ll also learn how best to teach maths to second level students.
Education Studies integrates educational theory and practice through 'coaching rather than teaching', which involves group work, reflective diaries, online reporting and reflection, case studies and other problem-based learning approaches.
This course gave me the skills to apply the knowledge I gained in DCU into a school environment. The Mathematics side is very engaging while the PE side is broad and gives an insight into teaching many types of sport. The practical side is fun and adds to the enjoyment of the course as well as to the development of personal and social skills. Also, hands on experience in the class-room, truly prepares you for your future career in a school.
Laura Fleming, BSc Physical Education with Mathematics
This course involves three strands:
- 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’ll learn the core elements of the mathematics curriculum, including mathematics for the physical sciences, linear mathematics, calculus, differential equations, numerical methods and abstract algebra. In addition, you’ll complete a number of modules focused on how to teach 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 gaining the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to teaching in a changing environment.
To put all of this into practice and provide you with experience, you’ll be placed in schools during Years Two, Three and Four. This gives you an opportunity to explore and clarify many of the key issues you will encounter 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.
Garda vetting has been introduced for students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at Dublin City University. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the process of registration.
View the current course structure
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. Already building has begun on an exciting, new €14m Student Centre that will be home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
This course gave me the skills to apply the knowledge I gained in DCU into a school environment. The Mathematics side is very engaging while the PE side is broad and gives an insight into teaching many types of sport. The practical side is fun and adds to the enjoyment of the course as well as to the development of personal and social skills. Also, hands on experience in the class-room, truly prepares you for your future career in a school.
Laura Fleming, BSc Physical Education with Mathematics
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). Graduates are qualified to teach general science to Junior Certificate level and PE and Mathematics to Leaving Certificate level. Through the many skills you have learned on this course, you can also pursue other options such as coaching, sports development and further education.
Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of O1 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
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 Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
No Entry Path
Eligible students are those who have successfully completed a Higher Diploma (Level 8) in a related field of study or successfully completed or are about to successfully complete one year of study on a degree course (Level 7 or 8) awarded by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) (formerly the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA)) or by a university established under the Universities Act 1997, or an equivalent qualification awarded by a similar body outside of the State. While it is NOT a pre-requisite for candidates who are applying (having completed one year of study on a degree course) to have studied in a similar or related subject, it may be an advantage if applicant numbers are high.
Please apply directly to DCU using the R10 form. Closing date for applications 1st July.
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.
