Physical Education with Biology

    Physical Education with Biology

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    EUR 19,469 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 8, 2026

    Physical Education with Biology

    About

    Overview

    This course is a brilliant opportunity to blend your interests in a substantive way and go on to make a positive impact on society through education. Once you graduate, you can teach PE and Biology up to Leaving Cert level, and Science for Junior Cert level, or choose from a wide range of other exciting career paths.

    This course offers a unique blend of academic subjects, taught in a way that emphasises learning through practical experiences. During the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the content, theory, and skills of different physical activities (such as athletics, games, aquatics, dance, and outdoor activities), biology, science and education. You’ll also improve your communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

    Future-proof your life

    In both third and fourth year, you’ll do a comprehensive professional school placement and you can also choose to study overseas through the Erasmus programme.

    The course includes various ways of learning and teaching, for example face-to-face and online lectures, small group work, independent work, practical classes, professional placement, and research.

    While you can go on to become a post-primary PE, biology and science teacher in Ireland or abroad, you’ll also well placed to go on to complete a coaching qualification or to pursue other careers in education, exercise science, physical education, physical therapy, and life sciences. Alternatively, you may go on to pursue a master’s or doctorate qualification.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

    Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

    In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

    GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science

    Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

    Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

    To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

    Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

    • a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
    • academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
    • an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

    All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

    For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

    Additional Criteria

    This programme requires evidence of competency in Mathematics and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science, which would equate to a O4/H6 in these subject areas. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes, or other third level qualifications. If applicants don’t have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement.


    Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. The specific criteria for entry may vary for each programme. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places, so early application is advised. Submission of an application does not guarantee an offer. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

    Teaching council certified qualifications that cover all modules in Year 1 of our programme are a pre-requisite for admission to the second year. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

    English Program Requirements

    Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

    Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

    Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

    EXAMINATION
    Level Required
    Irish Leaving Certificate English
    O6/H7
    GCE A-Level English Language
    Grade D
    GSCE 
    Grade C 
    IELTS ACADEMIC

    Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component. 

    *Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

    TOEFL
    237 (computer-based),
    580 (paper-based test)
    TOEFL iBT
    Total Score of 92
    Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)
    Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.
    Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
    Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.
    English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)
    C1
    Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
    63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)
    Duolingo 
    Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

    Additional Information

    1. Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
    2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
    3. Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

    Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

    In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

    For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

    Career

    Careers & Further Options

    Careers

    When you graduate you will be qualified for teaching posts at all second-level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools) and for admission to the Open Register of the Teaching Council (see www.teachingcouncil.ie for further details).

    Graduates are qualified to teach general science to Junior Certificate level and PE and Biology to Leaving Certificate level.

    Through the many skills you have learned on this course, you can also pursue other options such as coaching, sports development and further education.

    • Coaching
    • Sports Development
    • Teaching

    DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

    DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

    Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    19,469 / year

    Physical Education with Biology

    Dublin City University

    Dublin City University

    Ireland

    Ireland, Dublin