Course Details

Course Code(s):
PY4213
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Summer
Course Start Date:
25 May 2026
Duration:
6 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 8
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.
Application Deadline:

Contact(s):

Name: PESS Micro-credentials
Email: PESSmicrocredentials@ul.ie
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Brief Description

This micro-credential will take place from Monday 25 May - Friday 26 June 2026.  

Note: Compulsory (100% Attendance) on campus practical week Monday 25 May - Thursday 28 May

Competitive games are a core element of physical education, helping students build confidence, develop tactical awareness, and work effectively with others. 

This 6-week, Level 8 micro-credential is designed for students with a background in Physical Education who want to build their ability to teach competitive, team, and individual-based activities in an engaging and inclusive way.  

You’ll explore curriculum models such as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and develop your knowledge of the rules, structures, and strategies that underpin a variety of games.   

You’ll also learn about key instructional approaches, adaptations for diverse learners, and how to help students transfer skills across different sporting contexts.  

The module combines online lectures and group sessions with a mandatory 3–4 day on-campus practical component. It can be taken as a standalone University Certificate of Study (UCOS) module or as part of a pathway to a larger award. 

During this module, you will: 

  • Explore key curriculum models used in physical education, including Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), and understand their application in competitive, team, and individual-based activities 

  • Build practical knowledge of the principles of play, tactics, and skill development that underpin a wide range of games and physical education experiences 

  • Develop inclusive teaching strategies to plan, adapt and deliver lessons that engage and support all learners across competitive and individual sporting contexts 

  • Gain hands-on experience through a blend of online learning and a mandatory on-campus practical, applying theory in real-world teaching scenarios   

Key Information

This micro-credential will be delivered over 6 weeks. 

You will be assessed using a practical component during the on-campus days and an online quiz at the end of the module. 

Part-time considerations:   

  • Designed for working professionals   

  • Evening or recorded lectures   

  • Additional prep and group work time   

  • One-week compulsory attendance for the practical component 

  • Timetable provided after registration  

To help you to be successful on this course: 

  • Applicants should hold or be near completion of an Honours degree (NFQ Level 8, undergraduate degree, BSc or BA) at least second-class honours (2.2) in a relevant discipline. (180 ECTS with 60 ECTs having a Physical Education component.    

Guidelines for your applications:  

  • When applying, be sure to include the Module Code PY4213. We can’t process your application without it. You can apply for more than one module using the same application.  

  • By applying, you confirm that you meet the entry requirements and can take part in the course and its assessments.  

  • This course will go ahead if it meets minimum enrolment number.  

  • Completing this module doesn’t guarantee you a place in a full programme. If you want to apply for a full programme, you must meet the specific entry requirements for that programme. 

EU - €750 

Non-EU - €1,500 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie). 

Other funding  

Find further information on funding and scholarships. 

This micro-credential can lead to the following sectors and careers: 

  • Physical education roles across primary, post-primary and special education contexts 

  • Sports coaching and youth development programmes focused on inclusive and competitive activities 

  • Curriculum development and education support services within PE and school sport 

  • Progression towards postgraduate study or further specialisation in physical education