If you are the type of individual that likes working with other people to help them improve, has a broad interest in sport and/or physical activity and health and would like to work with young people, then this programme might very well be for you.
The B.Sc. in Physical Education is one of the most popular undergraduate programmes in the University of Limerick. The programme is designed to qualify graduates as teachers of Physical Education along with a second subject in Irish Post-Primary Schools. Graduates of the programme are qualified to teach Physical Education and their second subject to Leaving Certificate level. The current second subjects on offer include English, Gaeilge, Geography and Mathematics.
The central focus of this course is on teacher education and you will be educated to teach Physical Education, and your chosen elective option, as well as educational studies in contemporary society. Your placement in schools for blocks of teaching practice is viewed as an essential part of your professional development.
Physical Education
In the physical education part of the course, you will study human movement from the perspectives of kinesiology (science of movement), sociology, psychology, and philosophy, together with the art of teaching. The practical experience will involve you in a range of competitive, aesthetic, adventure, aquatic and artistic activities, which will enhance your effectiveness as a teacher.
Education
You will study various topics which will enable you to assess the effectiveness of your own teaching, and contribute to the evaluation of current and innovative educational methods.
SPECIALIST OPTIONS
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. You will be expected to take an active, constructive role in the development of courses and the management of your learning. Time is allowed for individual and group projects.
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. 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 and mathematics education. The programme is designed to develop your competence in mathematics to the requisite level.
Subject Pedagogics
You will take courses in Subject Pedagogics in relation to your specialist options, in which you will consider the philosophy and practice of teaching these specialist options in the context of your teaching practice programme.
Careers open to you with a degree in PE include;
PE teacher in secondary school
English/Irish/Geography/Maths Teacher in Secondary school
Third level Lecturer
Sports Development officer
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
University of Limerick
University of Limerick Limerick,
Limerick,
V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.
Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade D or above
TOEFL: 580 (paper based) OR 90 (internet based)
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
鈥淭he University of Limerick is an affordable place for students to gain a top-class education which will boost their future career prospects.鈥�
