Overview

The proposed Graduate Diploma / M.Sc. aims to build knowledge and capacity of graduates related to important issues affecting physical education in the Irish schools setting. This innovative programme seeks qualified physical education teachers interested in the promotion of physical education and upgrading their teaching skills and programmes offered to young people in school sites. Design of the programme is a result of frequent interactions with teachers on linking teaching and learning in physical education and teachers' desire to increase their knowledge and skills in teaching.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For all queries, contact the course directors:
Dr Mary Fitzpatrick/Maura Murphy
Course Director, Specialist Diploma in Teaching Learning and Scholarship
Centre for Teaching and Learning
Millstream Courtyard
University of Limerick
Tel +353 61 234651/202034
Fax+353 61 338044
Email: Mary.Fitzpatrick@ul.ie
Email: Maura.Murphy@ul.ie

Graduate Profile

TBA

Programme Content

The programme encourages physical education teachers to participate actively in their own learning and in reflective practice whereby theoretical aspects are grounded within their practical experience and the programme encourages the development of relevant and active pedagogies in support of pupil learning. Additionally, the programme intends to involve physical education teachers in actively researching their own practice and that of young people in a physical education setting. The Graduate Diploma intends to serve as a pathway for recognition in the development of practicing teachers as they pursue their own professional development regardless of whether or not they pursue the full MSc.
 
The part time programme is designed to provide flexibility for physical education teachers and opportunities to share best practice among colleagues by offering modules during summer, autumn and spring semesters and following a non-traditional format. It is intended that modules will be delivered in various parts of the country throughout the academic year using various formats such as spring break programming, extended weekend contact, intense summer school modules, and distance learning applications. Modules will be designed around a time frame and location that most suits the practicing physical education teachers who are attracted to the programme. In some cases this may mean that the instructors travel to a local site rather than physical education teachers travelling to campus.

Graduate Diploma - 60 credits
Year 1 - Three core modules
Year 2 - Two core modules and one elective module chosen from two options

MSc - 30 credits (90 total including Grad Dip)
Grad Dip modules plus the following
Year 3 - Two core modules

(the Graduate Diploma concludes at the end of the summer).

Entry Requirements

The programme is designed to involve physical education teachers with the teaching and learning environment which requires they hold an undergraduate degree (level 8), teacher qualification in physical education, and a minimum of two years experience teaching physical education in post primary schools.

Entry to the programme will be based on the result of a written application and interview where physical education teachers will share insights about teaching and learning gained from their own practice. Garda clearance will be required before students will start the programme.

A cohort will begin the programme every two years with two possible exits allowed to accommodate physical education teachers interested in improving their teaching skills and their programmes and those interested in research and completion of the full MSc. The Graduate Diploma will conclude at the end of the second year with completion of a project focused on inquiry and research of teachers own teaching practice. Those who attain a minimum honours 2.1 standard in this taught component, including the Project at the end of the second year are eligible for progression to the MSc component of the programme. Those who do not meet these criteria or choose not to pursue the full MSc will complete the second year with a Graduate Diploma.

What to Include with Your Application

• Full degree transcript and certificates/awards (including English translation if applicable)
• English language qualifications (if English is not your first language) 
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

 English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.