PGCE Physical Education

Entry requirements

a.English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE, eg. Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level Grade H6 or above or Ordinary Level O4 or above. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this course). Students wishing to take Religious Education (RE) as an optional level 6 module must have a GCSE grade C or above in RE.

b. At least a 2:2 Honours degree (or above) in physical education, sports science or sports studies (or another sports related degree that is at least 50% vocationally relevant to physical education). In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject.

c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character.

d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.

e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.

f. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic litearcy skills are required throughout the application process. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece.

g. Applicants should comply with the DE circular requirements as outlined in the hyperlink below

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/2010-03-initial-teacher-education-approval-of-programmes.pdf

h. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, the following additional criteria will be applied: evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people for at least 16 weeks. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme that prepares students for a career in teaching.

The closing date for applications is 8th January 2023.

On successful completion of initial teacher education student teachers will be able to evidence their competence and be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education allowing them to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. They will also accrue 60 CATS points towards a Master’s degree in Education. In total the PGCE is worth 120 points ( 60 at Master’s level 7 and 60 at Post graduate level 6).

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.