Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

Module Electives - what are they?

Electives give you the opportunity to choose modules that you want to study.

Each Semester you will be given a choice of a number of modules and you will be asked to select a certain amount to study. This can range from 1 module to 4 modules, based on the course.

For example, you may be given a list of 4 modules, and will be asked to choose 2 to study for the upcoming semester.

Course Pathways - what are they?

A course pathway, or elective stream, is where you choose a particular area to specialise in within the broader course.

The pathway you choose will influence the modules you can study each semester and will be recognised in your final degree as an area of expertise.

For example, if you are studying Applied languages you are required to specialise in 2 languages from a selection of French, German, Irish and Spanish.

For this course

Students on this course must first choose their second subject that you will then be able to teach up to Leaving Certificate Level. This pathway choice will then decide what modules you will study along with the common course modules. The second subject choices are:

English

The four-year programme in English offers a balanced and comprehensive view of selected writers and movements in the field of English, Irish and American literature and drama. Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and tutorials. Students will be expected to take an active, constructive role in the development of courses and the management of their learning. Time is allowed for individual and group projects.

Gaeilge

Sa chúrsa Gaeilge, déantar staidéar ar theanga agus ar litríocht na Nua Ghaeilge agus ar bhéaloideas na hÉireann. Leagtar béim faoi leith ar chabhrú le mic léinn a gcumas Gaeilge a fhorbairt agus a thabhairt chun cruinnis, agus chuige sin moltar do mhic léinn na Gaeilge freastal ar chúrsaí a eagrófar dóibh sa Ghaeltacht i rith na laethanta saoire. Déantar obair an chúrsa céime seo trí mhéan na Gaeilge.

Geography

The four-year programme provides a contemporary synthesis of third level Geography so that graduates are fully prepared to teach the subject up to and including honours Leaving Certificate level both from a Human and Physical perspective). The programme aims to ensure that graduates are aware of the rich variety of opportunities offered by Geography to the teacher.

Mathematics

The mathematics elective is a four-year programme of study in mathematics (analysis, theory, application, etc.) and mathematics education. The programme is designed to develop your competence in mathematics to the requisite level.

Your pathway choice will then determine your modules and module choices. For example, see below for the first year modules for each pathway choice. 

Currently, unless you are applying as a mature student (23 years old by or on 1st January in the year of enrolment) only the Leaving Certificate is accepted. Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade H5 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade O6/H7 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics, Irish or another language and English).

It is desirable that the candidate wishing to take a specific elective subject within this Degree should hold at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject.

There is no late application process available.

• Professional Masters in Education (Physical Education)
• QQI FET Award
• Access to University Course

Generally, it’s not possible to transfer into PE within the first few weeks of starting at UL.

• Changing course in Semester 1 of First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)
• Changing course in Semester 2 of First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)
• Transferring course after First Year - UL| SSP (topdesk.net)

Applications must be submitted to the Student Status Committee via Student Hub Online.

For a full guide to all the subjects you will take on the PE course, look in the Course Structure section of this course. The course is a mixture of practical and theory. You are not expected to come to UL as an expert in all these areas.

• You will take all the PE post primary curriculum strands – adventure and outdoor education, athletics, aquatics, dance, games, gymnastics, health related activity, fundamental motor skills, alternative physical activities such as yoga.
• You take theory in learning HOW to teach and assess PE, sociology of PE, sport and exercise psychology, physiology, anatomy, PE for young people with disabilities, youth sport and philosophy.

Per week you will be in lectures, tutorials and practical classes for a total of about 21 hours. You will also be doing about the same again, per week for private study and assessment preparation.

Work placement on the BSc Physical Education is called School Placement. There are two block of School Placement, an 8 week block in year 2 and a 10-week block in year 4. You can do these placements in your home locality but NOT at your old school

English, Gaeilge, Geography and Mathematics are the options available to you as Electives with the PE course. There are no plans currently to add any more subjects to these options. You can only take one elective subject along with PE.

In the elective subject you wish to choose, it is desirable that candidates hold at least a Higher Grade H4, or an approved equivalent, in the relevant Leaving Certificate subject.
 

All relevant information on applications is available at http://ulsites.ul.ie/mso/

What are you looking for in my application?

• Relevant work / voluntary experience
• Teaching and/or coaching awards
• Strong personal statement
• Professional looking application