What’s Next After a Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies?

If you see yourself helping young people develop confidence, promoting healthier lifestyles, or forging a career in sport and physical activity, a future in physical education (PE) could be the perfect fit.

Opportunities now exist across schools, coaching environments, community sport initiatives, and youth development programmes for graduates ready to apply their passion and skills to make a meaningful difference.

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies at Portobello Institute can form a transformative step in that professional journey, preparing students to enter the workforce or progress towards qualification as a PE teacher through further postgraduate study like Professional Master of Education (PME).

Through this programme, which offers a recognised qualification awarded by University of Essex, you will develop:

• Essential physical education and curriculum knowledge
• Coaching and activity planning skills
• Practical teaching and communication skills
• Leadership, teamwork, and organisation skills

Careers After Studying Physical Education in Dublin

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies programme can enter an exciting range of careers across education, coaching, and sport development.

Just some of the career pathways available include:

• PE teacher (following PME progression)
• Sports coach
• School-based physical activity coordinator
• Community sports development officer
• Youth sport development coach

These kinds of roles offer opportunities to work with different age groups and communities while promoting participation, movement, wellbeing, and lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Potential employers include schools and education settings, sports organisations, governing bodies, community sport programmes, and leisure or recreation services.

Keep reading to explore these pathways in more detail and discover where a career in physical education could take you.

Physical Education Teaching Careers in Ireland

Did you know that more than 1,800 teaching posts were left vacant across Irish schools in a single year in 2025, with shortages particularly affecting schools in the Greater Dublin area?

As demand for qualified teachers, including those specialising in subjects like PE, continues to grow, graduates with the right skills and qualifications are increasingly needed. The outlook for professionals entering this field is positive, with strong employment prospects.

Teaching is widely recognised as one of the most rewarding and impactful professions. It combines professional fulfilment with the privilege of positively shaping young people’s lives.

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies responds directly to the growing demand for qualified PE teachers and specialists across Ireland and beyond, opening an academic pathway into further study, including progression to a Professional Master of Education (PME) in Physical Education.

From Graduate Diploma to PE Teaching: Liam’s Story

Portobello Institute graduate Liam English followed his passion for sport and teaching by completing the graduate diploma as part of his pathway towards becoming a PE teacher.

After studying maths and economics as his undergrad, Liam discovered the graduate diploma at Portobello Institute offered him the opportunity to gain the modules needed for entry to a PME in Physical Education while also allowing him to continue working through flexible blended learning.

Following completion of the diploma, he successfully secured a place on a PME programme, taking the next step in his career towards PE teaching.

You can read Liam's full story here.

Jobs in Sports Coaching

For those who enjoy motivating others through sport and physical activity, coaching offers yet another varied and rewarding career path. The Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies prepares students for opportunities across schools, clubs, academies, gyms, and community programmes, where sports coaches help individuals and teams develop skills, confidence, fitness, and performance.

A career in sports coaching can involve:

• Planning and delivering training sessions
• Supporting athlete and youth development
• Encouraging participation and inclusion
• Promoting health, fitness, and wellbeing
• Working across school, club, and community environments

According to Sport Ireland, coaching plays an increasingly important role in supporting participation, youth development, and wellbeing on a national scale, with almost two-thirds of active coaches working primarily with children.

As schools, clubs, and community programmes continue to invest in sport and physical activity, qualified graduates with coaching and leadership skills are indispensable.

Working in Community Sport Development

A Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies can also support progression into a range of community-focused careers.

A community sports development officer is just one example of a role in this area, helping schools, clubs, and local organisations increase access to sport and activity within communities. On a day-to-day basis, it may involve organising initiatives, supporting participation programmes, and encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles.

The growing importance of community sport development is reflected in national participation research from Sport Ireland, which continues to highlight the value of increasing access to physical activity, supporting inclusion, and encouraging lifelong participation in sport across local communities.

For individuals passionate about making a positive impact through sport and movement, this pathway combines leadership, organisation, and community engagement.

Ready to Start Your Career in Physical Education?

Whether your goal is to progress towards PE teaching, work in coaching, or pursue community or sport development careers, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Physical Education Studies provides the academic and practical skills to help you move forward.

Explore the programme and discover how it can help you build a future in physical education.