Portobello Institute

04/06/2026

“Anybody who has any interest in the fashion industry, Portobello Institute, I feel from my time here, is the place to be.”

For Sam Whelan, choosing Portobello Institute was about finding a fashion degree that matched where he wanted to go.

During his Leaving Cert, Sam knew he was drawn to fashion and business - he just needed the right pathway to bring them together.

Studying fashion management gave him the direction to turn that interest into a future career.

What stood out to Sam was the quality of the teaching, the real-world experience of the tutors, and the leadership of Anne-Marie, Programme Lead for Business of Fashion.

If fashion is where you see yourself, start here.

🔗 Register for our information evening on 18th June at 7pm to hear from our Programme Lead and learn how Portobello can help you begin your pathway into the industry via link in the comments section.

03/06/2026

“I very much took the scenic route to education.”

Meet Anthony Sheriff, Sports Coaching & Physical Education Programme Lead at Portobello Institute.

Anthony’s journey into education has taken him across Ireland, Australia, the UK, and Dubai.

After spending a year in Australia, Anthony pursued his passion for sport by studying BA (Hons) Education Studies & Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University. He later qualified as a PE teacher and completed an MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology.

Since then, he has taught internationally, worked with athletes in sports psychology, and built a career combining education, sport, and performance.

Today, Anthony brings this experience into the classroom, helping students develop their knowledge of physical education, coaching, sports psychology, reflective practice, and inclusive teaching approaches.

His student-centred approach encourages collaboration, discussion, and confidence-building, helping learners maximise their potential both academically and professionally.

Interested in studying sports coaching & physical education?

Join Anthony this evening at our online information evening to learn more about the programme, meet the team, and have your questions answered.

📅 Tonight 3rd June
🕖 7:00 PM
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

🔗 Register now through the link in comments

02/06/2026

Best of luck to everyone starting the Leaving Certificate tomorrow.

As you prepare for your first exam, here are a few simple tips:

1. Read the question carefully before you answer

2. Keep an eye on the clock and manage your time

3. Move on if you get stuck and come back later

4. Get enough sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated

5. Don’t spend hours analysing an exam once it’s over

Most importantly, remember that your Leaving Cert is just one part of a much bigger journey.

At Portobello Institute, we work with students and graduates who have reached their goals through many different pathways. Focus on doing your best, one exam at a time, and trust the work you’ve already put in.

For anyone who has already been through it, we'd love to hear from you - drop your top Leaving Cert advice in the comments below. 👇

Good luck from everyone at Portobello Institute!

29/05/2026

We were delighted to attend the graduation ceremony at Colaiste Ide College of Further Education yesterday and join in celebrating the student's achievements.

We’re proud of our strong connection with Coláiste Íde which helps to create clear, fast-tracked progression pathways for students pursuing careers in sports therapy and physiotherapy.

A particular highlight was seeing the continued growth of the Pre-University Physiotherapy programme, with three separate classes graduating this year the largest cohort within the college.

This valuable qualification can support access to our advanced entry BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy pathway to MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) offering a four year path to becoming a physiotherapist for Coláiste Íde graduates.

Congratulations to all graduates on a fantastic achievement and best of luck with the exciting opportunities ahead.

Find out more about our sports therapy pathway here: How to Become a Sports Therapist with Portobello Institute

29/05/2026

What drives someone to want to become a physiotherapist?

For Sean Coughlan, an MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) student, the decision to study physiotherapy is rooted in a genuine motivation to help people move, recover and rebuild confidence.

Every student begins with their own reason, but the pathway is about building that motivation into the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence needed to progress towards a meaningful career in healthcare.

Applications are now open for MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) starting this September with limited places remaining.

🔗 Find out more information via link in the comments section.

28/05/2026

What makes a great tour guide?

“In my experience you need two things: a passion for history and a love of people. I think if you have those two attributes then you'll go very far.”

Adam Ladd is the Module Lead for our National Tour Guide programme at Portobello Institute.

With experience in education and guiding, Adam supports learners as they build the confidence, communication skills and practical experience needed to lead engaging tours and bring Ireland’s heritage to life.

For anyone interested in culture, storytelling and working with people, this QQI Level 6 programme offers a practical route towards becoming a certified national tour guide. This course meets the criteria for the Failte Ireland Industry Qualified Tour Guide Directory ensuring you're set up for success upon graduating.

🔗 Find out more information about your pathway to tour guiding via link in the comments section.

28/05/2026

Ready to start your pathway to a career in Sports Coaching & PE Teaching?

Join us for our online information evening and discover how Portobello Institute can help you build a future in sport and education.

Hear from Programme Lead Anthony Sheriff and second-year student ambassador and rugby player Leah Tarpey as she shares her experience of the course so far. Plus, learn about the course, career pathways and student guidance.

3rd June 2026 | 19:00 – 20:00 | Online via Teams

Register through the link here:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

27/05/2026

“You can completely change someone’s life as a dietitian because many diseases are connected to health and nutrition.”

Meet Roberta Mendes, RD, PhD, Programme Lead for MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute.

A registered dietitian with 25 years’ experience, Roberta brings expertise across clinical nutrition, paediatrics, maternal and child nutrition, public health, research, higher education and private practice. Her work at Portobello Institute involves leading the development of our brand new MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration).

Her teaching is practical, hands-on and discussion-led, helping students connect theory with real clinical practice and understand the impact dietitians can have in people’s lives.

For Roberta, dietetics is about more than food. It is a profession for people who want to support others, improve health outcomes and make evidence-based nutrition advice accessible.

🔗 Discover your pathway to a career in dietetics via link in the comments section.

27/05/2026

Sustainability, creativity and career advice in one inspiring business of fashion guest lecture with leader and innovator Fionnuala Moran ✨

Fashion students at Portobello Institute recently welcomed broadcaster, DJ and “sustainability superstar” Fionnuala Moran for a guest lecture focused on building a more sustainable future in fashion.

In this “Finish the Sentence…” segment, Fionnuala shared honest insights into the fashion industry, sustainability, and how students can stand out as they begin building their careers. From developing your own voice to thinking more consciously about the future of fashion, students gained valuable advice from a leader working across media, fashion and culture in Ireland today.

Opportunities like this give students the chance to learn directly from industry professionals, explore different career pathways, and better understand the changing landscape of the fashion industry.

🔗 Explore future career options in the business of fashion by clicking the link in comments and visiting our website.

25/05/2026

Leinster Rugby player and Portobello Institute student Leah Tarpey is reflecting on just how far she’s come 🏉📚

Starting college felt overwhelming at first, and like many students, Leah admits she was incredibly nervous stepping into her first year. Now, having completed second year of the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education, her confidence has grown massively both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of the course for Leah has been the practical classes, where students step into the role of the teacher while classmates act as the students, all under the guidance of their tutor. Not only does it build real coaching confidence and experience, but it also brings plenty of fun and energy to the learning environment.

Through flexible blended learning, Leah has been able to continue progressing in rugby while developing the coaching, communication, and leadership skills that will support her future career.

At Portobello Institute, our students are building confidence, gaining hands-on experience, and proving that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

🔗 Learn more about our BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education course at the link in comments.